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Pleasantville
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Pleasantville

1998
Comedy
Drama
2h 4m
In Gary Ross' daring modern fairy tale Pleasantville, an entire fictional town is granted a chance to experience the comedies, and dangers of real life. In this fantastical adventure, two late 20th Century teenagers (Maguire, Witherspoon) accidentally bring living color to a mysterious suburb trapped in a black-and-white 50's utopia -- and set off a revolution. (New Line Cinema)
Directed by:
Gary Ross Gary Ross
Written by:
Gary Ross Gary Ross
Starring:
William H. Macy William H. Macy Reese Witherspoon Reese Witherspoon J.T. Walsh J.T. Walsh Jeff Daniels Jeff Daniels Joan Allen Joan Allen Marley Shelton Marley Shelton Tobey Maguire Tobey Maguire Giuseppe Andrews Giuseppe Andrews Paul Walker Paul Walker Don Knotts Don Knotts Jane Kaczmarek Jenny Lewis Jenny Lewis
More
Genres:
Comedy, Drama, Fantasy
Country:
USA
Language:
English
imdb More information at IMDb
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Pleasantville

1998
Comedy
Drama
2h 4m
Your probable score
Ratings & Reviews Cast Collections Similar Stats Trailer
Avg Percentile 55% from 6377 total ratings
Ratings & Reviews Cast Collections Similar Stats Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

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billyshearsBillyShears
Rated 15 Feb 2021
80
77th
“Wild Things is on, where’s my magic remote, WHERE’S MY MAGIC REMOTE”
Rated 15 Feb 2021
juntakinte99juntakinte99
Rated 02 Jan 2021
88
78th
Pleasantville examines two common themes from 90's cinema: how audiences consume media & its pre-millennium yearning for a supposedly safer past. Ross has a fantastic understanding of the first in his recreation of a 1950's sitcom. But his views on the latter--including commentary on racism, sexism, conformity & change--make the picture stick. A minor criticism is the sometimes clunky writing. Still, the film is more relevant in today's MAGA America than it was in its initial release.
Rated 02 Jan 2021
doctor7doctor7
Rated 14 Aug 2007
77
66th
A very neat idea for a film with some impressive special effects. It would most likely offend the Christian crowd due to the eating of an apple adding "colour" to life. If that concept doesn't bother you and you want to see a very different fantasy drama then for sure pick this movie up.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
kojilessKojiless
Rated 27 Jun 2012
64
68th
What I learned from this movie: sex (and to a lesser extent, books) can save the world. In other words, Sesame Street was right.
Rated 27 Jun 2012
delirium9Delirium9
Rated 28 Mar 2009
100
93rd
Only about 10 years old and already a classic. What a delightful film!
Rated 28 Mar 2009
sagesledgeSageSledge
Rated 17 Nov 2017
100
91st
If I could describe "Pleasantville" in one word, it'd likely be "comforting", because i believe that there is no better cure for one's ills than this movie, a film that shines a light on the problems that so readily come with romanticising the past of a nation that remains far worse than our turbulent present, even in spite of its black-and-white charms, and one that shows that a little colour goes a long, long way. A charming delight, a technological sensation, and a new all time favourite.
Rated 17 Nov 2017
ytadelYtadel
Rated 14 Aug 2007
7
84th
An extremely clever and original idea executed with style, warmth, and humor. Above all else, it's a triumph of casting - Maguire, Witherspoon, Macy, Allen, Daniels, Walsh, Knotts, Shelton, and even the loathsome Paul Walker are all pitch-perfect in their roles. Also, the female masturbation scene is awkward to watch while sitting in the theater next to your parents when you're 13. God damn.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
alex_watkinsAlex Watkins
Rated 06 Mar 2007
3
38th
It's not a great movie, but the premise is incredibly enjoyable and it's a very fun movie to watch. The performances are mostly good, and I love the way it plays on cliches of television's golden age. A nice movie to pop in on a sunny afternoon.
