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Garden State
Garden State
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Garden State

Garden State

2004
Romance, Comedy
1h 42m
Andrew Largeman (Braff) shuffled through life in a lithium-induced coma until his mother's death inspired a vacation from the pills to see what might happen. When he travels from L.A. back to his hometown, he meets Sam (Portman), a girl who is everything he isn't. Her warmth and fearlessness give him the courage to open his heart to the joy and pain of the infinite abyss that is life. (Fox Searchlight Pictures)

Garden State

2004
Romance, Comedy
1h 42m
Your probable score
Avg Percentile 53.01% from 9525 total ratings

Ratings & Reviews

(9591)
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Rated 13 Feb 2010
4
35th
It's one of those "comedies" where no one ever laughs and has some of this wannabe indie music. "Here listen to this, it will change your life." Then she makes him listen to The Shins. hahahahaha, yeah the shins will change your life people. rofl, that part was such a joke. I also vaguely remember a scene where Zach Braff takes some ecstasy and cries or something. I cringed at how bland and predictable the 2 main characters are. It's basically 04's Juno, and I hate that shit.
Rated 02 Mar 2010
55
19th
This is one of those films made purely to appeal to hipsters and indie film buffs. There's a lot of pensive looks, knowing smiles, and quirky lines of dialog that's supposed to demonstrate the superior intellect and acerbic wit of the characters. How charming and witty..I mean how completely mediocre and formulaic. The "infinite abyss" is the creative blackhole generated by this film.
Rated 04 Apr 2011
40
32nd
THE SHINS CHANGED MY LIFE.
Rated 30 Aug 2009
15
4th
This movie angers me more than it should. I just don't like watching music videos with small acting interludes nor to I appreciate bite-sized, adolescent philosophy, what can I say? I'm uncultured like that.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
32
3rd
I can't say this was a BAD movie, but it was terribly trite, and rather familiar. Lonely, depressed, disillusioned guy meets off-beat, carefree girl who teaches him how to enjoy life. Loaded with brilliant insights such as, "That's life. If nothing else, it's life. It's real, and sometimes it fuckin hurts, but it's sort of all we have." Wow, that's deep. Natalie Portman is truly awful, and the hipster indie-folk soundtrack is annoying, too.
Rated 23 Mar 2007
100
99th
Zach Braff delivers on every level. Both moving and cheerful, Garden State masterfully explores the everyday existence of the youth of today as they reach significant roadblocks in life. Braff does not stop there, with his unique approach to humour he will cleanse your soul and with his exquisitely crafted drama will open windows into the unexplored regions of the human mind. A life changing experience and perhaps an artistic statement that will stand beside the great works of human kind.
Rated 04 Aug 2010
68
36th
Interesting premise - Braff's awakening from phamacologically-induced emotional numbness. But suffers badly from indie cliches - the cute and quirky girl to rescue the misunderstood nerd. Like American Beauty, the protagonist's recovery is satisfying to watch, but about as realistic as a Mills and Boon novel. Still, a cracking performance from Sarsgaard, and some laugh out loud moments.
Rated 23 Nov 2008
30
14th
Verrrrry overrated and people are still obsessed with the totally rad indie soundtrack.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
75
48th
Disguised as a super original love story, this film is secretly one of the sappiest movies ever. It stll retains good humor and has a good soundtrack along with having a very solid first half. It just kinda slopes down after that as it draws itself into its own eternal abyss. Meh!
Rated 14 Aug 2007
38
9th
If you like eccentric, Wes Anderson emulation and shoegazer indie music, you probably will or already love this. For everyone else, this movie becomes extremely easy to be disgusted by.
Rated 17 Dec 2006
60
23rd
Like American Beauty did before it, Garden State really wants to be meaningful and profound, but it ends up coming off as rather trite. And Natalie Portman is no good at all here. On the more positive side, Zach Braff's character is quite likeable and easy to identify with, and the movie does have a pretty good sense of humor.
Rated 24 Apr 2019
70
58th
I loved this movie when i was younger and while i still really like it the 'magic' is gone for me. The movie wants to be a bit too 'genuine', while the music almost makes it seem like a parody nowadays. But it honestly does still feel genuine and i don't think the movie deserves the bad reputation it has in some circles. It's solid, and Natalie Portman's performance compensates for the slightly overly mopey Zach Braff.
