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Showing reviews from 1 to 50 (total: 143)
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Well, I kept wondering where was this movie taking me. I stopped trying to understand after more than 1 hour and a half when I simply stopped the DVD and returned it. I couldn't tell you more about the story that it says on the description. But, this is what you need to know. There is oil, betrayal, and really annoying music (or rather noise made with music instruments) The end. Seriously, don't waste your time or money.
3/10
24.9.2009 -
zygoto78@ - age: 26-35
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Yeaaahhh, this might be a little late, but I just bought this without seeing it first, and to be honest, definitely worth the 10 bucks. Alright, that came out wrong. More like worth the 80 bucks to see it in theater and then buy it right off the bat. Daniel Day-Lewis is AMAZING as Daniel Plainview and Paul... Dano? Paul Dano is excellent as Paul Sunday. Great story and acting, and actually more deserving of Best Picture than NCFOM if you ask me. Which you probably aren't. Weird music though. Kept thinking Jaws or Freddy or something was going to show up.
10/10
15.9.2008 -
sovietrazor@ - age: 13-17
A great movie! Sad how greed can turn into violence.
8/10
20.6.2008 -
wandanamgreb@ - age: 50+
This was truly a great movie. Daniel does wonders with his part in this movie. A must see movie.
9/10
15.5.2008 -
jtdtg@
Confusing confusing confusing. Daniel Day Lewis rocked the confusion though.
7/10
17.4.2008 -
julyjellybean@
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I loved it so much and I can't even tell you why. Could it be the perfect combination of imagery and music? The complexity of the character maybe, or the originality of the story, I don't know but it was unexplainable and grasping.
10/10
14.4.2008 -
thirteen@ - age: 26-35
This movie was HORRIBLE! The premise for the movie had potential, but I feel that this was a case of a movie that "bit off more than it could chew". There was great potential for conflict between Daniel, the power/money hungry oil tycoon, and Eli, the zealously religious priest, but that relationship was a not explored more, until the very end of the movie. The final scene was the most powerful, but it was too little, too late. The whole movie was suffocating, from the music to the over the top madness of Daniel, and not worth seeing. Daniel Day Lewis' performance was strong, but that would have been the ONLY REDEEMING QUALITY of the movie, without him, this movie would have never even made it to theatres. Definitely NOT a masterpiece, really not worth your time.
2/10
13.4.2008 -
ketchup_gnome@ - age: 18-25
Aside from being the epitome of tedium there was no point to this film. It was ridiculously slow and there was absolutely no character development. Also the musical score seemed overblown for such a low key story. Very disappointing - whoever wrote it should go back to writer's school. It's 2.5 hours of my life I won't get back.
1/10
11.4.2008 -
quillsinc@ - age: 26-35
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Wow, Cinematic masterpiece. Acting is superb by both Daniel and the supporting cast. I can wait to see it again with hopefully directorial comments.
10/10
9.4.2008 -
quinbert@ - age: 26-35
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It was one of the best movie I've seen in years, seeing how, even for someone like him, money can get him crazy.
10/10
24.3.2008 -
carlbrunet2212@ - age: 13-17
Daniel Day-Lewis is exceptional. I thought the ending was fantastic.
8/10
18.3.2008 -
terrismith32@ - age: 36-49
Daniel Day Lewis is fantastic. The breadth of his acting is awesome. The character's driven spiral is all encompassing. Plainview's morals were his own and as such he lived according to his skewed moral compass. Plainview lusts. He lusts after oil, he lusts for a legacy. He is definitely driven by his disappointment in people. He hates people, because they disappoint him over and over again. However, he is very charismatic, almost like a satanic character, with disdain for people and using his snake like charm to get what he wants. The only character to see through this persona is Eli Sunday as he is equally snake like. This film is twisted and eventually you realize who exactly the good guy is and discover that a seemingly horrible event is actually a blessing.
9/10
12.3.2008 -
anderson_robin@ - age: 18-25
I have read a lot of reviews suggesting that the strength of this movie ( aside from DDL's acting ) was the character development of Daniel Plainview. Character development? The man was a driven lunatic from the start. He would do anything for money. I didn't see him change or develop except perhaps he got worse. Who wants to watch a man destroy himself like that? I don't find that entertaining or worth thinking about. I did not care about DDL's character or any other character in the movie. Nothing moved me. People have also been commenting about the music score. I thought all that noise was coming from the theatre next door.
