JFK

Name: JFK
Genre: Biography, Drama, History, Mystery, Thriller
Released: December 20, 1991
Duration: 189 min
Rating: 72
Cast: Kevin Costner

1991

METASCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 29 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Universal acclaim based on 107 Ratings

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8.4

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8.4	User Score Universal acclaim based on 107 Ratings

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JFK

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Movie Details & Credits

Warner Bros. Pictures | Release Date: December 20, 1991 | R

Starring: Kevin Costner

Summary: Jim Garrison, a New Orleans district attorney, discovers there's more to the Kennedy assassination than the official story.

Director: Oliver Stone

Genre(s): Biography, Drama, History, Mystery, Thriller, Crime

Rating: R

Runtime: 189 min

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Metascore

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Critic Reviews

100

David Ansen

If history is a battlefield, JFK has to be seen as a bold attempt to seize the turf for future debate. It is also "just" a movie, and one that for three hours and eight minutes of dense, almost dizzying detail, is capable of holding the audience rapt in its grip. [23 Dec 1991, p.50]

Owen Gleiberman

[Stone's] filmmaking is so supple and alive, his obsession with the visual aspect of history so electrifying, that JFK practically roots itself in your imagination. Read full review

MATT NOLLER

JFK still retains a primal power; no number of derivative, headache-inducing CSI episodes can blunt the impact of Stone's aggressive visuals, and the film's plea for accountability and honesty in government is as vital now as ever. Read full review

Staff [Not Credited]

Oliver Stone's JFK is electric muckraking filmmaking. Read full review

Marjorie Baumgarten

Stone makes it virtually impossible to leave the theatre convinced, beyond all shadow of doubt, of the lone gunman theory. Read full review

Mike Clark

JFK is provocative, a technical primer and an ensemble treat with unusually well- realized star cameos. [20 Dec 1991]

Jonathan Rosenbaum

Stone's all-purpose conspiracy theory, built like a house of cards, rivals "Mississippi Burning" in its sheer crudeness and contempt for the audience. Read full review

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User Reviews

Kai82

Jun 13, 2022

The assassination of JFK is one of the biggest stories of all times. It is also the mother of all conspiracy theories together with Roswell with probably thousands of variations. It is far to interesting to ever be left alone. To be fair there is a lot to debate. Kennedy had many enemies inThe assassination of JFK is one of the biggest stories of all times. It is also the mother of all conspiracy theories together with Roswell with probably thousands of variations. It is far to interesting to ever be left alone. To be fair there is a lot to debate. Kennedy had many enemies in the CIA, military, the mafia who founded his campaign, in politics and other areas that want to get him out of office. As always the investigation got really political, witnesses saw different things from each other (normality with so many people), the report has loop holes and errors were made. I repeat nothing abnormal and the bigger an investigation gets the more errors will be made and inconsistencies will be found. After looking into both sides I have no clue who is right or wrong. But lets go to the movie. The movie is based on the book “On the trail of Assassins” by prosecutor Jim Garrison who made in real life a re-investigation in the assassination of JFK as the official Warren-Report had some inconsistency and weaknesses. The film is well crafted, directed and has a legendary cast of actors. Like I said the story itself is one of the most interesting stories of all time and a mystery people talk about today over 50 years later. The director Oliver Stone knew what he did and made a remarkable movie. The cast is superb with legendary names like Kevin Costner, Gary Oldman, Tommy Lee Jones, Kevin Bacon, Walter Matthau, Jack Lemon and Donald Sutherland to name a few. Rarely ever get you such a cast of talented actors in one movie and I say everyone delivers. It is a great overall performance that made this movie even better. Then we have the score from John Williams who is a legend himself. It enhances the atmosphere and is fitting. The rest is history as the movie earned fan and critical acclaim. It won 2 Oscars and was nominated for 6 more. Is it factual correct or solves the mystery? I don't know about either or if it can even be solved. It is however entertaining and I enjoyed it in a time where I normally would have avoided such a movie. Overall I think this is a classic worth watching and remembering.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

gracjanski

Nov 11, 2020

The end is touching. Thank you Oliver Stone for this movie, that you dedicated "to the young in whose spirit the search for truth marches on". It is important to understand, how politics is working in reality to see through the lies of official versions of big political events. If you knowThe end is touching. Thank you Oliver Stone for this movie, that you dedicated "to the young in whose spirit the search for truth marches on". It is important to understand, how politics is working in reality to see through the lies of official versions of big political events. If you know 9/11, you will see similarities. The movie is great of course with many famous actors, even the length of more than 3 hours was not a problem for me.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

geewah

Jan 21, 2021

Along with Platoon, Stone's finest work.
A provocative, and intense movie that puts a different spin on history and does so in a highly effective manner.
Will stay with you long after you see it.
In a strong year for cinema, one of 1991's finest.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

Nerocz1

Mar 15, 2015

Absolutely epic and amazing movie. Always feels thrilling, exciting and actors are flawless. This is one of Oliver Stone´s best movies and one of my absolute favourites. Yes there are of course some faults, but who cares, great movie.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

MarkTakayama

Aug 16, 2019

JFK is very informative movie about the assassination.I learned " conspiracy theories".I watched the special edition.I didn't know Jim Garrison was on Tonight Show with Johnny Carson.This movie is too long which is over 3 hours.It is a great movie in a weekend.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

ahmedaiman9999

Apr 29, 2018

This movie is just A-Mazing!
Maybe this is the best film editing ever!
Can't wait to watch more Oliver Stone movies!

(8.5/10)

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

drlowdon

Jun 7, 2013

Three years after the assassination of John F Kennedy new evidence has come to light and District Attorney Jim Garrison decides to conduct an in-depth investigation into the President's murder unearthing a number of theories on the events that occurred.

Based on the books "On the Trail ofThree years after the assassination of John F Kennedy new evidence has come to light and District Attorney Jim Garrison decides to conduct an in-depth investigation into the President's murder unearthing a number of theories on the events that occurred.

Based on the books "On the Trail of the Assassins" by Jim Garrison and "Crossfire: The Plot That Killed Kennedy" by Jim Marrs Oliver Stone’s J.F.K is let down slightly is in its inability to choose which conspiracy theory it supports. At least five are mentioned including the CIA, the mafia and weapons manufacturers meaning that even after the three hour running time viewers will be left none the wiser as to who might have actually been behind the assassination. Despite this it certainly presents a compelling case against the widely believed lone gunman theory and will certainly inspire some to delve a little deeper into that fateful day in 1963.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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