Rated 13 Oct 2014
45
9th
Sentimental bullshit. Probably hyped during it's initial release because of Natalie Portman's ridiculous quirkiness and Zach Braff's status as comedy golden boy, but these old tricks simply don't cut it anymore nowadays. Terrible last half hour with a load of childish monologues I consider to be among the most cringeworthy I've ever seen. And fuck the shins.
Rated 18 Jan 2013
21
2nd
"Hey, my name is Zack Braff. Look how indie my new indie movie is. Indie."
Rated 13 Oct 2012
70
57th
At first view: strange characters, boring plot. But finally, after watching and thinking about this movie, Garden State is an unique, interesting indie-romance with a great soundtrack. - In total: Good.
Rated 07 Aug 2012
58
31st
'Garden State' has a certain charm to it but there's not enough laughs and too many needless epihanies. Both of the lead characters range from likeable to extremely grating, which becomes tiresome. The soundtrack has been praised by some but I can't see how it's justified. Like the movie, it's a little over-rated and wants to be deeper than it is.
Rated 30 Apr 2012
0
0th
Oh god. Give me a break, Braff.
Rated 21 Sep 2011
100
94th
One of my all-time favorite movies. It's melancholy but is also quite quirky and very charming
Rated 29 Mar 2011
74
54th
If I wrote and directed a movie where I could get a bunch of famous people to be in it, I would write one with Natalie Portman as my love interest too.
Rated 28 Mar 2010
0
3rd
One of the lamest things I've ever seen in my life, and I've seen a fat kid try to push himself in a red wagon with a boat oar.
Rated 19 Jan 2010
15
8th
lmao "this song will change your life"
Rated 08 Dec 2009
0
1st
Balls.
Rated 29 Aug 2009
20
8th
Zach Braff is a creepy douche who makes movies so he can play kissy-face with girls that are too young for him.
Rated 25 Aug 2009
0
1st
If I could meet Zack Braff, I would induce vomiting just so I could throw up all over him.
Rated 10 Jan 2009
100
98th
Full of moods and music. Charmingly painful, playful... and true to life. Introducing Zach Braff as himself.
Rated 30 Dec 2008
25
9th
Pretentious and annoying. Nothing good about the story or characters. The script is silly beyond the acceptable. It's intellectual fodder for 14 year olds.
Rated 08 Apr 2008
75
71st
The movie has many interesting dialogs, is exciting. Only what in the end should have something more different, more shocking, to stay in the rhythm of the movie.
Rated 30 Dec 2007
47
22nd
A competent romantic comedy for people in their young 20's, until the terrible ending that I still can't appreciate at all.
Rated 28 Nov 2007
75
58th
Frankly, not all that funny, but the film spoke to me with great acting by all leads involved.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
67
52nd
It's sloppy, I have to admit it. I was wowed on the first viewing, less so the next two times. But it's quite and charming nonetheless, and you can't fault Braff too much for his decisions.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
90
67th
Incredible acting in a very original story! It's a joy to see what Natalie Portman can do in a role that has some substance to it!
Rated 14 Aug 2007
85
81st
surprisingly, very good
Rated 14 Aug 2007
42
25th
Emo date movie. Got laid after seeing it. no other reason to see this film.
Rated 27 Jun 2007
69
47th
I'm pretty neutral to this one, actually. Some good scenes, some bad ones. It's watchable and reasonably well paced, and it doesn't make me spew vitriol at it, but it's still just kind of average.
Rated 02 May 2007
25
20th
Good luck exploring the infinite abyss, says Peter Sarsgaard in the faux-existentialist finale. When applied to this movie, this actually represents some good advice.
Rated 02 Dec 2006
2
21st
While there is some intellectual value, it's not nearly as profound as it makes itself out to be. Braff's script is competent, but at times way too corny. His direction is less impressive and completely unremarkable. Peter Sarsgaard is the best thing about the whole movie.
Rated 16 Nov 2024
47
14th
honestly, really unmemorable. plot really meandered, I didn't like the characterization of Portman's character
Rated 03 Oct 2024
7
4th
jd vance favorite
Rated 22 May 2024
1
8th
kill me
Rated 25 Sep 2023
40
38th
What a try-hard movie, my god. It all felt so insincere.
