Quills

Name: Quills
Genre: Biography, Drama, History, Romance
Released: November 22, 2000
Duration: 124 min
Rating: 70
Cast: Geoffrey Rush, Joaquin Phoenix, Kate Winslet, Michael Caine

2000

METASCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 31 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 37 Ratings

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7.2	User Score Generally favorable reviews based on 37 Ratings

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Quills

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Movie Details & Credits

Fox Searchlight Pictures | Release Date: November 22, 2000 | R

Starring: Geoffrey Rush, Joaquin Phoenix, Kate Winslet, Michael Caine

Summary: Quills boldly enters the debate surrounding the Marquis De Sade by imagining his final days as a blistering black comedy thriller, a battle between lust and love - and between the brutality of censorship and the unpredictable consequences of free expression. (Fox Searchlight)

Director: Philip Kaufman

Genre(s): Biography, Drama, History, Romance

Rating: R

Runtime: 124 min

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Metascore

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Critic Reviews

100

Michael Wilmington

Kaufman's startling Quills gives us an anatomy of fear, images both silken swift and molten hot, scenes that disrupt and inflame the imagination. Read full review

Stephanie Zacharek

It's an unapologetic dazzler, which is why it's never overwhelmed by its themes. Read full review

Roger Ebert

Finds a tone that remains more entertaining than depressing, more absorbing than alarming. Read full review

Peter Stack

Rush is amazing throughout this absorbing, provocative film. Read full review

David Ansen

Ultimately, Quills descends into overwrought melodrama. But at its bright and bawdy best, it bubbles with subversive wit. Read full review

Owen Gleiberman

Quills bleaches the danger -- and fascination -- out of De Sade, turning him into a kind of mad saint of ''Masterpiece Theatre'' porn. Read full review

Kenneth Turan

Soon becomes a sadistic experience in its own right. Experiencing this pretentious wallow -- overwritten, under-thought and overdone -- is a very sophisticated form of torture. Read full review

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User Reviews

shehex

Dec 9, 2007

Well now...sublime. Magnifique. I absolutely love Geoffrey Rush and I must say that his role as the Marquis de Sade was performed exceptionally. My favourite part of the movie is , you know...that intimate encounter between the late Maddy and the youn priest.Call me kinky, but I dare say Well now...sublime. Magnifique. I absolutely love Geoffrey Rush and I must say that his role as the Marquis de Sade was performed exceptionally. My favourite part of the movie is , you know...that intimate encounter between the late Maddy and the youn priest.Call me kinky, but I dare say that this movie fits perfectly not only the mind of those evolved in a different manner, sexually speaking, but it evoques sexuality in such a manner that it fits each and every living thing on earth.… Expand

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RegOz

Apr 6, 2012

This movie is delightful! ...not quite sure what Todd (below) means by referring to Tom Cruise for he is not there. This movie is engaging, touching, humorous, and clever. The Art direction is fantastic; the performances outstanding, the ambience feels real! Each time I watch it I enjoy itThis movie is delightful! ...not quite sure what Todd (below) means by referring to Tom Cruise for he is not there. This movie is engaging, touching, humorous, and clever. The Art direction is fantastic; the performances outstanding, the ambience feels real! Each time I watch it I enjoy it as I did the first time. It is not a 10, not even a 9 -not to me- but Less than an 8? I don't think so! If you haven't watch it, and you can find it, do see it...you will have the last word.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

Andys_Reviews

May 5, 2013

A pretty well made film with some excellent performances, particularly from Geoffrey Rush and Kate Winslet. It did, however, seem incomplete; there were a couple of threads that didn’t seem to tie up. I was interested in the story of the doctor’s wife and also the wife of the Marquis. BothA pretty well made film with some excellent performances, particularly from Geoffrey Rush and Kate Winslet. It did, however, seem incomplete; there were a couple of threads that didn’t seem to tie up. I was interested in the story of the doctor’s wife and also the wife of the Marquis. Both of these characters came and went without any reference to them again; I found that a little odd. I have never read any of the works of the Marquis de Sade, but having seen this I’m tempted to take a look and see if it’s really as depraved as they say. As for the film, definitely worth a look although I did find it a tad drawn out and a tad too long.

SteelMonster’s verdict: RECOMMENDED

My score: 7.1/10… Expand

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shiftworker

Nov 30, 2016

Historical prison drama. The Marquis de Sade writes sexy stories in an asylum. He is forced to be ever more resourceful as his jailers including Michael Caine try to stop him. An interesting tale of a man's frustration and of his depravity and that of others.

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JayH.

May 9, 2009

Exquisitely produced, excellent acting by all, especially Geoffrey Rush, Joaquin Phoenix and Kate Winslet. The costumes and sets are outstanding. However, I found it very talky and often tedious and I was downright bored at times. Yak yak yak yak.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

SMarjones

Jan 15, 2007

*yawn* Thinks it's more important than it is. Why does every

0 of 0 users found this helpful

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88	#88 Best Movie of 2000
92	#92 Most Shared Movie of 2000