Rated 06 Mar 2007
nobambanobamba
Rated 09 Jun 2020
50
45th
A loaded cast with a very earnest (but believable) Tobey Maguire. Really makes me think about how we often perceive nostalgia but only through perfect lens. I was getting creepy vibes from Jeff Daniels for some reason so it was nice to see him on Maguire's side at the end. Fav scene: Reese Witherspoon starting a color revolution.
Rated 09 Jun 2020
cclzaCCLZA
Rated 11 Apr 2008
80
77th
Visually inspired and cleverly written.
Rated 11 Apr 2008
jargonscottjargonscott
Rated 14 Aug 2007
96
99th
An underrated classic!
Rated 14 Aug 2007
okkervilOkkervil
Rated 31 Jul 2009
61
55th
Well made and artistically strong.
Rated 31 Jul 2009
monisitMonisit
Rated 21 May 2016
96
92nd
One of those films that I can just feel like I'm getting a hug from.
Rated 21 May 2016
realmacgyverRealMacgyver
Rated 31 Dec 2008
90
94th
Great stuff. A smart comedy with plenty of messages. Could probably analyse the hell out of it, but where's the fun in that?
Rated 31 Dec 2008
cagedwisdomcagedwisdom
Rated 12 Nov 2012
100
90th
Absolutely wonderful. Pleasantville walks a fine line, and tells a story to great effect through the use of overtturned filmmaking techniques, without ever becoming jarring or inaccessible. It could perhaps do more, but I found it impossible not to love.
Rated 12 Nov 2012
slrsoapboxSlrSoapbox
Rated 13 Jan 2007
100
98th
Hilarious and original, a great film for anyone who rejects censorship and homogenization and embraces the literal and metaphorical colour in life.
Rated 13 Jan 2007
grimsoothgrimsooth
Rated 14 Aug 2007
62
58th
This movie is just when Toby Maguire starts to show his stuff as an actor, it's worth seeing just for his preformance.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
uniquenameUniqueName
Rated 30 Dec 2008
83
71st
Curious little drama about acceptance and perhaps the loss on innocence and 2-dimensional thinking that characterizes the 1950s. I felt the filmmakers were getting a bit to preachy in the final act however.
Rated 30 Dec 2008
vv238vv238
Rated 28 Sep 2018
73
78th
As time goes on, I think I enjoy this only more. It's not a great film by any means but anything which criticizes nostalgia is worthy of note in an age of constant remakes, reboots, and seemingly endless 80's nostalgia.
Rated 28 Sep 2018
damildamil
Rated 15 Jan 2012
80
90th
With a better writer/director, and a couple of casting changes, this film could've been amazing. As it stands, it's still pretty great. The themes and allegories it brings up are fantastic. I just wish they could've been explored more or better. Still plenty of really nice moments.
Rated 15 Jan 2012
movieguy1920movieguy1920
Rated 14 Aug 2007
90
86th
I'm not sure I'd place this movie in fantasy, Criticker, it was definitely more of a dramatic comedy with a fantasy overtone. Gary Ross directed this ambitious film, and it's magic worked on me. Great cast, amazing SFX. Good storytelling.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
njrocker2255njrocker2255
Rated 05 Aug 2008
90
77th
Highly recommended. Really good film will a great meaning
Rated 05 Aug 2008
indyatmnINDYATMN
Rated 27 Aug 2008
70
24th
A movie w/ a MESSAGE, albeit one as trite and outdated as the tv show the film takes place in. What's especially annoying is the film seems to think what it's saying is extremely important. The Joan Allen storyline - specifically her scene in the bathtub and what it means to the character - is the only daring scene and the film's only memorable moment. A bit like if Look Who's Coming to Dinner was released today.
Rated 27 Aug 2008
yesistastyyesistasty
Rated 12 Oct 2015
50
4th
Two teenagers travel from the 1990s into a 50s sitcom. The town of Pleasantville is subsequently afflicted with a rash of venereal disease and teenage pregnancies.
Rated 12 Oct 2015
graveling86graveling86
Rated 15 Oct 2008
95
90th
This movie is amazing. Everyone is really great in it and Joan Allen is always stellar.
Rated 15 Oct 2008
jahbinijahbini
Rated 02 Mar 2008
100
97th
This movie is really about spirituality and personal transformation. There are few honest attempts at a real message in Hollywood. This is perhaps the best.
