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JCVD

JCVD

2008
Comedy, Drama
1h 37m
Between his tax problems and his legal battle with his wife for the custody of his daughter, these are hard times for the action movie star who finds that even Steven Seagal has pinched a role from him! In JCVD, Jean-Claude Van Damme returns to the country of his birth to seek the peace and tranquility he can no longer enjoy in the United States. (imdb)
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JCVD

2008
Comedy, Drama
1h 37m
Your probable score
Avg Percentile 54.13% from 993 total ratings

Ratings & Reviews

(993)
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Rated 01 Jan 2011
80
83rd
The only way you can enjoy this film is to have watched at least half of Van Damme's filmography. And I mean, who hasn't? So, yes, this is the pay off we have earned.
Rated 02 Dec 2008
77
66th
Surprisingly touching and sympathetic portrait of an actor who has become kind of a joke. The film doesn't always work, there's definitely some vanity, but still it deserves credit for feeling fresh and honest and for telling a story that makes you care about the guy who starred in some of the silliest action films of all time.
Rated 18 Jun 2009
80
88th
A dramedy played to humanize a haggard action star, JCVD will remind you that behind every movie "joke" of an actor is just someone trying to do their job. Of course that "joke" is questioned when it is discovered that damn, he can actually act.
Rated 18 Nov 2009
8
82nd
A really big surprise, I can't believe how awesome it was. I never thought I'd see a movie where Jean-Claude Van Damme has an amazing performance that moved me. Maybe this movie had a lot of flaws but I just sat there in awe cause I couldn't believe that this was the same guy from Double Impact.
Rated 21 Jul 2010
60
62nd
Interesting mix of elements that mostly works well, with some outstanding moments. Although the narrative is slightly wobbly, it does manage to create genuine tension. The weakest aspect is the use of color: the appeal to filmmakers of this kind of grey-brown aesthetic escapes me, and the overwhelming effect of such a palette is simply to create an impression of suffocating artificiality.
Rated 15 Jan 2009
51
22nd
I think I missed whatever this mess was supposed to be. If it is truly meant to be the "Being Jean-Claude" of Van Damme's career, it's a failure from concept to execution. I didn't believe the preposterous storyline or threat for a moment. A few attempts at humor and an odd monologue from Van Damme, not to mention the odd dialogue everywhere else... This wasn't insightful or creative or interesting, just a goofy slog from beginning to end. I don't know if it's serious or humorous, but it's lame.
Rated 24 May 2010
86
84th
I absolutely loved this film! It blew me away. Allow me to make a cheesy anecdote of Jean-Claude in Chuck Norris fashion. "Jean-Claude Van Damme does not believe in karma, he is karma." All these years of everyone (including me) ridiculing and putting down Jean-Claude for his terrible acting and terrible films really came and kicked us in the ass with JCVD didn't it?
Rated 07 Dec 2008
7
57th
I think the film would've been a complete disaster if he played another 1-dimensional, boring character, but this concept works. JCVD in a nice film, never thought I'd see the day... or that... he'd see the day...oh common, like you didn't see that one coming ?!
Rated 27 Sep 2009
90
93rd
Absolutely great flick. Some people really criticize the breaking of the fourth wall, but I don't think it's nearly the flick WITHOUT that sequence. That's part of what makes this flick so self-aware. He pokes fun at (or maybe exposes, I've yet to determine which) a lot of his life and the lives of those "like him", he has his nice little karate scenes which should please his hardcore fan-base, and I took this as a real slap in the face to those who have claimed that he's nothing as an actor.
Rated 27 Sep 2009
85
80th
This movie was a lot better than I expected. I knew it was different for JCVD but not this different. The opening tracking shot really is great, and the 4th wall breaking monologue was also fantastic, showing off his acting skills. The story was interesting and just as a pretty original film, this thing works.
Rated 11 Dec 2009
80
80th
Jean Claude Van Damme in the role of his life. A lot of this movies' appeal stems directly from the familiarity of the viewer with his previous works, so if you haven't been brought up with cheesy action-flicks á la Seagal/Damme/Norris, it probably won't interest you very much.
Rated 01 Feb 2010
75
67th
Definitely won't be a movie for everyone, but it really excels in a lot of ways. Van Damme really shows some great acting chops the likes of which we haven't seen from him. The opening major tracking shot and subsequent scene are great. The main problems came during the actual hostage parts where the relationships between the hostage-takers themselves seemed to try to take center stage when it didn't work all that well. On the bright side though it didn't have a sell-out ending.
