![Days of Heaven](https://www.criticker.com/img/films/posters/80/Days-of-Heaven.webp?1719671196)
Days of Heaven
1978
Romance
Drama
1h 34m
A hot-tempered farm laborer convinces the woman he loves to marry their rich but dying boss so that they can have a claim to his fortune (imdb)
Directed by:
Written by:
Your probable score
?
Days of Heaven
1978
Romance
Drama
1h 34m
Your probable score
Avg Percentile 73.07% from 2731 total ratings
Ratings & Reviews
(2759)
Compact view
Compact view
Show
Sort
Rated 14 Aug 2007
94
99th
The second of Malick's quasi-Heideggerian masterpieces. Perhaps the most beautiful use of cinematic photography of all time. Whatever problems there were in production, the result is a magnificent film that should be seen only in a well-equipped large-screen cinema. "Shall we try expressing the subject as one in which the works and the emotions and the entanglements of human beings are at every moment reduced to insignificance by the casual rounds of earth and sky?" (Stanley Cavell).
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 04 Jan 2009
100
99th
I would say it's redundant to mention how stunningly and beautifully Days of Heaven is photographed, but it really can't be said enough. What is equally stunning and beautiful, though, is everything else about the film - the poetry of the narration; the wonderful score; the subtle examination of love and trust, of morality and human nature, of life and death. This is one of my favorite movies.
Rated 04 Jan 2009
Rated 07 Feb 2007
90
94th
Absolutely beautiful and impressionistic. The story is complete but feels threadbare, characterization is rather minimal. But the movie is a tour de force of mood and atmosphere and lyricism, with its own unique sense of time. It's visual poetry, like Anh Hung Tran. Linda Manz was very good, and even Richard Gere wasn't that bad (although he looks more like an underwear model than a steelworker or a farmhand). Adams' perpetual frown got annoying after a while.
Rated 07 Feb 2007
Rated 30 Dec 2007
6
98th
Could just as well be titled Diary of a Young Girl. The central romance of Days of Heaven is muted and distant precisely because we're viewing the story through Linda's eyes, and her narration is as concerned with minor incidences as with the primary narrative thread. The end of this story is only the beginning of hers. Malick would later further explore this sense of life as fleeting memories inextricably tied to emotion, but he was never again as lively or spontaneous as here.
Rated 30 Dec 2007
Rated 06 Mar 2011
93
93rd
Malick makes tiresome things like film editing and melancholy fresh with seemingly little effort. One of very few movies for me (like Herzog's 'Aguirre') that really does feel like the camera fell out of the sky into the time and place it depicts: like the filming itself dissolves into the narrative and the ambiance, as if the movie is simply an idea, and the film doesn't exist. The intangible qualities of the film as a whole, perhaps, transcend its telling, which must be fine telling indeed.
Rated 06 Mar 2011
Rated 14 Aug 2007
72
78th
Class struggle amidst the land that made us. Of a past that can never be regained, told in romantic splendor... Edited like Malick dumped too much material into his collaborator's hands, written as an afterthought to the images. The love triangle is an obvious setup and not deepened by character. What Linda's poesie of death and time is after in the context of the story is a bit vague, and while I love the day-to-day work impressions, my formerly favorite film has lost its luster for me.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 09 Jul 2016
87
85th
You reap what you sow in the field of workplace relations, especially when there's no H.R. department. The Steinbeckish setting and romantic aesthetic here sweep me off my feet, but I never fully buy into the kids' voice-over even though it contains some nuggets of youthful wisdom that ring true ("I could be a mud doctor"). Still manages to explore quite a bit about family, class, and industry without words. In this sense it appears progenitor to both "There Will Be Blood" and "The Master".
Rated 09 Jul 2016
Rated 10 Mar 2008
10
98th
"You know how people are. You tell them something, they start talking." The golden hues of the fields and the sky, the sunrises and sunsets- and the violent outbursts that break with this beauty - not only illustrates Malick's eye for beautiful, balanced composition and painterly technique, but also highlights overall themes (order/disorder,unity/selfpreservation). Coupled with a magnificent score and great performances from Adams, Gere and Shepard, "Days of Heaven" is in the pantheon of cinema.
