American Beauty (1999) Review in 2025
American Beauty is a drama film that follows the life of an average American family, exploring themes of identity, morality, and the American Dream.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
This movie is not suitable for young children due to mature themes, language, and some explicit content.
CineReview Recommendation
This movie is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys thought-provoking drama and comedy-drama films. It's a critically acclaimed film that has won numerous awards, including five Academy Awards. It's available to stream on various platforms, including Amazon Prime and Netflix.
Spoiler Alert!
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The film tells the story of Lester Burnham, a middle-aged man who feels unfulfilled and disconnected from his family and society. He embarks on an affair with his daughter's friend, Angela, and begins to question the values and norms of his community. Meanwhile, his wife Carolyn is obsessed with material possessions and social status, and their daughter Jane is struggling to find her place in the world.
Review Details
story9.00/10
The story is engaging and thought-provoking, exploring themes of identity, morality, and the American Dream. The narrative is well-structured and paced, keeping the audience invested in the characters' lives.
acting9.50/10
The acting is superb, with each cast member delivering a standout performance. Kevin Spacey, in particular, is exceptional, bringing a level of depth and nuance to Lester that is both captivating and heartbreaking.
characters9.00/10
The characters are complex and multi-dimensional, with each one bringing their own unique perspective to the story. Lester, in particular, is a well-developed and relatable character, and his transformation throughout the film is both poignant and impactful.
direction9.50/10
Sam Mendes' direction is exceptional, bringing a level of nuance and subtlety to the film that is rare in contemporary cinema. His use of camera angles, lighting, and music is masterful, creating a visual and aural experience that is both beautiful and haunting.
cinematography9.00/10
The cinematography is stunning, with a color palette that is both vibrant and muted, depending on the scene. The use of natural light and shadows adds depth and texture to the film, making it a visual feast for the eyes.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The film's exploration of themes, the complexity of the characters, and the exceptional direction and cinematography make it a standout film. The performances by the cast are also noteworthy, with Kevin Spacey delivering a particularly memorable performance.
Cons
Some viewers may find the film's themes and content to be too mature or explicit, and the pacing may be slow for some viewers. However, these are minor complaints in an otherwise exceptional film.
Notable Quotes
"I'm not a moron, I'm a free spirit."
"I'm not bad. I'm just drawn that way."
"Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're gonna get."
