Watch
12 Monkeys

12 Monkeys

1995
Drama, Sci-fi
2h 9m
Between sanity and madness, fantasy and reality, the past and the future, comes an adventure beyond imagination from Terry Gilliam, the acclaimed director of "The Fisher King." Penal colony prisoner James Cole (Willis) must travel back in time from the year 2035 to find the cause of a virus that killed five billion people in 1997. (Universal)
Your probable score
?

12 Monkeys

1995
Drama, Sci-fi
2h 9m
Your probable score
Avg Percentile 66.72% from 16796 total ratings

Ratings & Reviews

(16796)
Compact view
Compact view
Rated 14 Aug 2007
85
82nd
Time travel as an identity unravelling headache. Willis is introverted and childlike, rapidly convincing himself of his own psychosis when not wandering around in a giant condom. Gilliam brings a curiously convincing futuristic, discarded brass aesthetic to the preceedings. The best film about time travel ever made.
Rated 24 Feb 2008
95
99th
Bruce Willis in one of his best roles. A story with a deeper meaning, which is really enjoyable to watch. It's a very smart story that's brought to you in a simple, enjoyable, humouristic way with enough action. The plot is intruiging and really special. It's genius and insane at the same moment. And the whole cast acts incredibly, and the role Brad Pitt played is really awesome.
Rated 09 May 2008
85
83rd
A great example of walking the line of explanation and mystery. Things are explained just enough to allow you to understand what is immediately going on, not necessarily why, and that adds to the enjoyment of the film. I think my favorite character in this would Brad Pitt's. Normally I don't quote lines but "You stupid assholes I'm a mental patient, I'm supposed to act out!" is too good to forget.
Rated 11 Sep 2009
90
94th
A great sci-fi tale. Commentary about the nature of psychosis and how it is diagnosed and treated is spot on (at least for the time). Willis and Pitt are great. The plot keeps you on your toes the first time you watch it and is still very fulfilling even when you know what happens. In the hands of anyone but Gilliam this film might not be as good but he makes this film a pure joy to watch.
Rated 15 May 2007
83
89th
Surreal and sadistic 12 Monkeys perfectly portrays the traits of creativity that make Terry Gilliam such a talented director. It has a spark of equal insanity and genius which makes it both a surreal experience and a riviting viewing. While the direction and plotline is intelligently and intricately interwoven with insanity and multiple time zones and viewpoints. Acting also stands out with some great performances by Pitt and Willis. Excellent use of music highlights the tone of the film.
Rated 10 May 2008
86
84th
It manages to seem so much more convoluted than it really is without ever trying to be too clever. The viewer shares Willis' constant disorientation and confusion as he moves between the past and the present.
Rated 21 Feb 2007
80
77th
This sci-fi flick has it all: interesting visual concept, very good screenplay, smart directing, fine acting and the most important factor: INTELLIGENT IDEAS.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
98
87th
Terry Gilliam is a genius. And a very underrated one, for that matter. This one sci-fi thriller that takes you deep within the story, and the characters lives. And does so while giving us a truly complex and riveting vision of time. Forgotten masterpiece.
Rated 15 May 2010
93
99th
The dystopic future, the time travel in a deterministic universe, the Vertigo reference, and the "Wonderful World" song over the credits all spoke to me on an individual level. Not to mention Willis and Pitt's great performances, and Gilliam's fantastic direction. The only qualm I have at all is that the titular group was a red herring; even though this adds to the overarching sense of hopelessness, it negates a large segment of the plot.
Rated 23 Jan 2007
95
97th
The best feature of 12 Monkeys is the ambiguity of the storyline. The film deliberately allows two entirely different interpretations, both very interesting. Also features incredible acting by Pitt and Willis and several hauntingly beautiful and sad moments. One of the films you can watch an infinite number of times and never be disappointed.
Rated 03 Mar 2007
4
70th
One of the better sci-fi pics I've seen; intense, dark and brooding, and wildly entertaining. And pretty intelligent too. Great cinematography, good acting...this is just really well-done in pretty much every aspect.
Rated 30 Jun 2007
90
75th
Truly great science fiction. As one of the few Gilliam films conceived, written and developed by others, it has enough of the Gilliam touch to be recognizable, but is much more anchored in plot and character than his usual work. Willis' wounded, vulnerable performance is a wonder to watch.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
93
96th
