Columbus

Name: Columbus
Genre: Drama, Comedy, Romance
Released: August 4, 2017
Duration: 100 min
Rating: 89
Cast: Alphaeus Green Jr., Caitlin Ewald, Erin Allegretti, Haley Lu Richardson, Jim Dougherty

2017

METASCORE

Universal acclaim based on 27 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 103 Ratings

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7.4

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7.4	User Score Generally favorable reviews based on 103 Ratings

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Columbus

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Movie Details & Credits

| Release Date: August 4, 2017 | Not Rated

Starring: Alphaeus Green Jr., Caitlin Ewald, Erin Allegretti, Haley Lu Richardson, Jim Dougherty, John Cho, Michelle Forbes, Parker Posey, Rory Culkin, Wynn Reichert

Summary: When a renowned architecture scholar falls suddenly ill during a speaking tour, his son Jin (John Cho) finds himself stranded in Columbus, Indiana - a small Midwestern city celebrated for its many significant modernist buildings. Jin strikes up a friendship with Casey (Haley Lu Richardson), a young architecture enthusiast who works at theWhen a renowned architecture scholar falls suddenly ill during a speaking tour, his son Jin (John Cho) finds himself stranded in Columbus, Indiana - a small Midwestern city celebrated for its many significant modernist buildings. Jin strikes up a friendship with Casey (Haley Lu Richardson), a young architecture enthusiast who works at the local library. As their intimacy develops, Jin and Casey explore both the town and their conflicted emotions: Jin's estranged relationship with his father, and Casey's reluctance to leave Columbus and her mother.… Expand

Director: Kogonada

Genre(s): Drama, Comedy, Romance

Rating: Not Rated

Runtime: 100 min

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Metascore

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Critic Reviews

100

David Lewis

Aug 9, 2017

The quietly stirring, exquisitely photographed Columbus is an art-house gem that beautifully illuminates not only the architecture of a small Indiana town, but also the characters that inhabit it. Read full review

100

The Playlist Jessica Kiang

Jun 23, 2017

A gentle but sharply defined story, brimming with grace, compassion and performances of perfect naturalism, it is unashamedly intellectual yet deeply human. Read full review

100

Jonathan Romney

Aug 1, 2017

Into what might have been an alienating, hard-edged setting, human warmth comes from some relishably muted performances. Read full review

RogerEbert.com Sheila O'Malley

Aug 4, 2017

Watching the film is almost like feeling the muscles in your eyes shift, as you look up from reading a book to stare out at the ocean. Read full review

Michael Phillips

Sep 7, 2017

The movie is beautiful without wasting its time on cliched beauty. Kogonada, who edited as well as wrote and directed, collaborates intuitively with cinematographer Elisha Christian, who’s as good with faces as he is with sharp modernist edges etched in concrete. Read full review

A.A. Dowd

Aug 3, 2017

Come for the breathtaking architectural scenery, stay for the likable pair staring up at it. Read full review

Inkoo Kang

Aug 4, 2017

A minimalist film like Columbus depends almost entirely on the shading of the characters and the depths of the performances. By that metric, it’s a too-delicate creature, tickling and piquing instead of fully thrusting us into the realm of feelings. Read full review

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User Reviews

MarcDoyle

Aug 6, 2017

Simply an incredibly moving film. (How is it, by the way, that I saw the two best movies of the year on a Saturday in August??) The visuals are incredible, but the lives of the lead characters are so deftly drawn, and their relationship is so tangible. Was happy to see Michelle Forbes andSimply an incredibly moving film. (How is it, by the way, that I saw the two best movies of the year on a Saturday in August??) The visuals are incredible, but the lives of the lead characters are so deftly drawn, and their relationship is so tangible. Was happy to see Michelle Forbes and Parker Posey (along with Culkin) play some impactful supporting roles. And I just loved the writing - excellent use of the uroboros. Haven't walked out of a theater with that kind of a feeling in quite some time.… Expand

4 of 6 users found this helpful42

Aclarity

Aug 27, 2017

A poignant, tender story about all kinds of loss and the gaps between us. Beautifully filmed in Columbus, Indiana. Loved Haley Lu Richardson's performance.

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

ValerieMay

Jan 28, 2019

I could watch this movie 10 times and discover different things every time. Very quiet, but much is said.

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

isjoao

Jan 15, 2018

I have no comments to make about this movie, I just want to use the 75 character minimum limit for reviews.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

Brent_Marchant

Sep 10, 2017

A nearly perfect film in virtually every regard, this quiet, cerebral meditation about life, loving, healing, forgiveness, personal growth and human relations gives viewers much to think about, especially when faced with hard choices. Set against the beautiful backdrop of architectural meccaA nearly perfect film in virtually every regard, this quiet, cerebral meditation about life, loving, healing, forgiveness, personal growth and human relations gives viewers much to think about, especially when faced with hard choices. Set against the beautiful backdrop of architectural mecca Columbus, Indiana, the film's exquisite, Kubrick-esque cinematography, ethereal, haunting score, and deft use of sound provide elegant wrapping for this sometimes-humorous, sometimes-heartbreaking, frequently mesmerizing tale. Don't expect much action from this one; in fact, don't be surprised if you often find yourself wondering where the story is going, given its often-cryptic dialogue. But sit back, let the film wash over you and take it all in -- you'll likely be very pleasantly surprised, especially by the award-worthy performance of John Cho, who demonstrates talents not seen in any of his previous roles. An absolute gem.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

AmateurfilmVWR

Oct 6, 2022

Its crazy to think that a movie about two random strangers walking around and bonding over architecture in a town in Indiana could be so damn good.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

BHBarry

Aug 9, 2017

“Columbus” is a film written and directed by its one named creator, Ogonada. This is his directorial debut and unfortunately for him and his audience, is a totally non-auspicious entry into the theatrical genre. Aided and abetted in this visual felony are actors John Cho and Haley Lu“Columbus” is a film written and directed by its one named creator, Ogonada. This is his directorial debut and unfortunately for him and his audience, is a totally non-auspicious entry into the theatrical genre. Aided and abetted in this visual felony are actors John Cho and Haley Lu Richardson, with minimal participation by Parker Posey and Rory Culkin. The film takes place in Columbus, Indiana where many architectural feats have been accomplished and this serves as the basis for the common interest and attempted chemistry between its two co-stars. Although what well may have started out to be an effort to intellectualize and compare the world of architecture and life, the film fails miserably in that regard and becomes one of the most boring and tedious “entertainment” experiences this viewer can remember. As one member of the audience correctly put it: “It was like watching grass grow”. Mr. Cho manifests almost no emotion or credibility in the role he portrays in stark contrast to the performance of Ms. Richardson who is a delight to watch. Unfortunately, seeing her in the film is like listening to a fine singer performing a bad song. This is not a good film and one that I sincerely urge the potential viewer to avoid unless, of course, insomnia compels one to go to the theater for his or her much needed sleep. I give the film a 2.0 rating and that is solely due to the efforts of Ms. Richardson who hopefully will find better vehicles to expose her obvious talent.… Expand

3 of 11 users found this helpful38

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