Rated 03 Dec 2010
74
74th
Van Damme will surprise you, and so will this movie in general. Funny, sad and so well performed. Recommeded.
Rated 16 Nov 2014
80
85th
JCVD blurs the line between fiction and reality then steps through as an accomplished actor.
Rated 10 Dec 2008
45
31st
I was excited about this project, since I like movies dealing on the fiction/reality shell such as Adaptation. I hardly saw it through. This is not necessarily a bad movie, but it doesn't take advantage of being "JCVD" except a single confession scene. Most of it I was thinking how extra contrast filters and sephia tone of the movie looks cheap, which doesn't reflect something good about the rest.
Rated 22 Dec 2008
80
80th
Great movie, sometimes uneven mix between comedy and drama. Van Damme is fantastic.
Rated 09 Jan 2009
60
62nd
was pretty suprised that this turned out that good after reading what its about, the vulnerability he showed was pretty interesting compared to what he normally plays
Rated 08 Feb 2009
83
83rd
Good. The movie follows the real life Van Damme in his hometown, down on his luck and an unwitting accomplice in a local bank heist. I still remember watching him in the very early Cyborg, this man is THE action hero good guy and I'm glad he finally got a chance to flex his acting muscles as well, and it appears, the muscle from brussels has quite a fine array of acting skills hidden up his sleeves. Very highly recommended.
Rated 24 Mar 2009
63
67th
This is a very bold film that somehow manages to be ambitiuos without being pretentiuos. The semibiographical story is average at best, but when it comes to style "JCVD" has plenty to offer - it's shot in brown palette, there're lots of improvised dialogues, few very long scenes, good use of music... A highlight is a very personal 6 min.long monologue by JCVD. This films is a pleasant surprise, and definately the most clever film with Van Damme to date.
Rated 04 Apr 2009
65
52nd
Jean-Claude gives solid performance as the lead and one big scene proves that he can actually act. Too bad that the story doesn't make full use of the premise.
Rated 14 Apr 2009
70
76th
Good Movie
Rated 17 Apr 2009
8
80th
Jean-Claude Van Damme gives the performance of a lifetime. Oh and this is better than "The Wrestler".
Rated 16 Jun 2009
90
79th
"JVCD" or "Confessions of an 80's B-Movie Star". That is the first Van Damme after " Bloodsport" I enjoyed to watch. Very funny and strange Movie with a lot of sidekicks on his former works and on Hollywood. Might be I bit more cheeky sometimes but overall a good Work.
Rated 04 Sep 2009
75
59th
In a time when celebrities sell themselves out to horrible reality shows at the drop of a dime, amazingly it's Van Damme that gives us one of the most tasteful and well-done pieces of self reflection and parody in recent history. Not only parallels movie Van Damme with real Van Damme but film with reality as the viewer feels the real sense of danger and hopelessness that accompanies a hostage situation. A pleasant surprise, definitely worth checking out.
Rated 08 Jan 2010
77
40th
Where was Jean-Claude's Oscar nomination? His performance blew me away. The plot could have been a little more inventive than the concept seems to promise, but it's a pretty fun time overall.
Rated 17 Dec 2010
83
84th
I actually found the antagonists to be some of the least interesting parts of the movie. Aside from that gripe, I liked the movie a lot. The opening scene is fun (and well shot), and the scenes with the agent are really awesome as well. Van Damme really is impressive here, and when he breaks down the 4th wall (as has been said before).......just wow. It's not even just that scene, because he makes you feel how sour everything has become for the character (himself?) throughout.
Rated 25 May 2011
90
56th
This movie is like any of Nirvana's hits: it's so charismatic that you don't mind if there's not much substance to it. It has a really nice photography and lighting, but the most important thing is that it brings you closer to the real JCVD. What a good guy he is!
Rated 24 Jan 2012
85
73rd
Great film. Hard to buy that an action hero film star might have a tough life, but the well-rounded character is worth watching.
Rated 03 Oct 2012
63
19th
The narrative is a little confused, and the desaturated photography is horrible, but there's a lot to enjoy here. Van Damme is terrific, in a fearless portrayal of himself (or a version of what we think he might be). But I think he might be the only Belgian who can act, based on the evidence of this film.