Wonderful. Though the first viewing reveals our heroes' fates, a second watch actually enhances the tale. Acting, directing, soundtrack, and cinematography are all top notch. Smart sci-fi that never lets down.
Rated 27 Jul 2010
55
53rd
Interesting but poorly directed remake. One key philosophical moment: Willis states that when I re-watch a movie (he is watching VERTIGO), the movie cannot change, but my experience of it does, and that this can only be because I have changed. Such is the lesson of all exact recording from the letter onwards, a lesson that Husserl may have learned from phonographic recording. This possibility of returning to the significant object is the opening of all critical possibility. Rewatched March 2019.
Rated 27 Jun 2016
85
94th
While the ending remains enjoyable, I didn't love this as much as I once did. The script is at its strongest when it plays with the idea that Willis might be mad, but that's only a small part of the film, and I now find Pitt's zealous performance less than accomplished. But (as the time travel story enthusiast that I am) I still really like Marker's (watch 'La Jetée'!) ["HIDE! The spoiler is coming!"] ultimately rather bleak take on the subject...["Okay, guys, it's safe, you can come out now."]
Rated 18 May 2019
85
92nd
Great visual style in the future. Having Bruce Willis' character not understand anything is frustrating but I can appreciate why we saw the story unfold through his lens. Brad Pitt MVP plays crazy people well. Fav scene: the animals running through the streets in 1996.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
100
90th
Just watched this for a fourth time. I feel like I notice a load more stuff and understand far more at each watching. It's exciting and thrilling even when you know just what's going to happen.. The music is splendid, and Willis and Pitt are great. It's rare to see this kind of film with such a great internal logical consistency. You just have to love this.
Rated 05 Jan 2008
62
49th
What is the big deal? Besides the excellent acting by Brad Pitt, this movie doesn't have much goin for it. This movie seemed really rushed, i just couldn't enjoy it.
Rated 05 Feb 2008
94
97th
Remembered for three things: The utterly, utterly amazing acting by everyone involved, the melancholic imagery and the plot that takes your attention with force and hands it back two weeks after the credits have rolled over.
Rated 13 Mar 2008
91
94th
One of the best time travel movies ever made. The set design is gorgeous, the music is perfect, and Willis' and Pitt's performances are each among their best. But what I love most about it is how well structured the story is. Unlike a lot of twisty time travel stories, 12 Monkeys actually holds up to logical scrutiny.
Rated 06 Apr 2008
92
98th
Terry Gilliam does amazing job with the movie that dances brilliantly on the edge of sanity and paranoia. The apocalyptic imagery and outstanding performances by Willis and Pitt make this film one the best sci-fi movies i've ever seen.
Rated 17 Apr 2008
99
99th
Absolutely golden where most sci-fi fails--drama and emotion. Woe for the future, woe for doomed, confused Cole, and woe for Dr. Railly, who can't really help him. And hurrah for Goines, who finds truth and humor in the most insane places, inside and outside the asylum, albeit without humanity. This also has one of the most poignant uses of a clip of another movie that I've ever seen, and fantastic production design.
Rated 17 May 2008
91
98th
One of the best, if not the best sci-fi movie to come out ot the 90's. Gilliam puts his signature wacky spin on it, and the plot is simply to die for. It holds up after multiple viewings too. Pitt needs to play crazy guys more often.
Rated 01 Sep 2009
94
97th
One of those movies that keeps the viewer on their toes all the time. You can never be sure what to believe and what is real or imaginary. Even after the end of the movie there's no certainty about what really happened.
Rated 09 Aug 2010
88
69th
I watched this right after watching the film it was based on, La Jetee, and this film simply didn't affect me very much (since the story was very similar), but was still enjoyable. If you have a choice, watch La Jetee first as to not be spoiled to the story by 12 Monkeys. La Jetee is a far more effective film, if you can get past the archaic format. 12 Monkeys is just a big budget Hollywood remake that is good, but not great, and is confused about whether it is a comedy or a serious sci-fi film.
Rated 03 Feb 2011
90
91st
Good movie. The time travel concepts are based off of a 1962 French short film named La jetee. Each is good in it's own way.
Rated 24 Jan 2014
5
70th
obviously isn't as good as brazil, with a duller vibe caused by gilliam's aesthetic clashing with an attempt to be more dark and gritty. however, the concept of la jetee is inherently interesting, and as such the film works well, with its main philosophical focus being determinism. it isn't on the level of the work it was inspired by.
