Garden State Poster
Comedy
Drama
Romance

Garden State (2004) Review in 2025

8.5/10
Moderate Success

Garden State is a quirky and offbeat comedy-drama that follows the story of Andrew Largeman, a young actor who returns to his hometown in New Jersey after his mother's death. The movie explores themes of family, identity, and the struggles of growing up.

101 minutes
English (Dubbed: )
Age group: 18-35, Interests: Indie films, Coming-of-age stories
Director:
Zach Braff
Budget: 2.5 million USD
Gross: 35.9 million USD

Family-Friendly Rating

Is this movie suitable for family viewing?

This movie is not suitable for young children due to mature themes and some strong language.

CineReview Recommendation

This movie is a must-watch for fans of indie films and coming-of-age stories. It's a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant film that will leave you feeling reflective and inspired.

Spoiler Alert!

Hover to reveal spoiler summary

The movie takes a dark turn when Andrew's father, a psychiatrist, is revealed to be emotionally distant and manipulative. Andrew's journey is marked by a series of surreal and dreamlike experiences that blur the lines between reality and fantasy.

Review Details

story9.00/10

The story is engaging and well-paced, with a unique blend of humor and pathos. The film's non-linear narrative structure adds to its charm, making it feel like a series of interconnected vignettes.

acting9.50/10

The acting is superb, with Zach Braff delivering a nuanced and emotionally resonant performance. The supporting cast is also impressive, with standout performances from Natalie Portman and Peter Sarsgaard.

characters9.50/10

The characters are well-developed and relatable, with Zach Braff delivering a standout performance as the protagonist. The supporting cast is equally impressive, with standout performances from Natalie Portman and Peter Sarsgaard.

direction9.00/10

Zach Braff's direction is confident and assured, with a clear vision for the film's tone and style. The cinematography is also noteworthy, capturing the film's New Jersey setting in a way that feels both nostalgic and contemporary.

cinematography8.50/10

The cinematography is visually striking, with a mix of warm and cool colors that reflect the film's mood and atmosphere. The use of natural light is also noteworthy, adding to the film's sense of realism.

Pros and Cons

Pros

The film's unique blend of humor and pathos, its well-developed characters, and its confident direction make it a standout film of the year.

Cons

The film's non-linear narrative structure may be confusing for some viewers, and the supporting cast is occasionally overshadowed by Zach Braff's dominant performance.

Notable Quotes

"I'm not a fan of the suburbs. I'm a fan of the city. I'm a fan of the chaos."
"I'm not a vegetarian because I love animals. I'm a vegetarian because I hate plants."
"You can't buy happiness, but you can buy ice cream, and that's kinda the same thing."

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