Rated 17 Jun 2023
70
41st
Nice but underwhelming romcom that's too quirky for its own good. Portman doesn't have a great performance, but I think to some degree it's the fault of the dialogue and character. I kept having the feeling that the character could have been hopelessly annoying in other hands, but Portman manages to make it kind of work. Formulaic and familiar. Unremarkable but if you're in the mood for a half decent romcom it should hit the spot.
Rated 04 Sep 2022
39
3rd
This movie was mostly a waste of time. For a brief moment it gave me a Silver Linings Playbook vibe since the two main characters are dealing with mental health issues. However, the movie does not get serious except for may be the last 10-15 minutes. The comedy comes across as spoofy rather than funny.
Rated 09 Jul 2022
40
7th
Is it a comedy? Is it a coming-of-age flick? A romantic drama? No! It's an early noughties... film. With... themes(?). And things. Romance. Awkwardness. Twee 90s tunes put to perpetual montages, aimed at selling an inappropriate relationship that isn't the focus and then is the focus. Undeveloped characters. Muddled writing. Yeah. It's a resounding 'No' from me.
Rated 16 Jun 2022
60
26th
IlovehownaturallyshebringshimintoherLife+wishhewasbetterlol+whenhewas9hepushedmomcuzshedepressedallthetimenoreason/wheelchair+imogenletgolol-hewasgonnadipforabitbutrunsbacktoher
Rated 19 Mar 2022
77
62nd
It reminds me some time and some body.. Who gave me the meaning of life and she was the source of my energy.. Like a powerplant.. I dont believe the 'love yourself, you are enough for everything' shit.. Sometimes you need somebody to touch you to ignite.. I felt the same feelings when i watch this movie.. I'm thankful for it.
Rated 01 Jul 2021
100
95th
Garden State is a perfect movie in my opinion. I could go on for days on the soundtrack for this movie. I was the perfect age when this movie came out. I was a moody college student who was running from something and just needed a kick in the ass. I loved the acting in this movie. The only problem I have with this movie I found during this most recent viewing - Ian Holm plays a father that was very much written by an angry son. It might be intentional character work but I think it's the writing.
Rated 29 Mar 2021
91
90th
Its bad omen when same guy is a director, writer and plays a lead too. Same goes when there is lot of scenes with rainy days and wet clothes. Garden State is exceptional here. Excellent good-feel movie with Alice in Wonderland events and brilliant soundtrack.
Rated 15 Oct 2020
50
22nd
neutronic black hole of suck. has obvious and painful aspirations of greatness that just feel like copying someone's homework. also has probably some of the worst sh*t you'll ever watch, which sometimes wraps back around on it being some kind of art brut masterpiece. there is genuinely nothing like it. still bullsh*t though
Rated 21 Mar 2020
81
51st
This was on my watch list for a decade at least! I loved Zach's character development, his friends' not so much. They also had Nick Drake back when it was really pre-hip to have him. Some odd character decisions but hey, they had a vision. Overall a movie to watch and remember but I ain't exactly rushing to rewatch. Except for that before-end trailer scene, that was lovely.
Rated 25 Jul 2019
65
45th
Surprisingly just as good as advertised, this one features very strong performances by Braff & Portman, who also have surprisingly great chemistry, alongside a solid supporting cast who all do good work. Most of the humor lands, most of the romance makes sense, and the themes of finding oneself and reconnecting with home resonate well. There are definitely some weaker moments, but overall it's a pretty well-balanced comedy with a bit of dramatic flair that's definitely worth a look.
Rated 01 Aug 2018
50
49th
dont remember
Rated 23 Jul 2018
70
83rd
eng; [garden state]; ein mann nimmt regelmäßig pillen welche ihn beruhigen - bis zum tode seiner mutter für deren beerdigung er die kleinstadt seiner kindheit besucht.;
Rated 18 May 2018
80
95th
#18#, rw5, loved, oldies(3) }**{ #00s(m)#, story, ratings, Natalie.P!
Rated 21 Mar 2018
49
9th
It's alright for college students probably.
Rated 22 Nov 2017
70
32nd
|BACKFILLING LOAD OF FILMS NOT SEEN FOR LONG TIME -> Scores poss 20-30% out. Grateful if U drop me a cordial msg if U think memory dulled a gem or gave rosy tint 2 clunker. IE. Tell me WHY Im wrong & what U think I should score
Rated 12 Oct 2017
82
42nd
Lesson of the movie was that you should drop meds and fall in love. That is a doubtful advice. Also an advice that you should find a rad chick which saves you. That advice is obviously bad.