Rated 12 Jan 2013
71
39th
In many ways one of the most fascinating meta-movies ever made, with Van Damme unexpectedly outstanding, in the best 'self' performance since BEING JOHN MALKOVICH. It's a pity that this rivetingly honest performance is abandoned in a bland, uninteresting and ultimately forced and contrived narrative, which makes little sense and is tough to believe, even in a satirical context.
Rated 29 Jun 2014
57
31st
I loved Van Damme's performance; the film convincingly paints his fame as a poisoned chalice and makes him the center of a compelling character study. But I couldn't really connect with the comedy aspects, and poor editing and excessive repetition ultimately held this film back severely.
Rated 03 Nov 2008
88
0th
Saw the film at TIFF 08! I couldn't have been more surprised with the film and how well it dove into an introspective and evocative look into the life of an aging action hero... The experience brought me back to a career long forgotten, where I rediscovered Jean-Claude Van Damme and man, I'm loving the new perspective! Truly captivating!
Rated 19 Nov 2008
50
9th
Boring, pretentious, indulgent, without an ounce of originality. Ohh, he's playing himself!! Right, okay, so what?? There's still no movie here.
Rated 13 Dec 2008
70
35th
Well thought out, nicely constructed, and very enjoyable to watch.
Rated 13 Jan 2009
81
49th
Certainly not what I expected. Starts with a bang and holds a decent pace afterwards. I'm still not entirely sure how much I liked it, but only that I liked it. There's a good amount of humor, some great moments and JCVD himself is great. But, it didn't really take as much advantage of having an actor play himself as Being John Malkovich did, which it aspires to be. Despite that, it's definitely worth a watch.
Rated 17 Jan 2009
76
70th
Jean-Claude's surprisingly touching monologue sealed the deal for me. It's a simple story presented as something bigger than it is, but I didn't really mind. Some nice camerawork.
Rated 20 Jan 2009
77
78th
Starts with a fantastically fun tracking shot, and then keeps you engaged with the primary story, which is alternately sad and funny, but always engaging. Van Damme breaks the 4th wall in the biggest way possible, but it's the best scene in the movie and his finest performance. The structure of the movie is well done too. There are definite problems, and places where it maybe doesnt work, and scenes that don't make too much sense, except to drive the story. Still, this is an impressive show.
Rated 28 Jan 2009
75
77th
Van Damme's best work. I just wish the big huge Asian dude from Bloodsport (Bolo Yeung) could have had a cameo.
Rated 16 Feb 2009
60
49th
The beginning of this film builds up much anticipation for the rest of the film, too bad it didn't live up to those expectations. Although they showed some of his failures in life, I was expecting more jabs at himself. It was an alright film, but not anywhere near what I was expecting.
Rated 07 Mar 2009
55
45th
This is utterly bizarre.
Rated 07 Apr 2009
60
32nd
.
Rated 24 Apr 2009
67
17th
Decent concept, but damn I was a bit bored by the end.......
Rated 12 May 2009
64
56th
An interesting twist on the hostage thriller. Van Damme acts so extraordinarily well that I wondered just how much of the confession scene was acting. The non-chronological presentation seemed counterproductive for pacing at times. In general, though, this was suprisingly good.
Rated 17 May 2009
36
15th
The way the whole hostage storyline was presented completely ruined the film for me. After the really fun opening tracking scene, there was really nothing else interesting about the film.
Rated 23 May 2009
63
8th
There's really nothing very interesting about this hostage tale which is merely a framing device for Van Damme to take on a custom-written role which tries to convince the audience that (A) he has acting chops, and (B) he can be self-deprecating about his action legend status. Unfortunately these 2 goals do not combine well. I'd much rather see him either playing a flawed hero in an action movie, or trying to act properly in a costume drama. Not this, and not talking direct to camera. Creepy.
Rated 02 Jun 2009
80
46th
Saw it dubbed, with the original dialogue it would probably have been better.
Rated 02 Jul 2009
50
17th
The first scene is hilarious and brilliant, but the gimmick doesn't stretch to the film's whole length. Van Damme is surprisingly good playing himself in his native language.
Rated 02 Jul 2009
44
42nd
the first 15 minutes are great, but then they're made redundant by what follows. that's the big problem here, a bunch of unneeded material. anyway, Van Damme is remarkable, a real tour de force for him. i don't think you'll see Steven Seagal making this type of movie.