3/10
9.3.2008 -
lfrancey@ - age: 50+
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I heard so much about this movie that I had really high expectations for it – well, it only partially delivered. I understand that a big part of this movie is the character development of Daniel and that this is why they probably made it so long. Initially I saw him as a determined, one-track mind, but a good guy OIL MAN. He appeared to be a doting father very straight-forward. Because I also found the preacher to be an idiot, I empathized with Daniel and his feelings towards the idiot. BUT then as the movie goes on, I realised that Daniel's character is even crazier than the preacher. Daniel Day-Lewis is a brilliant actor. His character was likeable and disgusting all at the same time. The main issues for me on this movie were: 1. It dragged on for too long. I kept looking at my watch hoping it would wrap up soon. 2. The music did not go with the scenes. In some places the music was so distracting that it overpowered the scene instead of enhancing it. When I am sitting in a movie theatre and thinking "who the heck composed this music for this scene? ” then I am obviously NOT 'in' the scene as I should be. In parts throughout this movie the audience in the theatre kept walking in and out. Who knows where to…maybe stretching their legs! When I looked around the theatre, many others were fidgety. They were probably like me – staying in their seats and wondering what happens in the end and willing to 'stick it out'. I ‘got it” in terms of story and character development. I’d recommend renting because Daniel Day Lewis is really amazing in this AND so you can hit the ‘fast forward’ button through some parts if you want.
6/10
6.3.2008 -
maxeseem@ - age: 26-35
This was an excellent film. I have worked in the oil industry and see alot of what goes on in real life reflected in the story. It was very well acted. You'll know who is feeling what at every point. The fact that you have to think about why they are feeling the way they are makes this great.
10/10
5.3.2008 -
joshisdaman@ - age: 26-35
Great movie I've ever seen in ages.
10/10
5.3.2008 -
kevinwu1982@ - age: 26-35
I can see why it won so many awards. Certainly it's not a movie for everyone because not everyone will "get it." It's not their fault. If you want a formulaic movie, see Fantastic 4. This is something different altogether. Most people didn't like it because the music was eerie and unconventional. Naturally, we can't expect everyone to like unconventional... but I do.
10/10
3.3.2008 -
tsj219@ - age: 18-25
Brilliant movie! I've seen it three times. P. T. Anderson has created a great film with beautiful pace, cinematography and score. Those that trashed this film should stay home and wait for the next Tim Allen masterpiece.
10/10
3.3.2008 -
dc1@ - age: 36-49
Totally absorbing! Best acting I've seen in quite a long time.
9/10
1.3.2008 -
bdalz@ - age: 50+
Extremely strange movie about an extremely strange man, with extremely strange music. Daniel Day Lewis is a force of nature, and watching him do his stuff is a treat. But the movie drags on. If you have a short attention span, I recommend something else.
7/10
1.3.2008 -
newscott13@ - age: 26-35
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Good movie, definitely different than most. I was hoping for more of a story line and it did seem to drag on, 2 hours and 30 minutes is a bit long. Well played rolls, god loving freak gets what was coming and the rich alcoholic business man wins, just like always.
6/10
1.3.2008 -
cam,walton@ - age: 18-25
A compelling and intriguing film that follows one of the most complex and interesting characters ever put on film, and Daniel Day-Lewis is nothing short of brilliant. One of the greatest pieces of filmmaking I have ever seen, Paul Thomas Anderson proves to be a masterful director with every movie he makes. Absolutely amazing.
10/10
1.3.2008 -
coppoblaine@ - age: 13-17
Best acting I have seen in ages. Great movie.
10/10
1.3.2008 -
robertahazlett@ - age: 26-35
Sat through this tedium, waiting for a story to develop, or at the very least for a payoff for our patience. Who the hell said this was a masterpiece? What is the criteria for one these days? I wouldn't recommend this crap to anyone.
5/10
28.2.2008 -
juddsy45@ - age: 50+
Excellent acting, superb movie.
9/10
28.2.2008 -
frajabi@ - age: 18-25
If you are interested in seeing a documentary on early oil drilling this is your movie. As a mean and uncomplicated oilman Day-Lewis rises slowly and falls precipitously into madness. It doesn't make sense. If he wants to play overblown villians why not try Shakespeare?
3/10
26.2.2008 -
pkedmonds@ - age: 50+
Daniel Day Lewis is amazing... the story is slow. Wait for the rental.
6/10
25.2.2008 -
kenzidog@ - age: 26-35
I came out of this movie in awe. The music and the work of the miners drilling and carpenters working on the church beat out this intense and powerful heartbeat that stuck with me days after I saw the movie. Within all this thunder is this story of a man who works ruthlessly to succeed over everyone in order to some how distance himself from a world that he is so disgusted by. Some people have commented that there are too many silences but it is in the silent moments that this movie is so moving. Masterpiece is the best adjective to describe this film.
