The Believer

Name: The Believer
Genre: Drama
Released: May 17, 2002
Duration: 102 min
Rating: 75
Cast: Ryan Gosling, Summer Phoenix

2002

METASCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 28 Critics

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USER SCORE

Universal acclaim based on 105 Ratings

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8.8

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8.8	User Score Universal acclaim based on 105 Ratings

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THE BELIEVER

Movie Details & Credits

Fireworks Pictures | Release Date: May 17, 2002

Starring: Ryan Gosling, Summer Phoenix

Summary: The story of Danny Balint, who transformed himself from Jewish religious student to a rising star in the Neo-Fascist political movement.

Director: Henry Bean

Genre(s): Drama

Rating: R

Runtime: 102 min

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Awards & Rankings

61	#61 Best Movie of 2002

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Metascore

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Critic Reviews

100

Christian Science Monitor - David Sterritt

Stunningly smart, genuinely disturbing film. Read full review

Film Threat - Ron Wells

I thought I might have seen everything I needed to see about neo-Nazi skinheads in "Romper Stomper" and "American History X". Not only was I in for a surprise, but newcomer Ryan Gosling gives every bit as stunning a performance as did Russell Crowe and Ed Norton in those two films, and then some. Read full review

Rolling Stone - Peter Travers

Unique and unforgettable. Read full review

Boston Globe - Matthew Gilbert

An amazing and incendiary movie that dives straight into the rough waters of contradiction. Read full review

Charlotte Observer - Lawrence Toppman

Ryan Gosling's riveting as a neo-Nazi who was raised in Jewish faith Read full review

The A.V. Club - Scott Tobias

If nothing else, The Believer trusts that faith can not only withstand a little skepticism, but also gather strength and meaning from it. Read full review

Salon - Charles Taylor

A bad movie -- really a terrible movie -- with a daring idea behind it. And it's had the sort of crummy luck that, no matter what you think of it, can get you steamed. Read full review

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User Reviews

pinattar

Dec 26, 2011

i have to admit, i'm quite interested in these kind of films (American history x, this is england, romper stomper...). not because im a neo-nazi or share any of their beliefs (just to make sure that you know) but because im interested in the thought process and reasoning of these people. Thei have to admit, i'm quite interested in these kind of films (American history x, this is england, romper stomper...). not because im a neo-nazi or share any of their beliefs (just to make sure that you know) but because im interested in the thought process and reasoning of these people. The Believer does exactly that, Gosling plays the role perfectly. a self hating jew, who rises through the ranks of the local fascist/neo-nazi group. Gosling believes the nazi ideology but at the same time is conflicts by the fact that he is jewish, and he walks that fine line perfectly. the movie is great, and really stays with you. i would highly recommend it (especially if you're a Gosling fan)… Expand

4 of 4 users found this helpful40

AlexS

Aug 27, 2011

A disturbingly provocative study of racism and nazism.This is a fascinating and powerful attempt at deconstructing the beliefs of these characters.Ryan Gosling is completely captivating and explosive in the lead role.It's one of the most unflinching and thought-provoking examinations of raceA disturbingly provocative study of racism and nazism.This is a fascinating and powerful attempt at deconstructing the beliefs of these characters.Ryan Gosling is completely captivating and explosive in the lead role.It's one of the most unflinching and thought-provoking examinations of race issues in recent cinema.… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

vrdvrdvrd

Aug 3, 2013

i loved the movie,because it keeps you going from the start till the end.The way of trying to be something opposite than you really are, to go against god, finding love and at the end paying wit his life for the choices that he made.Tells you how important are the everyday choices that wei loved the movie,because it keeps you going from the start till the end.The way of trying to be something opposite than you really are, to go against god, finding love and at the end paying wit his life for the choices that he made.Tells you how important are the everyday choices that we make and we are not aware of it. This movie is eyeopening and concentrate the awareness of the choices that we do, and their results.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

beingryanjude

Aug 28, 2014

In an early career role for Ryan Gosling, he marks himself as most-promising leading man on the map. He is able to terrifyingly embody a neo-Nazi and haunt you to no end.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

Meth-dude

Jul 11, 2016

Ryan Gosling gave a terrific performance in this original and interesting movie. Some of the events might not always seem believable but the movie was far from boring and was quite enjoyable.The Believer may not be a classic but, it's still a good movie.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

JoseCosta

Apr 11, 2016

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is a story about the rebellion of a young man regarding his religion. This young fella, who in the past, was taught to be Jewish, became to question Judaism ultimately having turned him into an anti-Semitic and a Nazism supporter. With some twists and turns we realises that in the end he is Jewish, born and raised. An incredible performance of Ryan Gosling as a tough lunatic man and, I have to be honest, I think I felt a little in love for his lover, played by Summer Phoenix, a woman who is intriguing and gorgeous and that along the movie twists his mind with a mix of religious thoughts from one hand and fornication on the other.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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