Rated 07 Jul 2009
70
55th
Great concept, Strong direction, captivating characterization and some outstanding moments don't rise above a somewhat average plot. Van Damme's soliloquy towards the end of the movie about the beauty of life amidst the rubble of his life has to be one of the best cinematic moments of the year.
Rated 10 Jul 2009
74
79th
Not a fan of breaking the 4th wall, but other than that the film was entertaining.
Rated 14 Jul 2009
74
70th
Frequently extremely funny and sometimes touching, I really enjoyed this. Yes it's not a great film in itself, and it is a bit self-indulgent but overall a lot of fun.
Rated 25 Jul 2009
75
28th
Surprisingly un-horrible.
Rated 19 Aug 2009
85
52nd
Definitely an arthouse film experience, complete with subtitiles and meta-commentary, and yes, JCVD actually *acting.* A deconstruction of the man's life at every level. A little unfocused at times. Favorite bits were the cracks at Steven Seagal's and John Woo's expense.
Rated 01 Sep 2009
91
90th
So surprised by this film. Jean-Claude is actually a good actor and this movie is proof.
Rated 01 Nov 2009
90
76th
A real surprise.
Rated 02 Nov 2009
70
72nd
Haha, the monologue scene is so surreal to watch. I had my jaw in my hands the entire time. Van Damme, surprisingly, skillfully and sympathetically portrays himself as a multi-dimensional human being. I feel like the concept was better than the eventual execution, but for the most part it works.
Rated 11 Nov 2009
88
78th
I asked my mom what she thought the initials JCVD might stand for. Her answer was "Jesus Christ Victory Dance".
Rated 28 Nov 2009
80
79th
Many people might be surprised at JC's acting chops. I'm not as I've recognised his skill as an actor before. Nice to see a relatively quiet role, but some damned good action too
Rated 17 Jan 2010
85
74th
I imagine I have the same reaction as everyone: "surprisingly good."
Rated 22 Jan 2010
68
50th
I wanted to believe that this was the real Van Damme. The 4th wall breaking monologue is the best thing he's ever done--he actually seemed human, and not so much like a total douchebag. And then I read some of his recent interviews, and realized that this was little more than pretentious self-indulgence. Worth a watch, but don't be fooled.
Rated 13 Mar 2010
80
63rd
Van Damme shows he can act, and the film has a great close, washed out style cutting away to flights of fantasy and confession. Some great action movie intertextuality as well.
Rated 26 May 2010
65
43rd
His monologue is great, and that's about it. Van Damme is still a douchebag.
Rated 24 Jun 2010
90
66th
Wow, Van-Damme can actually act. A wonderfully told story with real emotion and enjoyable action. The timeline is screwy (but for good reason) and the conclusion is fantastic. Awesome movie.
Rated 12 Jul 2010
75
75th
A lot of respect for JCVD after this one, a real personal movie. Could've been made better (music felt out of place), but overall pretty good.
Rated 21 Jul 2010
5
30th
not as funny as it could have been...
Rated 27 Jul 2010
82
88th
JCVD is the only good movie jean-claude van damme has ever done, i hope he continues in this direction.
Rated 16 Oct 2010
65
45th
Easily JCVD's best role and performance but a life of crappy films and personal fuck up's gave him plenty of material to work with. Not that great but compared to the rest of his stuff its genius.
Rated 28 Apr 2011
45
3rd
One of the weirdest films i've ever seen.
Rated 07 Sep 2011
70
76th
The introduction with the post office is confusing, the time jumps where completely unnecessary. After that it is quite good. Van Damme's 4th wall performance is excellent. Also, the shown (in)competence of the police force is only possible in Belgium. How that country still manages to exist in this millennium is baffling. Must see for anyone who grew up with Van Damme's movies.
Rated 15 Dec 2011
72
33rd
I am not a fan of JCVD so I am surprised I like this movie. The story is interesting, it is not predictable like so many of his action films. Give this movie a try it might surprise you.
Rated 14 May 2012
78
64th
Van Damme gives a terrific performance here. I wasn't sure how auto-biographical this was, and this not-knowing deepened the experience of watching. The whole film, I just wanted him to cut loose and kick some ass.