Rated 08 Sep 2017
40
27th
Likeable movie with good music, dumb ending and some silly moments. In some ways creative, on the other cliché such as some Adam Sandler movies.
Rated 10 May 2017
9
92nd
Should've ended with that great climactic exchange at the quarry ("Good luck exploring the infinite abyss" "You too") or at least before that saccharine final scene at the airport, because everything previous is nearly perfect in its achingly poignant and tastefully quirky young adult character study that nails its depiction of depression, awkward homecoming, and early romance through thoughtful dialogue, strong performances, calm cinematography, and a fittingly melancholy soundtrack.
Rated 21 Mar 2017
86
85th
The pace of this film about 'life' has always attracted me.
Rated 12 Mar 2017
35
27th
This movie aims to be touching and charming but is actually really boring and even cheesy.
Rated 06 Oct 2016
10
4th
Doesn't achieve anything. Nothing.
Rated 25 Sep 2016
55
34th
15 year old me thought this was a good movie
Rated 01 Aug 2016
35
5th
There really isn't much interesting about the film other than the Nick Drake song on the soundtrack. Portman's character is fairly annoying; she (understandably) seems like a high school girl. Braff is just... there -- again, that also seems to be the point. Doesn't make for entertaining or thought-provoking cinema, though. This movie is just there and a little bit grating at times.
Rated 27 Apr 2016
12
55th
Don't remember this movie, but remember liking it.
Rated 14 Jul 2015
65
32nd
Some guy on twitter tweeted to Zach Braff that if they took a picture of their shit in a toilet, it would've been a better film than Garden State. Not having seen this film for about 4 years and (from what I recall) enjoying it, I would disagree; however, I would say that the picture would be less self-indulgent.
Rated 29 Mar 2015
95
0th
Overall, one of the best movies I've ever seen. The ending dropped off a bit abruptly for me, but other than that, fantastic, nostalgic-feeling movie, not to mention the fabulous sound track!
Rated 28 Mar 2015
60
43rd
2.98/5
Rated 23 Feb 2015
60
8th
This was a warning for "Wish I Was Here" and the people of Kickstarter did not pay attention, to their own detriment.
Rated 06 Jan 2015
80
43rd
Teenage me was obsessed with this movie to an unhealthy extent. It's pretty bad now. But it's still a sentimental keeper and one I associate with fond memories. The soundtrack is amazing, too.
Rated 03 Dec 2014
85
92nd
(4th viewing)
Rated 13 Oct 2014
3
1st
If only the movie was half as good as its soundtrack. As it is, it's a maudlin attempt at hip best left to the hipsters.
Rated 16 Jul 2014
20
0th
I did not enjoy this movie. I found the characters intolerable, the plot almost nonexistent, and the romance laughably shallow.
Rated 17 Apr 2014
25
17th
Natalie Portman sucks. Peter Sarsgaard is good. Zach Braff uses the audience as therapy. Kind of unreal that this uses the most obvious and obnoxious Manic Pixie Dream Girl in film history, when this year also gave us a dismissal of the trope in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. "If cancer were pretentious it would be Garden State."
Rated 12 Apr 2014
78
68th
Rewatch - still the same score, fanstastic soundtrack. Solid movie.
Rated 07 Apr 2014
88
30th
mostly because of the music
Rated 26 Mar 2014
10
92nd
I watch this once a year, it's one of those films that just stuck with me. Humorous and humanist. I can't wait for Zach's new film Wish I Was Here.
Rated 27 Jan 2014
61
22nd
Garden State is an interesting film debut for Braff, but its overt pretentiousness is irritating right from the start
Rated 29 Dec 2013
54
0th
It can be seen to waste of time. There is not funny scenes so it is not comedy. It is sometimes boring since being slow
Rated 24 Dec 2013
89
87th
garden state is such a simple yet moving coming of age story. it was full of wonderful moments and cathartic, relatable messages to young adults trying to find themselves in the world. this was probably also the only instance where i didn't find zac braff insanely annoying (scrubs anyone?). in fact, i quite liked him in this because he was a real human being (and a rather brilliant one at that, given that he wrote and directed this wonderful film).
