Hustle & Flow

Name: Hustle & Flow
Genre: Drama, Crime, Music
Released: July 22, 2005
Duration: 116 min
Rating: 68
Cast: Anthony Anderson, Ludacris, Terrence Howard

2005

METASCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 37 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Universal acclaim based on 136 Ratings

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8.5

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8.5	User Score Universal acclaim based on 136 Ratings

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Hustle & Flow

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Movie Details & Credits

Paramount Classics | Release Date: July 22, 2005 | R

Starring: Anthony Anderson, Ludacris, Terrence Howard

Summary: The redemptive story of a streetwise Memphis hustler trying to find his voice and realize his long-buried dreams. (Paramount Classics / MTV Films)

Director: Craig Brewer

Genre(s): Drama, Crime, Music

Rating: R

Runtime: 116 min

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Critic Reviews

100

M. E. Russell

The writing, acting and filmmaking make Hustle & Flow nothing short of amazing. Read full review

Jami Bernard

The feel-good movie of the summer. And the song this pimp works up, about how hard it is to manage a stable of ho's, is catchy and moving. Read full review

Kevin Thomas

Unfolds in the satisfying fashion of classic Hollywood movies that strike a balance between grit and heart. Read full review

Michael Sragow

In Hustle & Flow, a star is born playing a star who's born. Read full review

David Denby

Ends with a burst of movie-ish mayhem, and then a burst of sentiment, but when Brewer, Howard, and Ludacris stick to the bitter texture of South Memphis failure and success they produce a modest regional portrait that could become a classic of its kind. Read full review

TV Guide Magazine Maitland McDonagh

Craig Brewer's sweaty, feel-good story about a small-time pimp and dope dealer making one last, desperate grab at his long-deferred dream is driven by longtime supporting player Terrence Howard's subtle, go-for-broke performance as Memphis mack Djay. Read full review

Scott Foundas

But while some may leave the theater tapping their toes and whistling the lyrics to such inimitable original ballads as "Hard for a Pimp" and "Whoop That Trick," they should hang their heads low and mourn the sorry state of the contemporary African-American movie. Read full review

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User Reviews

JohnW.

Feb 3, 2006

What movie were people like the NY Times watching? I am an avid worshipper of the NY times but do they really have those Norteast Liberal blinders on? This is the best movie of the year. No questions asked. It should have been nominated and easliy have won for Best Picture and Terrence and What movie were people like the NY Times watching? I am an avid worshipper of the NY times but do they really have those Norteast Liberal blinders on? This is the best movie of the year. No questions asked. It should have been nominated and easliy have won for Best Picture and Terrence and Joaquin shoud be neck and neck for Best Actor. This is not a slight to PSH who is my favorite actor on earth but his performance of Capote while brilliant is totally one dimensional. Hustle & Flow is the American dream at its roughest and most uncomforatble. The dialect was dead on and I grew up in Memphis. And no this is not a John Singleton movie it is a masterpiece of Craig Brewer's that took almost a decade to get made. It is not about exploitation of woman but more about exploiting every gd opportunity given to a person in order to feel like you made a dent in this world. Why do the Oscars always miss the best films of the year?… Expand

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FredR.

Feb 7, 2006

Amazing flick. I haven't really understood the Terrence Howard hype until now, I mean, I liked him, but this performance is stellar, at least as good as any acting in any music movie ever. Everyone is incredible but the fact that Taryn Manning wasn't nominated for an academy award Amazing flick. I haven't really understood the Terrence Howard hype until now, I mean, I liked him, but this performance is stellar, at least as good as any acting in any music movie ever. Everyone is incredible but the fact that Taryn Manning wasn't nominated for an academy award is a travesty. She supported Terrence perfectly, how could she have been snubbed? It's a good thing I don't really care about awards. Hustle and Flow has THE best studio recording scene ever. "Whoop that trick!" And the scene with Luda is electrifying, whoever thinks it's "sappy" is first of all not a rap fan, and second of all corny. I bought this DVD, it's that good.… Expand

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doom4all

Dec 28, 2016

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Great and inspirational movie that showcases the passion of a up and coming pimp-turned-rapper. Especially the end where DJay beats the **** out of Skinny Black. Great movie overall… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

[Anonymous]

Jun 30, 2007

This movie looked... unwatchable to me until I watched it, then I realized what a knock your socks off kind of movie is.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

JeffM.

Aug 10, 2006

Terrance Howard rocks, the music is great, and the film, if nothing else, manages to make you root for a pimp.

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AlanD.

Dec 9, 2005

This movie feels like an honest look at the world of a pimp who wants to be a rapper, and neither romanticizes nor condemns hiphop culture.

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Spongeee

Sep 22, 2005

Wow!!! This was such a horrible movie. Maybe it wouldnt be so bad if it wasnt over hyped by MTV. But this is a cookie cutter, made for the white folks movie about black people. Every aspect is bad about this film, esp the writting. Thank goodness I waited to watch it at the $1 theater.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

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