Rated 21 May 2012
88
95th
Prior to seeing this movie I actually had no idea that Van Damme was an actor, usually they just film him beating the crap out of people and occasionally saying things in between, but this was one hell of a movie, and it includes one of the greatest monologues I've ever seen, which is also the greatest fourth wall break in history.
Rated 19 Jan 2013
25
4th
Tried to be intelligent and failed utterly, the monologue was dire (even if JC's acting was good) due to how out of place it felt, the dialogue tedious, the humour more irritating than funny, the art style really ugly (a bit of high contrast is nice but that was just ridiculous), the non-linear storytelling really unjustified and a poor attempt to stretch a 45 minute story over a 90 minute running time and the story was just generally executed very poorly.
Rated 26 Jan 2013
80
41st
The movie itself felt a little choppy, but wow...I didn't know Van-Damme could act. Why he never did more real acting is beyond me. Maybe he needed to go through the part of his life depicted in the movie to be able to exhibit that kind of emotion, or maybe he just let out his real emotions about his real-life heartbreaks and struggles. This was probably his best acting ever and not "good acting for Van Damme," but good acting, period. I hope to see more movies like this from him.
Rated 23 Dec 2013
65
66th
An odd film indeed. A strange mix of made-up story and real-life biopic. Normally I'd consider such a thing pretentious but somehow it works here, maybe because it's the last thing anyone would expect from JC. It's similar to Rourke's Wrestler in Aronofsky's film of around the same time but a lot more self-effacing and original. If nothing else, see it for the long opening one-shot that proves JCVD still kicks arse with the best of them.
Rated 25 Dec 2013
83
61st
JCVD is a touching, fascinating piece, with Jean-Claude Van Damme confounding all with his heartfelt performance.
Rated 13 Jan 2014
77
29th
Its an ok movie up until his monologue which threw me for a loop that I'm still sort of recovering from. Which in turn gave the rest of the movie, even what came before it so much more meaning. Its crazy to even think the words, let alone say them 'Jean-claude van damme is a good actor'.
Rated 17 Aug 2014
60
68th
His second best film, if we count UNIVERSAL SOLDIER: DAY OF RECKONING as a Van Damme film. Which I think we do.
Rated 14 Jul 2015
67
40th
Unique overall, I like the idea of trying to present the tropes of someones life within a functioning plot-line. This one lingers too closely to the familiarities of the celebrity to be considered an authentic bio-pic/ character study. Gets near the 'Bronson' style of retelling when JCVD gets elevated above the set and briefly addresses the audience directly. For anyone thinking this may be the turning of a new leaf for JC, looking at his films since, he appears to be well & truly type cast.
Rated 29 Aug 2015
95
63rd
The a sprawling opening sequence featuring a four minute long one shot as a 47-year-old Jean-Claude Van Damme endures a feature-length movie's worth of action. The scene ends as a set door is slammed shut. The second scene of note is a one-on-one with Van Damme and the audience, and it is this scene that actually proves Jean-Claude may have more talent than just bone breaking jabs, but its true intentions are a bit cloudy.
Rated 29 May 2016
71
39th
Weird and darkly funny.
Rated 25 Oct 2017
70
64th
Um pouco de comédia, um pouco de drama, mas na verdade o que se mostra é desconstrução da fama. A cena do monólogo é a melhor do filme e mostra que apesar de tudo que conquistaram pessoas muito famosas também se sentem miseráveis. São seres humanos.
Rated 14 Oct 2018
65
43rd
had me at the opening 'Hard Times' sequence... loses me in the robbery hostage parts... has me again at the monologue, then at the end. I still love the concept of "DOG DAY AFTERNOON with Van Damme" though...
Rated 12 Aug 2021
62
55th
Host ratings: 69 / 75 / 76. (JCVD Marathon) Podcast review link: https://rydeorwrong.podcaster.de/rydeorwrong/folge-073-jean-claude-van-damme-the-last-of-us-part-ii-part-iv/
Rated 08 Dec 2022
60
44th
A very interesting if not perfectly realized film, "JCVD" delightfully basks in the sunlight of its meta premise like there's no tomorrow. The photography didn't click with me and now and then it felt like the movie was trying to eulogize JCVD, but I enjoyed the humour, the self-referential aspects and the way the story was presented. Yet stealing the show is JCVD himself, who has doubtlessly grown a lot as an actor since his action hero heyday and hereby delivers a career-defining performance.

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