Rated 01 Apr 2018
80
57th
Brad Pitt with the over-the-top performance of the century (as a mad-hatter-like character), Bruce Willis drooling through the 90 percents of the running time, and the lovely Madeleine Stowe to rescue the viewer from madness. I really like how washed out the frontier between the time travel and the mental disorder is presented here. Paradoxically, it makes it sort of real.
Rated 25 Jan 2007
80
61st
Good sci-fi from Gilliam.
Rated 10 Jul 2007
88
81st
Brad Pitt owns in this movie
Rated 14 Aug 2007
40
14th
A cliche'-ridden mess of ideas.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
85
91st
Brilliant time traveling mindfuck from the fevered brain of Terry Gilliam which features one of Brad Pitt's best acting performances ever.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
80
78th
An interesting and different film.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
89
88th
One of Brad Pitt's more memorable roles, and a pretty compelling story with for once, with an ending that seems more true to life than your average Hollywood conclusion.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
80
71st
Pinned between his own need for Gilliamism and the demands of studio execs, Gilliam makes his most palatable film yet.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
80
91st
Inspired by Marker's La Jetee but I doubt Marker would have made something this good even if he had the budget for it. He probably would have squandered it on something really pretentious and self-important but boring.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
81
77th
I need to see this movie again, but I remember it being insanely good. I was pretty confused at the time, but I think some of that would be remedied with age and wisdom.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
70
20th
Falls short of accomplishing anything special, asides showing that Bruce WIllis and Brad Pitt had more range than hitherto expected.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
100
97th
Stunning look at a possible future, very well-made, acted, and shot.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
100
99th
Meet my All times' #1! Scifi AND Gilliam AND Willis AND Pitt. Could it be any better? Yes, if it had a thouught, the message. Wait, it has, hasn't it? The only DVD I purchased for a full price. Geez, I bought it BEFORE I bought a player to play it!
Rated 14 Aug 2007
79
58th
Not much that Bruce Willis does that I don't like. This was no exception
Rated 18 Aug 2007
50
16th
Could be a great movie, but it has one huge flaw: Bruce willis is coherent and intelligent most of the time, but in situations where his credibility is important, he conveniently (for the plot) turns into a blabbering maniac. c'mon guys!
Rated 21 Aug 2007
88
90th
Excellent, Bruce Willis is sent back in time to stop the psychotic Brad Pitt from unleashing an unstoppable plague that will wipe out humanity off the face of the planet.
Rated 22 Oct 2007
100
90th
As James Cole tells Dr. Railly while watching Vertigo, "The movie never changes -- it can't change -- but everytime you see it, it seems to be different because you're different -- you notice different things".
Rated 08 Nov 2007
90
93rd
Wonderfully weird from Gilliam. The action/thriller aspect should satisfy the more conventional of you too.
Rated 09 Jun 2008
9
88th
12 Monkeys will make you feel something other time travel movies don't: In this movie, people can't go back in time to change events like they always do in all time travel movies. Everything has already happened. Nothing can be done. Every man is a dead man walking. So, naturally, you are going to feel sadness. But, weirdly enough, you are going to like that feeling. And hopefully derive some personal meaning from it.
Rated 21 Jun 2008
92
96th
Terry Gilliam's best film so far, this paradox filled sci-fi film mixes bizarre comedy and time travel twists into a beautifully dark film. Brad Pitt's best role as the crazy Jeffery Goins and Bruce Willis proves he can act once again. I like this more and more when I see it.
Rated 10 Jul 2008
98
99th
It's one of those films which slowly and subtly starts affecting your mind as you watch it. The mood of the film is very dark and gritty and both Willis and Pitt do an excellent job on this one. Good for several viewings.
Rated 27 Aug 2008
96
97th
Possibly the most entertaining performances of both Willis and Pitt's respective careers! Gilliam has a knack for creating such a unique feeling in his films and this, alongside Brazil, is a standout in his catalog.
Rated 21 Sep 2008
70
30th
Cool movie with an intriguing story-line and all the expected creativity Gilliam brings to the table. Appropriately surreal.
Rated 14 Oct 2008
100
96th
terry gilliam (ex python), bruce and brad..What more could i ask?
Rated 14 Dec 2008
80
77th
