1983
R
Columbia Pictures
1 h 45 m

1983
R
Columbia Pictures
1 h 45 m

Summary Good friends reunite for the funeral of a college pal. During the weekend that follows, they compare their 60's ideas with the harsh reality of their lives in the 80's, and discover that in a cold world, you need your friends to keep you warm. [Sony Pictures]

Directed By: Lawrence Kasdan

Written By: Barbara Benedek, Lawrence Kasdan

1983
R
Columbia Pictures
1 h 45 m

1983
R
Columbia Pictures
1 h 45 m

The Big Chill

Name: The Big Chill
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Released: 1983-09-28
Duration: 1 min 45 s
Rating: 61
Cast: Tom Berenger, Glenn Close, Jeff Goldblum, William Hurt, Kevin Kline

Metascore Generally Favorable Based on 12 Critic Reviews

User Score Generally Favorable Based on 34 User Ratings

7.2

My Score

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Where to Watch

Directed By: Lawrence Kasdan

Written By: Barbara Benedek, Lawrence Kasdan

Where to Watch

Critic Reviews

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Metascore

Generally Favorable Based on 12 Critic Reviews

67% Positive
8 Reviews

25% Mixed
3 Reviews

8% Negative
1 Review

All Reviews
Positive Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Negative Reviews

Critic Reviews

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Metascore

Generally Favorable Based on 12 Critic Reviews

67% Positive
8 Reviews

25% Mixed
3 Reviews

8% Negative
1 Review

All Reviews
Positive Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Negative Reviews

The New York Times

The Big Chill represents the best of mainstream American film making. It's a reminder that the same people who turn out our megabuck fantasies are often capable of working even more effectively on the small, intimate scale of The Big Chill.

By Vincent Canby FULL REVIEW

Time

Indeed, the entire film is a kind of sock-hop benefit for Approaching Middle Age. This maturing generation never played Taps with such glamour or good humor. Play the music and let the big chill—the knowledge that "we're all alone out there, and we're going out there tomorrow"—melt away in the warmth of the feel-good movie of '83.

By Richard Corliss FULL REVIEW

Entertainment Weekly

And there's that perfect soundtrack, jammed with hit after timeless hit. So integral is the music to the heat of Chill that even a now-hackneyed scene like ensemble-dancing-while-cleaning-the-kitchen (to the Temptations' ''Ain't Too Proud to Beg'') takes on a glow far lovelier than the chore warrants -- as does this ingratiating, fake movie.

By Lisa Schwarzbaum FULL REVIEW

TV Guide Magazine

In the final analysis, the film doesn't amount to much, except to provide a good opportunity for the fine ensemble cast to show off their talents.

FULL REVIEW

Chicago Sun-Times

The Big Chill is a splendid technical exercise. It has all the right moves. It knows all the right words. Its characters have all the right clothes, expressions, fears, lusts and ambitions. But there's no payoff and it doesn't lead anywhere. I thought at first that was a weakness of the movie. There also is the possibility that it's the movie's message.

By Roger Ebert FULL REVIEW

The Hollywood Reporter

A picture that clearly aspires for more ends up with considerably less.

FULL REVIEW

The Globe and Mail (Toronto)

When The Big Chill is busy being funny, it's a great comedy, but when it goes for depth, it hits bottom an inch down. [30 Sep 1983, p.E1]

By Jay Scott FULL REVIEW

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User Reviews

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User Score

Generally Favorable Based on 34 User Ratings

7.2

71% Positive
24 Ratings

26% Mixed
9 Ratings

3% Negative
1 Rating

User Reviews

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User Score

Generally Favorable Based on 34 User Ratings

7.2

71% Positive
24 Ratings

26% Mixed
9 Ratings

3% Negative
1 Rating

There are no user reviews yet. Be the first to add a review.

Details

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Production Company Columbia Pictures, Carson Productions, Delphi Films

Release Date Sep 28, 1983

Duration 1 h 45 m

Rating R

Genres

Tagline The story of eight old friends searching for something they lost, and finding that all they needed was each other.

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Awards

Academy Awards, USA

• 3 Nominations

Golden Globes, USA

• 2 Nominations

Writers Guild of America, USA

• 1 Win & 1 Nomination

The Big Chill

Where to Watch

Where to Watch

Top Cast

Tom Berenger

Sam

Glenn Close

Sarah

Jeff Goldblum

Michael

William Hurt

Nick

Kevin Kline

Harold

Mary Kay Place

Meg

Meg Tilly

Chloe

JoBeth Williams

Karen

Don Galloway

Richard

James Gillis

Minister

Ken Place

Peter the Cop

Jonathan Kasdan

Harold and Sarah's Son

Ira Stiltner

Running Dog Driver

Jake Kasdan

Autograph Seeker

Muriel Moore

Alex's Mother

Meg Kasdan

Airline Hostess

Patricia Gaul

Annie

Kevin Costner

Alex

Critic Reviews

Critic Reviews

Critic Reviews

Critic Reviews

User Reviews

User Reviews

User Reviews

User Reviews

Details

Details

Awards

Awards

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