10/10
25.2.2008 -
cam408@ - age: 18-25
With time this will be looked back upon as a masterpiece, if it isn't already. Day Lewis and Dano both turn in fantastic performances which will literally send chills down your spine. Overall a grand, sweeping, introspective look at greed, faith, family and revenge - not unlike Citizen Kane - with georgeous direction and cinematography to boot. See it now, or I'll drink your milkshake. I'll DRINK IT UP! Oh, and take note when watching that the film has the strict discipline to be able to not have a single line of dialouge for over 10 minutes from the start.
10/10
25.2.2008 -
lonewolf17@ - age: 18-25
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While Daniel Day Lewis' performance is masterful -- intense, brooding, visceral -- he carries too much of the film. 'Blood' reminds one of the great films of the 50's like 'Giant' in which the west is overwhelming in its grandeur and desolation, but this film has no rhapsody. One studies a DDL performance as it unfolds, one observes the brilliance of the actor as technician but one doesn't become emotionally engaged. The craft is too rich, the nuance too bold to be natural. It's not a caricature but it comes close. One admires DDL, but he has been playing the same character since Christie Brown in 'My Left Foot'. Still, it is brilliant and Oscar worthy. Paul Danon does a fine job as Eli the young false-prophet. He is true to the ilk. The son is the tragic one in the film but he is no foil for his father's egocentrism. Daniel is a capitalist in the 19th Century robber-baron sense. Today corporate snakes wear Armani and wield Blackberries rather than pick-axes but they are just as driven, and can be just as murderous toward the free spirit.
7/10
24.2.2008 -
iispiral@ - age: 50+
I would give this a "0" if I could!! Long, boring, depressing, dark, and terrible music (if you would call it that, more like screeching) Good acting by Danial Day Lewis in a really, really bad film. If this is the best picture of the year, what does it say about the films that are out there!! Don't see it, not even worth renting!
1/10
24.2.2008 -
kd@ - age: 50+
[ATTENTION: This review reveals content of the movie.]
Well first of all I will be stunned if Daniel Day Lewis doesn't take the Oscar for Best Actor. Geesh, what an amazing performance he had here. This movie was very well done and very well themed. I thought the breakdown of Daniel as a person throughout the movie was especially powerful and the last scene with his son was just horrible to watch, but sooo well done. It was a BIT on the long side, but I think this might be the Best Picture winner.
9/10
24.2.2008 -
belladee01@ - age: 18-25
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Worst Movie I've ever seen- It was a waste of Cash and three hours of my time.
1/10
23.2.2008 -
limited_song@ - age: 13-17
I'm watching because of DDL. Kept wondering if I ( or others ) could see through this without someone of the status of DDL to carry it. Don't get me wrong, it's an admirable effort by all standards. But the subject matter of the ruthless mogul is really not particularly that interesting.
6/10
21.2.2008 -
yanieve@ - age: 26-35
This movie makes you talk and think for days afterwards. I don't even know how you would explain this movie to someone. Amazing acting, a great story, but you must be a very open minded person or a film buff to really enjoy this movie and get it. Give Daniael Day the oscar right now with his jaw dropping performance!
10/10
18.2.2008 -
danekuiken@ - age: 18-25
In every way, this film is exceptional - its (adapted?) screenplay, casting, acting, direction, editing, cinematography, etc... I would be surprised if DDL (Daniel Day-Lewis) doesn't win an Oscar for his performance.
10/10
18.2.2008 -
little_audi_tt@ - age: 26-35
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[ATTENTION: This review reveals content of the movie.]
This movie has moments of brilliance. Daniel Day-Lewis made this movie not only watchable but, at times, riveting. There are some gruesome, violent scenes but they somehow add to the "feel" of the era the movie is set in. Drawbacks, there are some long, awkward scenes that have no profound or obvious purpose. It is annoying to sit through a 20 minute scene and ask yourself at the end of it "why? " Daniel Plainview (Daniel Day Lewis) sticks to his guns in this movie. You cheer for him, you cringe at his antics, you can't help but admire him Paul Dano is so good in his character as the cocky, whollier then thou preacher Eli Sunday, you want to jump through the screen and wring his neck. He was brilliant. In the end it is the outstanding acting that carries this movie forward. There could have been some careful editing to make the film slightly more to the point (kinda like this review) I would consider it worth the price of admission.
7/10
17.2.2008 -
sarahcampeau@ - age: 36-49
This movie was simply astonishing. Definitely not for everyone but for those who enjoy character development, this is for you. I adored DDL's acting in this movie and consider it to be the best male acting performance I have ever seen. This movie is not meant for just for entertainment but an interesting look at a man completely consumed by his own lust for power and wealth. For those who say there were some funny parts that were meant to be serious. You clearly did not see the undertone of black humour throughout the film. Simply brilliant. But it takes a certain type of person to appreciate it.