Rated 02 Mar 2008
billkerwinbillkerwin
Rated 21 Dec 2009
85
66th
A clever idea handled with intelligence and wit.
Rated 21 Dec 2009
tavingtonTavington
Rated 12 Apr 2011
4
88th
Great script and cast packed in unique artistic setting.
Rated 12 Apr 2011
understampunderstamp
Rated 27 Mar 2011
40
32nd
Conservatives just need to get laid.
Rated 27 Mar 2011
ghostmotionghostmotion
Rated 09 Oct 2012
73
63rd
hollywood fun, well-shot, i'm into the flat tv-style characters gaining dimensionality thing
Rated 09 Oct 2012
lrampartllrampartl
Rated 14 Aug 2007
85
85th
Very smart movie.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
jordanraidenjordanraiden
Rated 11 Sep 2017
20
99th
10/9
Rated 11 Sep 2017
joshstew06JoshStew06
Rated 04 Feb 2007
82
66th
Great performances, and a great idea put to great effect. I love it.
Rated 04 Feb 2007
ewaltersewalters
Rated 13 Mar 2009
88
94th
This is an adorable movie. I love the technology used, but I love the movie too.
Rated 13 Mar 2009
kathKath
Rated 30 Jul 2008
95
85th
Amazing premise, wonderfully executed.
Rated 30 Jul 2008
daybrinjerdaybrinjer
Rated 03 Jan 2010
76
58th
Sometimes life makes you feel like this, great metaphoric movie, enjoy it while it lasts.
Rated 03 Jan 2010
smokebonessmoke_BONES
Rated 28 May 2007
96
97th
a must watch
Rated 28 May 2007
jetjaguarjetjaguar
Rated 30 Jun 2007
90
75th
One of the most imaginative and touching films of the last decade. Bound for classic status.
Rated 30 Jun 2007
kyvettikyvetti
Rated 02 May 2009
88
96th
Last Year in Marienbad / Peyton Place / Father Knows Best with biblical undercurrents and dose of kristallnacht/racial segregation as insightful 90's teen comedy? Interesting idea... Execution would have needed bit of polish to make this really great, but generally, highly enjoyable film.
Rated 02 May 2009
ozymandius10ozymandius10
Rated 09 Jan 2008
83
84th
An underrated gem. Wholesome at it's core, and the gimmick doesn't overpower the story or the message. Excellent movie.
Rated 09 Jan 2008
cairosmithcairosmith
Rated 16 Nov 2016
89
92nd
A film that revels in a simplistic, feel-good, free-for-all anti-Protestant liberalism, but does so very well and brings new elements into play at all the right times.
Rated 16 Nov 2016
pianosamaPianoSama
Rated 12 Jan 2020
75
96th
Enchanting effects, excellent performances from a great cast, social commentary that feels clever instead of hamfisted, & witty writing all combine to make the fascinating ride that is Pleasantville. Though the opening setup is a bit hokey & there are a few plot holes, plus a couple characters who could've used more development, those flaws are easily made up for by the inventiveness & originality of what feels like a feature-length Twilight Zone episode. It's fun, fantastical, & worth seeing.
Rated 12 Jan 2020
myfavchordsmyfavchords
Rated 03 Feb 2015
81
82nd
This film has a really good, original script. The premise is brilliant and the cast all seem to be having a great time. Everyone in the cast does a good job. I highly recommend this film.
Rated 03 Feb 2015
drennalinDrennalin
Rated 23 Mar 2020
90
84th
There aren't many films made that have as much to say as this fantasy film. Great performances.
Rated 23 Mar 2020
kitty19Kitty19
Rated 20 Jan 2019
82
71st
Unusual movie. Something a little different that's NOT a weirdo indie.
