X
  • 1998
  • R
  • Fine Line Features
  • 1 h 41 m
  • 1998
  • R
  • Fine Line Features
  • 1 h 41 m

Summary A dreamer who aspires to human flight is assigned public service after one of his attempts off a public building. This leads him to meeting a young woman, who is dying of motor neuron disease. The strong-willed woman admits her wish to be de-flowered before her death. The man, struggling to maintain his relationship with his girlfriend, ...

Directed By: Paul Greengrass

Written By: Richard Hawkins

  • 1998
  • R
  • Fine Line Features
  • 1 h 41 m
  • 1998
  • R
  • Fine Line Features
  • 1 h 41 m

The Theory of Flight

Metascore Mixed or Average Based on 15 Critic Reviews
48
User Score Available after 4 ratings
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Summary A dreamer who aspires to human flight is assigned public service after one of his attempts off a public building. This leads him to meeting a young woman, who is dying of motor neuron disease. The strong-willed woman admits her wish to be de-flowered before her death. The man, struggling to maintain his relationship with his girlfriend, ...

Directed By: Paul Greengrass

Written By: Richard Hawkins

Where to Watch

Top Cast

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Critic Reviews

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Metascore
Mixed or Average Based on 15 Critic Reviews
48
40% Positive
6 Reviews
47% Mixed
7 Reviews
13% Negative
2 Reviews

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews

Critic Reviews

 View All
Metascore
Mixed or Average Based on 15 Critic Reviews
48
40% Positive
6 Reviews
47% Mixed
7 Reviews
13% Negative
2 Reviews

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
75
Greengrass' direction is uninspired, but there is powerful chemistry between a workmanlike Branagh and (real-life girlfriend) Bonham Carter. And her original, seductive and always believable turn as the difficult-but-lovable Jane raises the movie above all its flaws. [23 Dec. 1998, p.44]
By Jonathan Foreman FULL REVIEW
75
The Theory of Flight is far from a perfect movie, but it offers enough highlights that, on balance, it's worth a recommendation. The solid acting camouflages a great many other deficiencies.
By James Berardinelli FULL REVIEW
63
The Theory of Flying is actually fairly enjoyable. At least it doesn't drown its message in syrup and cornball sentiment.
By Roger Ebert FULL REVIEW
50
The Theory of Flight, an unlikely marriage of malady movie and romantic comedy, never quite soars, but beats its wings with the desperate tenacity of a wounded butterfly. Alas, the proportion of lift to drag isn't quite enough to defy the gravity of its subject.
By Rita Kempley FULL REVIEW
50
The difficulty with the film starts with the amount of improbability one must swallow. [24 Dec. 1998, p.D10]
By Ray Conlogue FULL REVIEW
40
Earnest and misguided in equal measure, The Theory of Flightis ostensibly a bold and rare attempt at depicting disabled people as sexual beings, but the notion is couched in such spurious and schematic terms that the film never really stands a chance.
By Dennis Lim FULL REVIEW
20
Theory of Flight follows the standard inspirational formula. [23 Dec. 1998, p.43]
By Dave Kehr FULL REVIEW

User Reviews

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Details

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Production Company Distant Horizon, BBC Film
Release Date Dec 23, 1998
Duration 1 h 41 m
Rating R
Genres
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Awards

Yoga Awards
• 1 Win & 1 Nomination
Brussels Film Festival (BRFF)
• 1 Win & 1 Nomination
Satellite Awards
• 1 Nomination

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