Rated 08 Dec 2013
73
65th
Decent, very watchable and some good scenes, in the end it didn't really stand out for me though and the ending is kind of predictable as with pretty much every romantic comedy ever made. The whole film screams 'indie' which is fine by me but it's ironic that when it actually comes down to it it's not that 'different'. I enjoyed watching it while it lasted, but I doubt it will make much of a lasting impression.
Rated 04 Dec 2013
75
69th
Cute but suffered from the female characters lack of depth. She was just there to be eccentric and warm his heart.
Rated 21 Aug 2013
80
89th
Garden State is a very enjoyable comedy about the struggles of twentysomethings across the globe, even without all of the hyperbolic problems that impede the progress of our lead in this film. They're here just to allow the film to make its point, which is does wonderfully. This is a film by a director who understands what he's doing both in front of and behind the camera, and that polish comes through in a big way. Garden State is a relatable, funny, charming film, and I recommend you watch it.
Rated 19 Jul 2013
32
11th
Maybe this worked better in 2004 but in 2013 this is indie bullshit on the same level as Juno and Away We Go. Portman's character is terrible.
Rated 16 Jul 2013
1
3rd
the shins are the platonic form of bad music
Rated 14 Jul 2013
63
49th
The soundtrack was so fucking annoying throughout this entire movie and rarely did it match the mood.
Rated 29 Apr 2013
75
61st
A simple enough film that doesn't strain the brain. Film progresses with a gentle pace but doesn't really climax, the ending came a bit too soon and left me wanting more which is a shame. Portman is perfectly cast.
Rated 21 Mar 2013
79
64th
Quintessential indie comedy that spawned countless worse teen comedies. Pretty good, all in all, and really pleasant.
Rated 05 Jan 2013
61
79th
Needed more Turk.
Rated 27 Dec 2012
60
57th
Entirely into itself, but it's really not as bad as the hype.
Rated 27 Sep 2012
92
94th
Natalie Portman is absolutely adorable and felt completely genuine in her role as a wonderfully flawed young woman. She steals the show and totally overshadows everyone else. Peter Sarsgaard was also natural and believable. Zach Braff was not particularly stellar and seemed almost vacant through some of it. The story is just strange and real enough to hold your interest and make sense. Proof that a good movie can be made without big budget CGI and SFX. Good music, and a good ending as well.
Rated 17 Sep 2012
50
10th
few funny moments, but not comedy
Rated 01 Sep 2012
86
88th
Great from beginning to the end. Not perfect, but definitely you should watch this.
Rated 30 Jul 2012
1
20th
Horribly lame, kooky-personality-less-girl-will-save-the-guy romance; What's eating eternal sunshine & Maude? Despite what people say the soundtrack's shite and if you''re on meds kids, be careful, take care when coming off them. [df]
Rated 27 May 2012
100
95th
I love Garden State even though Portman is in it.
Rated 19 May 2012
78
71st
Pretty funny with some really odd transitions that help it stand out. Zach and Natalie are great.
Rated 18 Apr 2012
65
24th
romantik, duygusal, dram, epilepsi, pskilojik sorunu olan genc, oyuncu, cenaze, uyusturucu, party, müstehcen (Los Angealsta oyunculuk yapan Andrew, annesinin cenazesine katilmak icin cocuklugunun gectigi kasabaya döner. eski arkadaslariyla karsilasir ve yeni bir kizla tanisir. Psikolojik sorunlari olan Andrew, bu zaman icinde kendi sorunlariyla yüzlesir. AGIR ve RUHSUZ)
Rated 02 Apr 2012
93
89th
Hits all my buttons; I'm a sucker for hipster dialogue, indie music and knowing, wordless glances.
Rated 09 Feb 2012
100
99th
One of my all-time favorite movies. Zach Braff shows what an amazing talent he is. The script and direction are superb. On the acting side, Braff is no Daniel Day Lewis, but he delivers a solid performance. Natalie Portman gives what is my probably my favorite adult performance from her. One of the all-time great Manic Pixie Dream Girls. Supporting cast is great as well. Certain aspects connect with me on a personal level. Other than the surprisingly predictable ending, a perfect film.
Rated 03 Feb 2012
93
93rd
Great film from JD of Scrubs. He didn't just surround himself with a great cast, he wrote a great script and has some fantastic shots as a director. The Shins, however, did not change my life.
Rated 23 Jan 2012
53
6th
Zach Braff could probably do a visually nifty comedy, and it'd be neat. Instead he does a visually nifty slog through free-floating ennui, and it is not.

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