Rated 20 Jan 2019
lofisofilofisofi
Rated 24 Feb 2019
50
46th
this film, which i saw one day in school, played a pivotal role in the development of my cinematic taste
Rated 24 Feb 2019
neuroticerotNeuroticErot
Rated 14 Aug 2007
59
22nd
I'll never understand why this film is referenced so much contemporarily. It was a decent film, but nothing really that memorable about it. Still, it seems to come up in conversation more than other average movies.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
ericamblerericambler
Rated 22 Jun 2016
81
79th
A playful--and surprisingly trenchant--fable about the perils of censorship, bigotry, and general close-mindedness, PLEASANTVILLE first seduces the viewer into thinking it's merely a gentle parody of idyllic 1950s family sitcoms. But the film reveals a deeper purpose as it unfolds, tackling problems that don't seem too far removed from our modern experience while using wit, charm, and humor to communicate its agenda in a delightfully entertaining way.
Rated 22 Jun 2016
dellair45dellair45
Rated 10 May 2016
69
48th
Pleasantville is an interesting and unique movie in many ways. It explores themes such as 50's racism and gender roles. While I enjoyed this movie, it lacked a revelation that would push it over the edge. The movies ambition outweighs its depth, but still the movie is a worthwhile 2 hours.
Rated 10 May 2016
shmendrekShmendrek
Rated 23 Sep 2007
2
33rd
Annoying, ham-fisted symbolism. Forgettable.
Rated 23 Sep 2007
vandelay1Vandelay1
Rated 14 Jun 2008
74
85th
good movie
Rated 14 Jun 2008
myszatekMyszatek
Rated 12 Sep 2009
80
74th
Very charming and surprisingly clever
Rated 12 Sep 2009
mistersplicemistersplice
Rated 18 May 2009
90
96th
- excellent
Rated 18 May 2009
shewasSheWas
Rated 23 Jan 2016
71
72nd
Starts and ends quite expectably boring, but boy, did I enjoy everything that came between them.
Rated 23 Jan 2016
ymyogevymyogev
Rated 29 Jan 2017
78
45th
Corny, yet heartwarming.
Rated 29 Jan 2017
anttirAnttiR
Rated 09 Apr 2018
80
38th
Nice piece of cultural-marxist propaganda!
Rated 09 Apr 2018
nick007nick_007
Rated 16 May 2007
88
62nd
Fun movie! Everyone should see it!
Rated 16 May 2007
optimusmikeOptimus_mike
Rated 23 Nov 2008
60
34th
Enjoyable, not much more though.
Rated 23 Nov 2008
maartenmaarten
Rated 27 Mar 2011
72
79th
Not a wonderful movie, but certain ideas were terrific (but telling about them would be spoiling, so... just see this one!)
Rated 27 Mar 2011
gigglestickGigglestick
Rated 24 Mar 2008
60
49th
This is a movie that I didn't think I'd like, but I do. I mean, really...Reese Witherspoon and Toby Maguire? I didn't exactly expect thought provocation or depth here. I was surprised. This movie is actually kinda clever.
Rated 24 Mar 2008
jpfergusonJPFerguson
Rated 16 Dec 2023
60
54th
In the voice of Fiona Apple: "Words are flowing out like endless rain into a paper cup; They slither wildly as they slip away across the universe; Pools of sorrow, waves of joy are drifting through my opened mind; Possessing and caressing me..." Same cinematic universe as 'The Truman Show' (they even came out in the same year).
Rated 16 Dec 2023
closefriendCloseFriend
Rated 20 Oct 2013
74
59th
I hadn't expected a movie like this to delve so deeply into philosophy. I loved the color effects and the subtle Adam & Eve allegory. Not everything worked, but a few things worked quite well.
Rated 20 Oct 2013
virtuedanielvirtuedaniel
Rated 01 Jun 2012
70
31st
I give it a equals (based on a scale of negative, equals and plus). I really enjoyed watching it. I remember when I was growing up my religious parents spoke ill of this film. Now I know why. It is allegorical in the way it shows this town without color and compares it to the religious right, and their battle against premarital sex and Catcher in the Rye . I'm giving it an equals because it allows the political ideology to take center stage, and the characters and plot get left behind.
Rated 01 Jun 2012
jonquilljonquill
Rated 12 Sep 2007
87
57th
That this came out so close to Truman Show kind of doomed it.