Rated 10 Mar 2008
Rated 13 May 2009
100
98th
Went into this with an attitude, how can a movie about people harvesting wheat be any good? OH LIKE THIS...
Rated 13 May 2009
Rated 17 Aug 2010
25
27th
So you barely have any plot? Your actors can't act worth shit? Well, don't worry, because symbolism is on sale today! And you're in luck, because it's the big, fat, heavy-handed type! And if you buy a fuckton, we'll throw in a handful of painfully obvious biblical allegories as well! Step right up! You too can imbue your gorgeous nature footage with needless swill that the critics will gobble right up like steaming hot jizz from Antonionis' member! It's your lucky day, Mr. Malick!
Rated 17 Aug 2010
Rated 07 Jan 2022
75
49th
A Malick movie guarantees great philosophy and landscape photography. But this picture also shows a reliance on 1950's melodrama plots--with a romance that's not as memorable as his war or crime work. The magic hour cinematography and Ennio Morricone music are hypnotic. However, the film's final third is obviously rushed and tacked on. It's still good! I just don't think it's worthy of being repeatedly named one of the greatest films ever made--let alone a highpoint of his filmography.
Rated 07 Jan 2022
Rated 26 Dec 2008
62
16th
How beautiful, it is should go without saying and I actually would have liked it far more had there been no story at all but instead just the scenery accompanied by Ennio Morricone's beautiful score. This is because the story is spread too thin accompanied by a heavy handed voice-over with characters often acting just plain dumb.
Rated 26 Dec 2008
Rated 22 Oct 2012
88
91st
Aside from one of the strangest uses of Saint-Saëns' Aquarium I've seen/heard, Days of Heaven is a luxuriously vibrant sensory treat. The photography is beautiful - the lighting and sense of movement are exquisitely captured. Though I cannot say that the base story grabbed me to the same extent, Malick produced a wonderful work of art here.
Rated 22 Oct 2012
Rated 24 Mar 2013
98
99th
One of the most visually perfect movies I've ever seen. But that's not solely where the greatness of this movie lies. The music, the story, the acting, and the editing all contribute to that difficult-to-define quality that makes a movie stand out from all the other greats out there. There's a delicate poetry coursing through this film's veins. It gives you a feeling of deep emotional resonance, and you don't even know why. That's the sign of a masterpiece, and this film is most definitely that.
Rated 24 Mar 2013
Rated 27 Oct 2007
87
87th
The story is interesting, but where the movie shines is in the mood it creates. The movie wanders along as if alongside the characters, rather than following them, which, along with the beautiful cinematography connects you to the characters emotionally.
Rated 27 Oct 2007
Rated 30 Dec 2007
100
98th
A triumph in creating atmosphere. Even the narration is unlike anything else.
Rated 30 Dec 2007
Rated 10 Jun 2008
73
85th
I could have watched those wheat fields to Morricone all day. I guess Malick had to stir things up lest he bewilder 90% of the movie-going public. I wish the plot had the conviction of the mood.
Rated 10 Jun 2008
Rated 04 Jan 2014
70
73rd
Days of Heaven is a fine film, but the heaps of praise bestowed upon in feel odd to me, especially considering its merit lies almost exclusively in its visuals. It's a little confusing to me how "it looks great" is justified here when people who say that about eye-candy blockbusters are idiots who just want to see pretty things exploding on the screen. What separates the beauty of images if not what they're showcasing beyond simple visual splendor?
Rated 04 Jan 2014
Rated 20 Nov 2016
70
56th
About the Fall vs. Heaven, civilization vs. state of nature with an attitude of religious-mystical existentialism, is what I thought to be the framework. Mallick constructs a dreamlike & simple world constituted of land (earth and common people) and the farm-house (heaven and lord). Aby & Bill sacrifice their bond (happiness before Fall) in search of wealth (knowledge and apple) which triggers a chain of violent events (Fall). The little girl as the storyteller may be the bearer of this 1st sin.
Rated 20 Nov 2016
Rated 28 Jan 2010
5
93rd
How close the earth. The class struggle and toil of labor, a warm devotion or a profane deception, restless aspiration and longing. Yet the sky and horizon remain forever beyond reach. Divine cycles spare no mortal concern, the world never ceases to spin, and one story's end is another's beginning.