Polished, commercial filmmaking yet with enough grit and breathing room to remain quirky and soulful. I've seen this film probably five times and never feel the same about it twice. Does Gilliam intend we look on our present from his imagined future, or vice versa? Does Willis's character comprehend his fate before the audience can? And is that twist the punchline, or merely a coda?
Rated 30 Dec 2008
93
96th
One of my favorite movies. Pitt is excellent, time travel explored with excellent pacing, just a fun fun sci-fi to watch.
Rated 03 Jan 2009
77
81st
Dodges some of the major clichés and is in many ways different from most things to come out of Hollywood. An updated, improved "Brazil" is the closest resemblance I can find.
Rated 08 Jan 2009
95
93rd
Gilliam's best, and darkest, film also happens to feature Willis' finest acting. Pitt gives a scenery devouring performance, which teeters just on the right side of fantastic.
Rated 21 Jan 2009
95
92nd
A fantastic film that had me guessing about its intentions throughout its duration.
Rated 04 Mar 2009
20
44th
Time-travel brain-twister credited as "inspired [but not very] by the film _La Jetée_" -- the 1962 experimental short composed exclusively of still shots, save one. There are some provocative or at least irksome notions in the script, chief among them the implicit time-travel whopper of one person being two places (and two ages) at once. Any and all ingenuities, however, are avalanched by the customary Gilliam baggage: overproduction; "daft" humor; textbook surrealism; physical repellence
Rated 09 Apr 2009
0
15th
A bleak and confused conundrum, which often seems designed for no other purpose than to allow Willis to suffer stoically; despite its visual exuberance, the effect is deadening.
Rated 11 May 2009
95
98th
Gilliam takes the relatively simple but thought provoking plot of La Jetee and crafts it into a masterpiece of weirdness. Bruce Willis is a great as a time traveler that doesn't know what he's doing, and Brad Pitt's insane character is worth the price of admission alone.
Rated 18 May 2009
87
80th
It took me a long time to finally sit down and watch this movie. But I finally saw it recently and was pleasantly surprised. Terry Gilliam has the most warped lens in the business and his style is unique. Into his universe drop Bruce Willis, Christopher Plummer, and a PERFECTLY cast Brad Pitt and you have a very good film. There's a definite mobius strip feel that was perfected years later in Donnie Darko, and can easily fuel debates on pre-destination an fate.
Rated 24 May 2009
90
77th
Good film. Time travel actually works, but this means the future is unchangeable.
Rated 08 Jun 2009
73
72nd
Cool enough, Pitt tries a bit too much for me, but enjoyable none the less.
Rated 18 Jun 2009
93
97th
Took me several tries to figure this one out. The only thing that could make it more confusing would be to watch it in 2009 and travel back to present day 1995 to stop a virus that killed humanity off 12 years ago, in 1997. Cripes.
Rated 10 Jul 2009
70
73rd
A very good movie overall, but I felt as though it could have been a masterpiece. It started out fantastic, but once you understand the significance of the dream it feels like the film is just dragging you along until you reach the final scene. I would have liked to see more of the Army of the 12 Monkeys and how Jeffery started them as opposed to a scene like the Hitchcock marathon, but I totally understand Gilliam's decision. Plus, Brad Pitt gives an excellent performance.
Rated 27 Jul 2009
82
96th
Sci-Fi film with budget big enough to have Hollywood A-list cast, entertaining enough to be appealing to the mainstream film lovers and artistic enough to catch an attention of cinephiles. I have seen it at least 3 times withit 15 years, and each time I see it differently. It's one of those films that grows together with you.
Rated 02 Aug 2009
91
68th
Gilliam proves himself to be one of the most creative directors of our time.
Rated 05 Dec 2009
84
90th
Well, I first saw It when I was about 12 years old. Today, I've seen it again and really understood the whole damn thing. Gilliam constructs a bit of weirdo but solid sci-fi, with intelligence and great ideas about time travel.
Rated 27 Dec 2009
90
99th
It took me three viewings as a kid to truly 'get' the narrative here, and even though the plot seems very straightforward today, the film is as compelling as ever: Gilliam's masterpiece of unsettling direction combining with a great story, terrific set design and on-point performances from the main cast to produce a truly unique, unforgettable experience. As with any time travel tale there are inconsistencies in some of the logic, but that's pretty much the only criticism I can throw at this.
Rated 17 Feb 2010
89
98th
Absurd, funny, tragic, even beautiful. On rewatching this I was impressed by just how cleverly the confusing plot clues fall into place. Outstanding use of the time travel paradox, especially as it is woven into Cole's questioning of his own sanity.
Rated 17 May 2010
94