Rated 12 Sep 2007
apparatusapparatus
Rated 05 Sep 2010
89
90th
amazing concept. Its very interesting to watch the two characters adjust themselves to live in a black & white television world.
Rated 05 Sep 2010
sputnik84sputnik84
Rated 17 May 2015
86
80th
Social commentary. Female Sexuality. Destroy racism. Destroy the patriarchy. Emotional men, strong women. Shattering stillness, inviting color. Magical liberal fantasy dream.
Rated 17 May 2015
senseisensei
Rated 14 Oct 2007
65
26th
Beats you over the head with its message, and the ending is rather puzzling. If I may make a prediction, I foresee this movie being shown in a high school English classroom near you within the next few years (if it hasn't been shown already).
Rated 14 Oct 2007
tevtev
Rated 03 Sep 2023
68
84th
A biting, thoughtful satire of conservatism. Despite a few blind spots, it has aged better than Idiocracy, which had some similar themes, despite being the older of the two films. Painfully resonant, current and timely, watching it on Sept 2, 2023. A more emotional and intense film than I expected; I didn't realize it wasn't just a comedy going in. The book burning hit me emotionally due to the context of the famous image it visually recalled. Important message now as then! Sad no such easy fix.
Rated 03 Sep 2023
nilbogNilbog
Rated 04 Mar 2018
49
16th
Some great ideas, beautiful scenery, and an interesting political message. But this film fails for its lack of good characters. The deliberately boring characters are no less interesting than the main characters
Rated 04 Mar 2018
thedenizenTheDenizen
Rated 14 Aug 2007
70
63rd
Surprisingly deft and clever comedy. Don Knotts is still funny.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
jlkellerjlKeller
Rated 03 May 2008
84
33rd
Don Knotts - YES!
Rated 03 May 2008
garlonussGarlonuss
Rated 15 Oct 2008
63
11th
A cute enough movie that doesn't come across as too gimmicky, but it comes across a bit preachy in a few areas.
Rated 15 Oct 2008
onyedionyedi
Rated 10 Jun 2022
0
1st
Varoluş gayesi ahlaksızlığa methiye, tafsilata lüzum yok.
Rated 10 Jun 2022
overratedoverrated
Rated 04 Sep 2011
41
34th
So is Joan Allen now in a perpetual threesome kind of deal?
Rated 04 Sep 2011
rdwn29905rdwn29905
Rated 14 Aug 2007
58
40th
jeff daniels cant save this one, but still intersting to see the beginnings of toby mcguire and reese witherspoon
Rated 14 Aug 2007
capodelnullacapodelnulla
Rated 18 Mar 2019
80
81st
anlatıda didaktizme kayan tarafı büyüsünü bozsa da her şeyden önce ton geçişlerindeki mimari açısından çok başarılı bir iş çıkarıyor. basitlik üzerine kuruluşu belki itici gözüküyor bazen ama anlatısındaki çıkmazları cevaplayışında klişe-vari bir doğruluk söz konusu. ve naifliği ağır basıyor olsa da south park bölümü tarzında bir konuşmayla her şeyi halleden karakter henüz başlardaki alaycılığa hala sahip.
Rated 18 Mar 2019
cmonsterCMonster
Rated 01 Mar 2012
80
68th
There was something captivating about this movie, and I think my favorite part was how the adults in the town reacted as stuff slowly became not perfect anymore. William H. Macy is pretty awesome.
Rated 01 Mar 2012
shaoShao
Rated 29 Aug 2007
69
67th
Sweet, sappy, touching.
Rated 29 Aug 2007
cestmoicestmoi
Rated 15 May 2008
75
48th
Pleasant.
Rated 15 May 2008
giuseppeGiuseppe
Rated 01 Oct 2011
74
55th
This was a... pleasant movie to watch. It's interesting, it has decent acting and its visually attractive. It manages to combine its comedic aspects with a little bit of satire and social commentary without it spoiling its lighthearted nature. All in all, a decent movie ideal for a 'light' evening.
Rated 01 Oct 2011
hellboy76hellboy76
Rated 20 Sep 2010
72
86th
Clever charming comedy that does manage to effectively move its message. Great casting and a sharp script make it something that can be enjoyed more than once as well.