Rated 28 Jan 2010
Rated 10 May 2011
94
93rd
Shooting exclusively in the magic hour should be considered cheating in filmmaking.
Rated 10 May 2011
Rated 15 Jan 2012
93
94th
The very definition of Americana. Amber waves of grain, vintage farm machinery and folks working to find their piece of the American Dream. It's an expose of labor-class struggles against wealth and the promise of manifest destiny. The visuals are legendary but the lush score is equally arresting, transporting viewers to America's Breadbasket at the dawning of the 20th century. A delicate balance of tragedy and the promise of tomorrow propels a simple story of normal people in trying situations.
Rated 15 Jan 2012
Rated 25 Mar 2007
0
8th
ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
Rated 25 Mar 2007
Rated 14 Aug 2007
85
73rd
Excellent this here movie. I don't think it warrants too much in-depth analysis; it's above all a compelling story, told in a compelling way. My only complaint is that some of the young girl's voice-over narration seemed unnecessary, as voice-over narration so often is.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 12 Mar 2024
100
96th
I think this is one of the clearest cases of how sometimes seemingly unreasonable attention to detail pays off. This is a film almost entirely shot in the 25 minutes between daylight and twilight, and you'd never consider doing it another way after seeing it. Ennio Morricone's score is beautiful.
Rated 12 Mar 2024
Rated 24 Jun 2008
94
96th
One of the prettiest films I've seen, to be sure.
Rated 24 Jun 2008
Rated 01 Feb 2009
10
97th
Malick's most complete and satisfying work to date. Where Badlands and The New World felt more like 'style over substance' (though I still love both), Days of Heaven explores and embraces a multitude of diverse themes such as commitment, relationships, life and death, trust and once again, choices people make. The amazing camera work, music and atmosphere made me cherish the film even more. Highly recommended!
Rated 01 Feb 2009
Rated 28 Oct 2009
9
91st
Beautiful in so many aspects. Drags you in and is completely atmospheric. Only real flaw is that it starts off so good that the latter parts of the film don't seem as good even though they are of high quality. A very rewarding film.
Rated 28 Oct 2009
Rated 24 Apr 2020
82
83rd
It's hard not to be impressed by the audiovisual qualities of this film. However, the story, while beautifully told, is quite conventional in its predictability and doesn't particularly excite.
Rated 24 Apr 2020
Rated 28 Jan 2010
98
97th
Perhaps the most beautiful film made in America, this archetypal biblical tale is deepened and enriched by superb voice-over narration. The story is simple, but the resonances are many. Of special note: Linda Manz, as Bill's young sister, gives her only great performance--and it is truly an unforgettable one.
Rated 28 Jan 2010
Rated 05 May 2010
95
96th
The rare film that seems more wholly grounded in this world than in any other. Here is Herzog's "ecstatic truth".
Rated 05 May 2010
Rated 19 Dec 2010
78
96th
A visual haiku. This was my first Malick and I can see why he's so revered. His syntax and story structure are so damned unique.
Rated 19 Dec 2010
Rated 23 Jul 2013
100
98th
Someone needs to clean up that audio. It has not aged well.
Rated 23 Jul 2013
Rated 16 Jan 2011
81
84th
Absolutely gorgeous. The environment truly becomes a character of its own, one that tends to eclipse the actors themselves. Some interesting themes, but the story felt a little light at times. I didn't much care for the epilogue. But still.. absolutely gorgeous.
Rated 16 Jan 2011
Rated 11 Jan 2016
90
94th
Overwhelming grace blankets this whole film. Even when the heat gets turned up Malick subdues his actors to give space for nature to flourish. It is a wonderful and almost divine method of storytelling. Also, Canada has never looked so desirable.
Rated 11 Jan 2016
Rated 28 Aug 2018
60
51st
The child actor in this was atrocious as were the voice overs. Terrence Malick always gives you beautiful movies to look at but he doesn't always make good movies to go with the cinematography. The locus part was amazing and was by far the most interesting thing that happened in the movie up till then.