10/10
17.2.2008 -
gonewiththetv@ - age: 18-25
Absolutely horrible. This movie is so bad that I still have a bad taste in my mouth from this thing even hours later. I would have liked to score this thing a '0' if possible. Boring with graphic work accidents and a bad music score. Easily the worst movie I've seen in a very long time. Absolute trash...
1/10
17.2.2008 -
lovnya@ - age: 36-49
Extraordinary film!!! Masterpiece!!!
10/10
17.2.2008 -
littlekatus@ - age: 18-25
Should have been called- "There will be Trash".
1/10
17.2.2008 -
tomjones1234@ - age: 36-49
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I don't know how Daniel day does it! He doesn't just pick the most powerfully engrossing movies I have ever seen;he also is the actual only person that could play the part. Once you see him in a role, you could not accept anyone credibly comparing. I have never walked out of a performance of his without thinking about his character and the movie for many months. He and the directors he works with, understand human personality at its base core, reality, and portray them in moves like this exquisitely. Some will not get it. In these movie goers lives (some reviewers), there will be much they miss, about real human experience as opposed to just a well told story (certainly like that too) I remember many who missed Gangs of Newyork's utter brilliance. I will wait patiently for Mr DDL's next appearance in a movie. FANTASTIC.
10/10
16.2.2008 -
drew95ca@ - age: 36-49
This is a film will have you thinking about its central characters for weeks on end. DDL plays a poor tortured soul, who makes good through honest toils and the balls to put it all on the line. He gets rich but in the process, never learns how to relax! As in the Age of Innocence, DDL endows his character with HEART, but an equal failing, that rings true. A wonderful cast, great work by all.
10/10
15.2.2008 -
cdg@ - age: 50+
Captured from the opening sequence of some lonely soul chipping away at rocks in a hole in the ground in 1898. Daniel Day Lewis is a marvel. His voice is something that my friends and I imitate frequently - imitation is the most sincere from of flattery. A classic that will still be great viewing on tv in 30 or 40 years from now.
10/10
15.2.2008 -
joelparkes@ - age: 36-49
Amazing movie, amazing acting by all. If this movie and even more so, if Daniel Day-Lewis doesn't get the Oscar it will be a travesty.
10/10
15.2.2008 -
eksince1984@ - age: 18-25
I've been a fan since the mid-eighties, but now I truly understand George Clooney's generous remark that he - well, he used the plural - is in awe of Daniel Day-Lewis as an actor. All through the film, he is amazing - and the intensity of the last 10 minutes are almost too much to bear! Bravo!
10/10
14.2.2008 -
erolboran@ - age: 36-49
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Acting is so amazing... Oscar winning performance.
10/10
14.2.2008 -
milanmike229@ - age: 26-35
The acting is great, the cinematography is spot-on, and the score is highly effective. However, I didn't become involved in the film, didn't really care what happened to the characters, and never felt an ounce of excitement (anxiety, sorrow, anger, surprise, joy-- nothing) It's an interminable movie during which not much happens and no one's character evolves. Day-Lewis' marvellous talent alone cannot make this film worthwhile, even if there are a few laugh-out-loud instances of black humour peppered throughout the script, which I thoroughly enjoyed.
5/10
11.2.2008 -
scotcanliz@ - age: 18-25
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[ATTENTION: This review reveals content of the movie.]
One of the most believable movies I have seen in a while, but who cares? My life today was believable, but even I wouldn't care to watch it. Want to watch what is likely an accurate portrayal of the day to day life of an introverted oil baron of the 1900s to whom nothing remarkable happens? I don't. Want to listen to string instruments repeatedly playing the same note for minutes on end? I don't. Want to watch the death of characters that not even the other characters in the movie seem to care about? I don't. A realistic and believable recreation of a past era does not necessarily make a good movie. And it struggles to make a mediocre one.
4/10
11.2.2008 -
andrchabg@ - age: 18-25
Ah, the great unwashed not get their eye candy? Not all films can pander to the majority of film goers who clammer for the obvious and superficial adaptations of stories to celluloid. This was a great character study and nothing more. Day-Lewis measures up with his consistent intensity. The Paul/Eli characters are disappointingly underdeveloped and ambiguous. The descent into madness from the effects of alcoholism are realistically portrayed. The history of oil production during the last century although flawed was fascinating. Worthy Oscar material on all counts.
10/10
11.2.2008 -
ekbennett@ - age: 50+
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