Rated 20 Sep 2010
future42future42
Rated 29 Aug 2022
30
35th
Pretty sure I saw this…
Rated 29 Aug 2022
polsterpolster
Rated 29 Jun 2008
80
52nd
I really liked the concept and story of this movie... Just wonderful.
Rated 29 Jun 2008
valjoellevaljoelle
Rated 19 Nov 2011
90
47th
Good movie and a fun idea.
Rated 19 Nov 2011
quail_butterQuail Butter
Rated 15 Oct 2008
65
40th
Odd.
Rated 15 Oct 2008
getshort78getshort78
Rated 11 Dec 2011
98
58th
David (Tobey Maguire) and his sister Jennifer (Reese Witherspoon) are siblings leading dramatically different high school social lives. Jennifer is shallow and extroverted, while David is shy, introverted and spends most of his time watching television. One evening while their mother (Jane Kaczmarek) is away from home, David and Jennifer fight over the use of the downstairs TV; Jennifer wants to watch an MTV concert, while David needs the TV in order to watch a marathon of his favorite show, Ple
Rated 11 Dec 2011
drcDrC
Rated 14 Aug 2007
90
66th
Quite possibly one of the most enjoyable films that no one ever seems to talk about. Loved it.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
joyousjoyous
Rated 01 Dec 2007
75
68th
Tobey Mcguire and Reese Witherspoon make decent impressions in this flick, filmed in a most interesting manner. The special effects are stellar and when splashes of color begin to break up the black and white pallette, the impact is noticeable. The story, however, goes from being rather interesting to merely cliche at when the credits role.
Rated 01 Dec 2007
joearlinejoearline
Rated 12 Sep 2007
65
44th
interesting metaphor of fifties v sixties sensibilities...until they beat you over the head with it
Rated 12 Sep 2007
rockwellrockwell
Rated 14 Aug 2007
30
8th
talk about spelling it out...
Rated 14 Aug 2007
murravenerMurravener
Rated 09 Mar 2007
75
40th
An intriguing film that mixes modern day with the contemporary 50's. It is an enjoyable drama that makes people take a look at life froma new perspective.
Rated 09 Mar 2007
elfflameElfflame
Rated 01 Aug 2008
85
78th
A truly enjoyable film, and I'm glad I finally got to watch it one day. You don't even realize the allegory is stacking up until it hits you right in the face. It might seem trite, but there's a message behind the saccharine that is well worth it.
Rated 01 Aug 2008
bookhouseboybookhouseboy
Rated 13 Jun 2015
77
96th
#14#, story, cast, oldies(2) }*{ #00s(e)#, reviews, cast
Rated 13 Jun 2015
velvet_croweVelvet Crowe
Rated 04 Jun 2010
82
92nd
The film is ham-fisted in its approach to civil rights metaphors, especially with how non-sensical the "colorization" is as a plot beat. But what I admire about this film is moreso how it deals with the theme of change, wherein characters have varying reactions to the radical transformations of their society and, for some, this becomes a matter of extreme coping for what was lost and realization that the nostalgia they have for the past is less ideal than they realize.
Rated 04 Jun 2010
drewrocks34drewrocks34
Rated 14 Aug 2007
65
49th
A little Henderson's heavy hands, a little long, but the acting was great.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
teddedonTedDedon
Rated 18 Mar 2007
71
44th
Visually creative but not as impressive as it thinks it is.
Rated 18 Mar 2007
dandaodowndandaodown
Rated 18 Dec 2009
80
55th
good movie
Rated 18 Dec 2009
shephardShephard
Rated 18 Oct 2007
65
61st
Original, well-cast, well-written, appealing characters and storyline.
Rated 18 Oct 2007
mjvmoviemanMJVmovieMan
Rated 20 Jan 2008
76
72nd
A very colorful, interesting, original film about change, discovery, sexuality, and loss of innocence.
Rated 20 Jan 2008
sonovagunsonovagun
Rated 17 Oct 2007
40
36th
entertaining if slightly mediocre
Rated 17 Oct 2007

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