Rated 28 Aug 2018
Rated 05 Oct 2011
90
96th
On the surface this seems like an insubstantial story of a love triangle. Malick is content to reduce character exposition and let the setting speak for itself. When the emotions emerge it is always in conjunction with setting. The fiery jealousy and feelings of betrayal precedes a plague of fire and locusts. Prosperity and happiness is shown with golden swaying fields. A time of uncertainty comes with a flying circus. There is no wasted scene nor wasted meaning. Beautiful film making.
Rated 05 Oct 2011
Rated 12 Jan 2012
60
43rd
A lot of critics seem to praise the hell out of this film, proclaiming it a masterpiece and all. For the first hour at least, I didn't like it much. I couldn't really figure out what was going on really, and it felt so disjointed. However, I thought the last 30 minutes were awesome. So, I don't really know how I felt about it overall. It certainly has some interesting direction and editing and the cinematography was gorgeous.
Rated 12 Jan 2012
Rated 28 Apr 2013
100
97th
Everything worked. From the score to every single image placed on screen. The sparse narrative helps weave a dreamlike quality as could only be seen through the eyes of our childlike surrogate narrating the film. Nothing is wasted. The locust scene is breathtaking, like the rest of the film entirely. A terrific experience worth revisiting time and again.
Rated 28 Apr 2013
Rated 23 Dec 2012
76
60th
Some telling lines, well, they had to be. The dialogue was concise, the imagery was high end, the stormy wind in the wheat before Bill returns, the farmer had nothing better to do but watch it all, noticing every hint of infidelity. Malick groans about moving into the steam age before the plot eventually gets spread in front of us. Overall, it's a story about the effect adults and their frivolous wants and scheme's have on children. She had all she wanted till it literally went up in flames.
Rated 23 Dec 2012
Rated 20 Jun 2020
60
35th
An incredibly beautiful film although the story inside doesn't seem to have enough heft for it. I also had issues with the story structure, as we learn a lot that our narrator might not have been able to know about. If you like movies that showcase "mood," this one should be high on the list.
Rated 20 Jun 2020
Rated 14 Aug 2012
46
27th
Some of the most beautiful photography ever, the screen absolutely vibrates with endless beauty of a palette that seemingly is just there to please your eyes and mind. I fear and think that many loses themselves in this, there's not much else to it - there's your typical Malick schmaltzy voice over trying to create some mood that comes out plainly irritating and blunt. Morricone's score is good in its own right but here it's just comes out blunt and boring.
Rated 14 Aug 2012
Rated 08 Jan 2007
96
96th
Beautiful, like all Malick films. I was mesmerized.
Rated 08 Jan 2007
Rated 14 Aug 2007
95
95th
Exquisitely beautiful period piece. Tragic & heartbreaking.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 09 May 2020
55
30th
Overly long with overly drawn out scenes. I quite disliked a lot of the camerawork and angles used.
Rated 09 May 2020
Rated 08 Aug 2018
85
90th
While Badlands keeps up its romantic depiction of the characters even as Kit goes on his killing spree, Days of Heaven wastes no time digging into the deepest flaws of its main characters. Visuals are gorgeous beyond words.
Rated 08 Aug 2018
Rated 18 Oct 2013
80
80th
A period piece out of space and time
Rated 18 Oct 2013
Rated 16 Jan 2015
98
93rd
A working class fairy tale and tragedy.
Rated 16 Jan 2015
Rated 30 Jan 2021
90
90th
(90 on rewatch): Imagine that our most divine days are those shared intimately. Realizing the amenities of our world cannot perish a true connection, and love seems to withstand it's blaze of locusts testing our faith. More powerful than I remembered. (85 first watch) Malick intertwines a poetic universality between nature, civilization, and technology. The voice-over becomes natural to it's atmosphere, yet Linda remains distant from our story. A dream-like state that is beyond beautiful.
Rated 30 Jan 2021
Rated 21 May 2022
85
85th
This is the first Malick I've seen. I always avoided him because of his reputation for pretentiousness, but I found this very accessible. The plot isn't terribly interesting, but the performances keep us interested anyway. It's kind of a noir set-up that isn't handled much like a noir. What really makes it stand out is the look. It's one of the most beautifully filmed movies I've ever seen. Nearly every shot is like a painting.