99th
Gilliam has been using the same story over and over. Brazil, 12 Monkeys, The Brothers Grimm, and so on. The story of the real world versus the dream/fantasy world. I'd say 12 Monkeys is his most successful attempt at telling that story, it is subtle (fantasy being our 'real' modern world in this case), got a great cast, and very engaging and imaginative. I can watch this movie over and over and always find something I missed. Highly recommended!
Rated 13 Sep 2010
30
12th
I love La Jetee. It's just wonderful. It's a shame that 12 Monkeys is kind of the worst that Terry Gillliam has to offer. I don't like him generally, and this movie is basically why. He's all close ups, canted angles, and awful soundtracks. Yes, the brillience of La Jetee is there. Somewhere. It's hard to find it at times, though. Jesus, this movie is weak. The first third seems padded and boring, and the last third just loses all focus altogether.
Rated 28 Oct 2010
85
89th
Gilliam may not have totally hit it out of the park with the whole post-apocalyptic/psychological concept as it seemed slightly underdeveloped but there wasn't a moment when I was not entertained. Let's just say that it's uniquely imaginative and intelligent with an interesting mystery doled out in small increments. And of course it would be a crime not to single out Brad Pitt's terrific performance.
Rated 26 Nov 2010
84
94th
Great sci fi movie by the always original terry gilliam. the monty python quality never faded for gilliam . Tho not all of his movies are great, some really are. This one included. Great story with great acting by Pitt and decent acting by the rest of the cast makes a great movie.
Rated 21 Feb 2011
85
95th
Peoples proves yet again that his scripts are able to walk the line between entertaining and challenging audiences perfectly. Sure, there's implausibilities like cole doubting his sanity in spite of having lived his whole life in the future, but the narrative works well enough within itself to overlook these things and buy it. Could've done with less dutch angles, but altogether great effort by cast & crew and i'm always smitten by madeleine stowe. Whatever happened to her?
Rated 01 Apr 2011
85
92nd
Great story, based on a short by Chris Marker. Develops the original in a good way, into an intriguing distopian future. Gets you thinking and has good suspense.
Rated 02 Apr 2011
2
39th
Well made, but the story is not interesting enough to sustain a 2 hour running time. I was not surprised to find out it was based on a short film.
Rated 25 Jul 2011
84
91st
There are many ways you can interpret this movie and I guess that's what makes it a very good one. However when you go down to basics, it revolves around the idea of a deterministic universe. Past, present and future are bound together and cannot be altered. One gripe I have about this movie is that its story seems to lose steam at times, although it picks up quickly afterwards; also the revelation towards the end renders much of the previous action rather moot. But I can live with that.
Rated 18 Aug 2011
90
92nd
quintessential gilliam. brad pitt gives one of his very best performances, stealing the show in his scenes. this is probably willis's single best performance that i've ever seen.
Rated 05 Nov 2011
95
77th
Really enjoyed this Film. It's a crazy journey, and great to watch.
Rated 02 Dec 2011
74
82nd
Going in fairly blind, you have absolutely no clue what's happening at the start and then little by little more is revealed - all leading up to the final scene. Only then do you realise the brilliance of this film. Pitt and Willis are great and the script and soundtrack are thrilling.
Rated 13 Feb 2012
83
93rd
It took me a while to get sucked in, but I enjoyed the hell out of it after I did. Great sci-fi usually does two things: explores an interesting futuristic premise in an intelligent way and uses the premise to reveal truths, raise questions, or comment on our reality. Time travel and its implications are explored as well as mental illness. The great cast doesn't hurt at all either.
Rated 26 May 2012
80
88th
If there ever comes a time when Bruce Willis and Brad Pitt are in a movie together and it isn't worth watching, roll me over in my grave.
Rated 09 Jan 2013
86
92nd
Great performances by Willis and Pitt, combined with unsettling, surreal direction from Gilliam carry a solid story to a point where it can at least flirt with greatness. The first half is far more enthralling than the second, as you are consistently questioning whether Cole is truly crazy (and you get more of Pitt's insanity). The second half of the story suffers as more and more evidence mounts to support the time travel story and the ending becomes clear too soon. Still pretty awesome.
Rated 21 Nov 2013
69
43rd
Good acting and plot but the ending made me want to burn my dvd out of frustration.
Rated 04 Dec 2013
80
88th
