Revolutionary Road

Name: Revolutionary Road
Genre: Drama, Romance
Released: December 26, 2008
Duration: 119 min
Rating: 69
Cast: Kate Winslet, Leonardo DiCaprio

2008

METASCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 38 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 270 Ratings

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7.3

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7.3	User Score Generally favorable reviews based on 270 Ratings

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Revolutionary Road

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Movie Details & Credits

DreamWorks Distribution | Release Date: December 26, 2008 | R

Starring: Kate Winslet, Leonardo DiCaprio

Summary: Adapted from the landmark novel by Richard Yates, Revolutionary Road is an incisive portrait of an American marriage seen through the eyes of Frank and April Wheeler. Yates’ story of 1950’s America poses a question that has been reverberating through modern relationships ever since: can two people break away from the ordinary withoutAdapted from the landmark novel by Richard Yates, Revolutionary Road is an incisive portrait of an American marriage seen through the eyes of Frank and April Wheeler. Yates’ story of 1950’s America poses a question that has been reverberating through modern relationships ever since: can two people break away from the ordinary without breaking apart? (Paramount Vantage)… Expand

Director: Sam Mendes

Genre(s): Drama, Romance

Rating: R

Runtime: 119 min

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Critic Reviews

100

TV Guide Magazine Perry Seibert

Indeed, all of the performers in the film truly shine, and all of them can probably thank Sam Mendes for creating an ideal environment. Read full review

David Edelstein

There isn't a banal moment in Winslet's performance--not a gesture, not a word. Is Winslet now the best English-speaking film actress of her generation? I think so. Read full review

Owen Gleiberman

The best thing about Revolutionary Road, a cool-blooded and disquieting adaptation of Richard Yates' 1961 novel about a powerfully unhappy Connecticut couple, is that it doesn't end with that rote vision of bourgeois anomie. It only begins there. Read full review

Michael Phillips

However sterling the craftsmanship, the film adaptation inflates the meaning and buffs the atmospheric surfaces of Yates' story, rather than digging into its guts. Read full review

Scott Foundas

Revolutionary Road isn't a great movie -- it lacks the full, soul-crushing force of the novel -- but what works in it works so well, and is so tricky to pull off, that you can't help but admire it. Read full review

Lawrence Toppman

Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet do exactly what’s asked of them as Frank and April Wheeler, who may be ironically named: They spin emotional wheels constantly but get nowhere. Read full review

Michael Sragow

Revolutionary Road isn't just a failed literary adaptation. It's a failure of the worst kind: It doesn't even make you want to read Richard Yates' deservedly legendary book. Read full review

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User Reviews

ScottA

Jan 19, 2009

Easily the best film of 2008. It is SO annoying that a film that tackles the subject of sububan unhappiness is getting such low scores from those who think it is too depressing. Life can be depressing! To assume that all films should be happy and void of emotions such as loss, fear, Easily the best film of 2008. It is SO annoying that a film that tackles the subject of sububan unhappiness is getting such low scores from those who think it is too depressing. Life can be depressing! To assume that all films should be happy and void of emotions such as loss, fear, emptiness, sorrow and regret would make going to the movies a bore. Mendes is a master filmmaker and this ranks as one of his best works. This film is only for those who can appreciated the mastery of a genius director and actors at the top of their game!… Expand

4 of 4 users found this helpful

BenD.

Dec 27, 2008

Masterpiece. Its gonna do ZERO box office, though, cause with today's climate it might cut too close to home for a lot of people. This isn't the time for going to the movies and watching films about utter hopelessness and the vacuous lie that is the American dream.

1 of 1 users found this helpful

beingryanjude

Aug 25, 2014

One of the most devastating trials of a couple in film history. It's always honest and, certainly, painful - but we feel for these lovers like none other. Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio are magnificent.

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

Spangle

Mar 26, 2016

A smart critique of marriage and the American dream, director Sam Mendes delivers a film with a similar thematic package to his debut film, American Beauty, but it works just as well here. Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet are brilliant in the leads, while Michael Shannon repeatedly stoleA smart critique of marriage and the American dream, director Sam Mendes delivers a film with a similar thematic package to his debut film, American Beauty, but it works just as well here. Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet are brilliant in the leads, while Michael Shannon repeatedly stole scenes here in a stellar performance. This film's writing is out of this world as it crafts some seriously deep characters with relatable personas and, somehow, all of this relationship tension really makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand. Somehow Mendes managed to craft almost a thriller at times with the way the drama here made you sit on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happened next. Ultimately, Revolutionary Road is a gut punch that picks you up and punches you in the gut repeatedly. It is a film that will leave you feeling entirely depressed, but damn is it ever a good movie with even better acting and writing. Revolutionary Road is a success also due to its authenticity and the way it holds back no punches and is yet another stellar entry to Mendes' filmography.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

DawdlingPoet

Nov 24, 2021

This is a film partly about being judged by your local community and forging your own way, I suppose. Its also about claustrophobia, self doubt and frustration. There are some fairly intense scenes with the couple arguing and it struck me that it would perhaps make more sense if viewed as aThis is a film partly about being judged by your local community and forging your own way, I suppose. Its also about claustrophobia, self doubt and frustration. There are some fairly intense scenes with the couple arguing and it struck me that it would perhaps make more sense if viewed as a play, rather than a film as such perhaps. I thought the incidental (background) music was quite good - its a fairly atmospheric watch at times. Its also quite raw and unsettling as well. It makes you question whats going on behind what you see, i.e. the facade. This isn't the most fast paced, exciting type watch, if your into action films and the like but for a film of this type, about a couples clashing over what their future holds and whats best for them, this is quite a decent film and overall I would recommend it, yes.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

Francel

Aug 27, 2009

Here is another example of a fine novel poorly translated by Hollywood. Although it is beautifully filmed and beautifully acted, this movie ultimately lacks the heart and sensitively crafted innuendo of the novel,. leaving the viewer totally indifferent towards the characters.

0 of 1 users found this helpful

luis

Dec 27, 2008

Revolutionary road is the worst film of the year.Di Caprio makes the worst performance of the year.

1 of 3 users found this helpful

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94	#94 Best Movie of 2008
56	#56 Most Discussed Movie of 2008
47	#47 Most Shared Movie of 2008