Rated 21 May 2022
Rated 28 Apr 2009
4
93rd
Another lyrical film from Malick, with an almost larger-than-life view of these people and their situation in this given time and place, but at the same time the voice-over narration is down to earth, tender and almost naive, a contrast that works great. Not to forget: It's perhaps the most beautifully photographed film I've seen.
Rated 28 Apr 2009
Rated 27 May 2009
45
53rd
Literally everything about this, save the visuals, is a DISASTER. Some of the worst acting, the worst dialogue, the worst plotting, the worst voice overing, all of it. But oh my God, if this isn't the most beautiful naturalistic film ever shot, then whatever tops it is something special. Any time there was a train on screen I got a boner. It's the kind of thing that should be watched dubbed into French or something, anything to stop the voice over accent. But my god, the trains!
Rated 27 May 2009
Rated 05 Jul 2009
80
89th
- I think i love you - What a nice thing to say
Rated 05 Jul 2009
Rated 24 Mar 2018
79
82nd
The film is quite definitely pretty and has a wistful quality to it that adds more to the film than the characters do. Similar themes as Badlands are resonated here where the focus is more on the sense of being in the environment and less about our worldly stories. Unforutanely, that for me is not moving or inspiring enough as I feel this sense powerfully walking at dusk through the streets or the parks in the north. The film does that have that much of an impact for me.
Rated 24 Mar 2018
Rated 25 Aug 2009
93
85th
Malick again presents us with a wide display of stunning visual moments. The characters seemed real and interesting to me The Morricone soundtrack with its variations on Saint-Saens "the aquarium" were lovely and haunting. I did feel the sister's voice over narration was less effective than the one used in "The New World". Overall a movie that should definitely be seen.
Rated 25 Aug 2009
Rated 21 Feb 2017
89
93rd
I must say that I've never been a big fan of period piece's. They always feel contrived, and inevitably limited by the restraints of conforming to the time period. Like the sole acknowledgement of the time period it takes place in renders me incapable of ever fully immersing myself in the story. With that being said, Days of Heaven however is still a wonderfully profound, poetic film which always feels sincerely endearing, and genuinely captivating. Giving the film a magical quality throughout.
Rated 21 Feb 2017
Rated 18 Feb 2013
93
99th
GodDAMN, this movie is beautiful. That shot of the locusts taking off...
Rated 18 Feb 2013
Rated 08 Dec 2009
100
91st
Superbly photographed work of art (Nestor Almendros and Haskell Wexler) in which the visual images dwarf the simple story line. Malick achieves a visual quality rarely seen in American films.
Rated 08 Dec 2009
Rated 17 Nov 2017
76
61st
Narratively one of my least favourite Malick films; cinematographically one of my favourites. One of my more underwhelming Malick viewing experiences given its import within film history.
Rated 17 Nov 2017
Rated 08 Aug 2013
75
89th
Good film.
Rated 08 Aug 2013
Rated 10 Jan 2013
95
96th
The truly gorgeous cinematography which peers through the grass below or towers over the characters making them seem small, insignificant. The bittersweet tone showing life in its concurrent joy and pain. The wonderful narration combining a child's eye with a world weary voice. The masterful creation of mood which serves to amplify every little action, every bit of emotion. And yet ultimately the effect this film has is beyond simple words - it is something you can only feel and can't explain.
Rated 10 Jan 2013
Rated 08 May 2010
75
72nd
One of the most beautifully shot films I have ever seen.
Rated 08 May 2010
Rated 11 Aug 2023
95
92nd
A lot can be said about the excess or lack of wildness of the two men, but maybe Abby is the most interesting in this sense, with a composition of wildness and tameness that enables her to take what she loves and truly love what she takes, whether it's hard-earned rest after work, being together with her lover/husband, a rich life, or jumping on a random train: a wildness that always sticks close to the cosmoses she enjoys, and a tameness that never forgets her love for the vastness of life.
Rated 11 Aug 2023
Rated 16 Oct 2020
36
21st
Insanely beautiful. Infuriatingly unplanned. The plot here is about an inch deep.