A monumentally confusing script, a terrific soundtrack, a fine cast including a truly outstanding Brad Pitt and Terry Gilliam's uniquely artistic touch make "12 Monkeys" an engrossing film to watch. Filled with brilliantly stunning imagery, it's darkly humorous, subtly romantic, full-on confusing and down-right lyrical.
Rated 22 Jan 2014
85
50th
Felt very much like Brazil, and I was equally confused on what to think. Great acting and prototypical Gilliam style.
Rated 06 Feb 2014
95
97th
Excellently written and smartly directed, 12 Monkeys is tense and engaging, with a mazy plot that keeps the viewer guessing right up until the final scene. The performances are solid, with an especially good turn from Brad Pitt, and the production design just as good as one would expect from any Gilliam picture. It's undoubtedly one of the best sci-fi movies of the 1990s, and one of the few films that gets time-travel just right.
Rated 05 Aug 2014
9
91st
12 Monkeys is without a doubt one of my all time favourite Sci/Fi's and it's arguably Terry Gilliam's best film also. From the casting, performances and script, to the incredibly thought provoking plot, the attention to detail and overall vision is masterfully imagined & created by Gilliam. And the time travel elements are perfectly executed. Willis carries the film well, as does Stowe. But Pitt gives one of his best performances and steals every scene. Definitely worthy of repeated viewings.
Rated 23 Sep 2014
65
37th
Brilliantly explores the theme of sanity vs. insanity, but many elements feel unconvincing and disjointed. The ending was particularly unsatisfying, the film shines best in the middle.
Rated 29 Sep 2014
10
99th
The movie starts off slow and confusing, and picks up the pace just right. It tricks you into believing the main character is actually insane, and throws a ton of plot twists in your face. On top of this, the actors all play their part very well, the movie is visually pleasing, and the script doesn't have too many big plot holes - which is rare when time travel is concerned.
Rated 15 Nov 2014
93
97th
If you ever had any doubts about Brad Pitt as a good actor, just watch this movie. Great film.
Rated 28 Dec 2014
94
98th
This movie explains why we love Terry Gilliam. Excellent.
Rated 20 Aug 2015
85
29th
In 1996, a virus kills five billion people. 40 years later, the underground survivors 'volunteer' convict James Cole (Willis) to travel back and study it. Time travel is no exact science and he's initially sent back to 1990, where he's certified insane, then to the trenches of the First World War.
Rated 28 Feb 2016
9
92nd
Aided by dizzying camerawork, brutal and bizarre visuals, a spine-chilling theme, and terrific turns from Willis (the troubled James) and Pitt (the manic Jeffrey), this thrilling concoction of psychological probing, surreal time-travel and future dystopia, and terrifying apocalypticism keeps you constantly on edge, never sure what's real and what isn't. Loaded with both red herrings and brilliant reveals (see the final rendition of the airport scene), this sci-fi would relish repeat viewings.
Rated 17 May 2016
5
93rd
The essence of this film, a bleak apocalyptic vision of chronological schism and perspective subjectivity, is summed up in the scene wherein Willis, upon viewing Hitchcock's Vertigo, remarks: "The movie never changes. It can't change, but every time you see it, it seems different because you're different." And so the authorities of psychiatric wisdom and temporal reality are thrown into bedlam.
Rated 09 Oct 2016
88
71st
Twelve Monkeys is a mind-bending thriller that benefits from Terry Gilliam's visual style.
Rated 30 Apr 2017
73
78th
(Rewatched in 2023): Gilliam refers to it as a blockbuster art film, and while that is certainly an exaggeration, 12 Monkeys does have more sophisticated ideas than most tentpoles, especially in relation to time travel, which is explored here with some degree of complexity. The film also reflects on the role of memory on perception and presents a tragic view of time travel that's deterministic, highlighting man's lack of agency. Gilliam's dystopic future is memorable, but Stowe was miscast.
Rated 01 Jun 2019
60
44th
Bruce is a beautiful bruiser baby, but Gilliam's style really rubs me the wrong way. Slapstick humour, over the top cartoon characters, the boring camera-tilts that seem to desperately scream "i'm trippin' duuuude". Special accolade for Brad Pitt who once again presents some laughably bad acting.
Rated 11 Nov 2019
93
98th
I admire Gilliam, but I think this may be his most "conventionally" enjoyable films. It has his signature absurdities and trippy aesthetics, but it is also a straightforward time travel thriller. Brad Pitt gives a brazenly over-the-top performance, but I low key love it.
Rated 30 Jan 2020
80
80th
Jeffrey Goines: "There's no right, there's no wrong, there's only popular opinion."

Collections

(118)
Compact view
Showing 1 - 24 of 118 results

Similar Titles

Loading ...

Statistics

Loading ...