Rated 16 Oct 2020
Rated 13 Sep 2010
100
98th
Influential to all of my favorite contemporary filmmakers and cinematographers. The narration is one-of-a-kind fantastic and the locust scene is unforgettable.
Rated 13 Sep 2010
Rated 06 Jul 2021
100
98th
Beautiful. Powerful. Rich. Malick directs a masterpiece of naturalism with slight dialogue and simple story wrapped in symbolism. The plot is propelled by visuals spelling out the tension and inner worlds of the characters. Gere, Adams and Shephard tell the story through their expressions giving the film a silent quality. That silence is filled with an excellent score by Morricone. Malick's choppy editing might distract from the more naturalistic feel of the rast of the film. A true triumph.
Rated 06 Jul 2021
Rated 11 Nov 2010
90
96th
Beautiful in a way that only Malick can make it and Morricone's soundtrack only adds pieces to the magnificent puzzle. Can't believe it took me so long to actually watch this one and now I'm just even sadder that he took a break from film making for two decades... What movies me must have missed out on...
Rated 11 Nov 2010
Rated 21 Dec 2010
100
99th
Everyone of course notes the visuals, which are just incredible; however, I think Linda Manz excellent voice-over work is also a very important factor in making the film as wonderful as it is. So props to her. And everyone involved, really - I dunno, I just think this was perfect.
Rated 21 Dec 2010
Rated 05 Jan 2015
90
94th
Simple but effective story with superb cinematography and score. What's not to like? Even the running time is half of what you'd expect.
Rated 05 Jan 2015
Rated 19 Jan 2011
95
96th
That amazing cinematography makes up for a slightly lightweight story. Absolutely beautiful.
Rated 19 Jan 2011
Rated 05 Dec 2019
97
96th
A film as sparse yet as beautiful as this one is a rare bird. Days of Heaven is such a uniquely shot and edited film to the point that I truly have never seen anything like it (especially with Morricone's score). It feels less like an American story and more like a biblical one thanks to the various imagery Malick uses throughout. A large part of this film's success is its framing through Linda via voice-over, who lends a young and optimistic yet still world-weary lens to its happenings.
Rated 05 Dec 2019
Rated 05 Apr 2011
93
95th
Beautiful film, simple and real.
Rated 05 Apr 2011
Rated 24 Feb 2021
83
87th
In the top 3 most visually stunning films I've ever seen. It's also more contained and less self indulgent than some of Mallick's later work, so I much prefer this one
Rated 24 Feb 2021
Rated 16 Aug 2018
81
74th
There is so much joy and pain when you watch his movies. An so much reward as well.
Rated 16 Aug 2018
Rated 05 Aug 2023
62
39th
... and almost all the score goes to the visuals which, despite the fact that almost every review says this, are truly, really truly, stunning. Where this one fails is in the story. If it was a doco then masterpiece, but it's not, it's a movie. The tale is near banal in its predictability and the voiceover narration is a major bomb. Watched this twice and each time have come away with the same opinion.
Rated 05 Aug 2023
Rated 26 Aug 2011
80
37th
The cinematography is gorgeous, few films look as great as this one and the score is quite good too. But the voice-over is not very good and the story didn't really pique my interest till the locusts showed up. So for all of its technical prowess, I'm not sure if it really interested me but sometimes you need to just sit back and take in the scenery. The beautiful, beautiful scenery.
Rated 26 Aug 2011
Rated 29 Jan 2014
90
94th
Could have ran for at least another 30 minutes.
Rated 29 Jan 2014
Rated 13 Sep 2011
91
91st
Malick's early film explores the collision of two worlds, rural and urban. The filmmaker's sympathies seem to lie clearly with the rural, with its natural beauty, its freedom to run and roam, and its ability to foster community and connection. Malick tells the story of this collision primarily with his pictures, showing us the differences rather than telling us, and allowing us to empathize with the people from these worlds, no matter where they find themselves.
Rated 13 Sep 2011
Rated 23 Apr 2019
70
54th
Linda: "Sometimes I'd feel very old, like my whole life is over, like I'm not around no more."
Rated 23 Apr 2019
Rated 02 Dec 2011
80
68th
I love Malick, but I wasn't all in on this movie the way most people are. If the film had ended with the descent of the locusts and the crop fire, I'd be all for that. We'd end with a biblical tone and it'd be dark and confusing. The almost-supernatural ending could have been very powerful. The 20 minute sequence post-fire takes away from the beauty of that moment. Also, we didn't need the child character. She's just an unnecessary narrator, and just a distraction from the story.
Rated 02 Dec 2011
Rated 25 May 2012
99
96th
There are few words that explain how absolutely beautiful this film is, not only in terms of the cinematography, but the story of drifters from Chicago looking for work in the fields, and how they become intertwined with their dying boss. It's pure ethereal Americana at it's most refined and realistic. It's the story of two social classes colliding with one another and the sparks that ignite the fire. Also noteworthy is Linda Manz's superb narrations floating serenely above it all.
Rated 25 May 2012
Rated 04 Jun 2012
96
95th
There's not much to try to say about this film, but only what you should experience yourself. The fastidious lengths that Malik went to create such a genuine and rustic experience are truly beyond words. I felt like I wasn't just watching a film, but taking a trip back into these pastoral and insouciant times. The narrative of the adorably innocent and sweet character of Linda Manz added an inexplicable poetic brilliance that gave almost an seraphic omnipresence over the progression of events.
Rated 04 Jun 2012
Rated 12 Jun 2012
90
83rd
Staggeringly beautiful epic, perhaps ineveitably mutes its overall impact by pursuing a narrative which requires the three leads to remain aloof to the viewer. It follows that Gere, Adams and Shepard are fine, but are overwhelmed by the real stars of the show: Nestor Aleandros's awe-inspiring cinematography (with assist from Haskell Wexler) teamed with Malick's highly idiosyncratic, hypnotic direction and another sterling Morricone score. A mighty and unique achievement despite its shortcomings.
Rated 12 Jun 2012
Rated 27 Sep 2015
99
98th
Stunning. Here we see close attention given to the nature of the plains and the folkways of the people. Those are the basic elements of a remarkably poetic statement.
Rated 27 Sep 2015
Rated 03 Dec 2016
90
93rd
There are many things that make Days of Heaven an outstanding picture, but the cornerstone is the exquisite pastoral photography of Néstor Almendros and Haskell Wexler, which ranks comfortably among the greatest in American cinema. The simple story, enchanting score and beautiful visuals all combine for a spellbinding experience, which is brought down only by Linda Manz's redundant narration, no-doubt an attempt to emulate the magic of Sissy Spacek's in Badlands.
Rated 03 Dec 2016
Rated 26 Feb 2017
86
92nd
This film is obviously beautiful as many others have mentioned. I really liked the story too though; it's simple but powerful.
Rated 26 Feb 2017
Rated 17 Dec 2012
100
98th
An astonishing feast for the senses and soul. The score, cinematography, subtle storytelling and narration all blend together to create one of the most remarkably beautiful 90 minutes ever put to film.
Rated 17 Dec 2012
Rated 09 Dec 2012
100
97th
Woah, I saw it and I likes it! The visuals get exactly the praise they deserve. Did you see that part where they were trying to put out that humongous wall of fire? That was insane. I enjoyed how the story didn't really deal in specifics but in quick glimpses of their day to day routine, something pretty unique to a historical picture, which usually try to show off details instead. It really felt like it was magic, like someone recorded their dream.
Rated 09 Dec 2012
Rated 21 Sep 2008
8
82nd
it looks so good
Rated 21 Sep 2008
Rated 22 Nov 2009
84
96th
The most beautiful cinematography/photography that I've ever seen.
Rated 22 Nov 2009
Rated 20 Sep 2011
90
72nd
The analogy I have for this film is walking through a field on a summer's evening while someone intermittently mentions a story about a family who tried to con a farmer from his money. Mentions, doesn't tell; the teller seems uninterested in the story or its characters, and tells you more about where they were and how it looked. Just mentions a story occasionally, then leaves you in silence to look at the fields; at the beauty. In the distance is a house. People working the field. And clouds...
Rated 20 Sep 2011
Cast & Info
Directed by:
Written by:
Collections
Loading ...
Similar Titles
Loading ...
Statistics
Loading ...
Trailer
Loading ...
PSI
?