Columbus

| Release Date: August 4, 2017

7.3	USER SCORE Generally favorable reviews based on 106 Ratings

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User Reviews

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LamontRaymondAug 6, 2017

Wow, what a stunner! Something about this movie brought me back to Linklater's "Suburbia" or Coppola's "Lost in Translation". I know we've seen Richardson in "Edge of Seventeen", but it feels like she's been shot out of a cannon with thisWow, what a stunner! Something about this movie brought me back to Linklater's "Suburbia" or Coppola's "Lost in Translation". I know we've seen Richardson in "Edge of Seventeen", but it feels like she's been shot out of a cannon with this film. Looking forward to seeing how her career progresses. And Cho is solid, as usual. He's come a long way since the Harold & Kumar flicks.… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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Brent_MarchantSep 10, 2017

A nearly perfect film in virtually every regard, this quiet, cerebral meditation about life, loving, healing, forgiveness, personal growth and human relations gives viewers much to think about, especially when faced with hard choices. SetA nearly perfect film in virtually every regard, this quiet, cerebral meditation about life, loving, healing, forgiveness, personal growth and human relations gives viewers much to think about, especially when faced with hard choices. Set against the beautiful backdrop of architectural mecca Columbus, Indiana, the film's exquisite, Kubrick-esque cinematography, ethereal, haunting score, and deft use of sound provide elegant wrapping for this sometimes-humorous, sometimes-heartbreaking, frequently mesmerizing tale. Don't expect much action from this one; in fact, don't be surprised if you often find yourself wondering where the story is going, given its often-cryptic dialogue. But sit back, let the film wash over you and take it all in -- you'll likely be very pleasantly surprised, especially by the award-worthy performance of John Cho, who demonstrates talents not seen in any of his previous roles. An absolute gem.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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AclarityAug 27, 2017

A poignant, tender story about all kinds of loss and the gaps between us. Beautifully filmed in Columbus, Indiana. Loved Haley Lu Richardson's performance.

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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ValerieMayJan 28, 2019

I could watch this movie 10 times and discover different things every time. Very quiet, but much is said.

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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MarcDoyleAug 6, 2017

Simply an incredibly moving film. (How is it, by the way, that I saw the two best movies of the year on a Saturday in August??) The visuals are incredible, but the lives of the lead characters are so deftly drawn, and their relationship isSimply an incredibly moving film. (How is it, by the way, that I saw the two best movies of the year on a Saturday in August??) The visuals are incredible, but the lives of the lead characters are so deftly drawn, and their relationship is so tangible. Was happy to see Michelle Forbes and Parker Posey (along with Culkin) play some impactful supporting roles. And I just loved the writing - excellent use of the uroboros. Haven't walked out of a theater with that kind of a feeling in quite some time.… Expand

4 of 6 users found this helpful42

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BHBarryAug 9, 2017

“Columbus” is a film written and directed by its one named creator, Ogonada. This is his directorial debut and unfortunately for him and his audience, is a totally non-auspicious entry into the theatrical genre. Aided and abetted in this“Columbus” is a film written and directed by its one named creator, Ogonada. This is his directorial debut and unfortunately for him and his audience, is a totally non-auspicious entry into the theatrical genre. Aided and abetted in this visual felony are actors John Cho and Haley Lu Richardson, with minimal participation by Parker Posey and Rory Culkin. The film takes place in Columbus, Indiana where many architectural feats have been accomplished and this serves as the basis for the common interest and attempted chemistry between its two co-stars. Although what well may have started out to be an effort to intellectualize and compare the world of architecture and life, the film fails miserably in that regard and becomes one of the most boring and tedious “entertainment” experiences this viewer can remember. As one member of the audience correctly put it: “It was like watching grass grow”. Mr. Cho manifests almost no emotion or credibility in the role he portrays in stark contrast to the performance of Ms. Richardson who is a delight to watch. Unfortunately, seeing her in the film is like listening to a fine singer performing a bad song. This is not a good film and one that I sincerely urge the potential viewer to avoid unless, of course, insomnia compels one to go to the theater for his or her much needed sleep. I give the film a 2.0 rating and that is solely due to the efforts of Ms. Richardson who hopefully will find better vehicles to expose her obvious talent.… Expand

4 of 12 users found this helpful48

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FedorkoNov 14, 2017

This is a tricky movie to grade, but it is certainly well done. The stakes of the film seem constantly low, but it's because the film itself takes on the pace of the place. The characters, who were acted very well, are in a place of wanderingThis is a tricky movie to grade, but it is certainly well done. The stakes of the film seem constantly low, but it's because the film itself takes on the pace of the place. The characters, who were acted very well, are in a place of wandering and self-discovery, which perpetuates the slow-going film. The slow pace made me feel less for the characters. I understand why the movie is important now, but isn't making a choice and doing it even more important? I didn't think the film thought so. The script and acting was great, but I wonder if the direction could have been more precise. If you are an indie theatergoer, I'd recommend the film. This is one that just didn't resonate with me.… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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isjoaoJan 15, 2018

I have no comments to make about this movie, I just want to use the 75 character minimum limit for reviews.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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imthenoobMay 7, 2023

Columbus is boring. There's no other way of putting it. It's a boring movie that tries to bank on it's two good leads to carry things through and it just doesn't work.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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DawdlingPoetMar 5, 2022

This is a rather poignant and contemplative type watch, with a philosophical type feel to the musical score - somewhat 'floaty'/ethereal/space type music is played in the background at times. I liked the cinematography used - there are someThis is a rather poignant and contemplative type watch, with a philosophical type feel to the musical score - somewhat 'floaty'/ethereal/space type music is played in the background at times. I liked the cinematography used - there are some nice shots of the various buildings and outdoor areas scenes take place in - there was a real sense of symmetry present, I felt. The film is about two characters who bump into each other and slowly start opening up about things, about their family, culture, death, career hopes and other such things. It is somewhat thoughtful and while its a reasonably slow film, plot wise, it has a nice laid back sense to it which I enjoyed, even though it is somewhat serious at points. Yes I'd recommend this film...perhaps its a little indulgent and certainly it won't appeal to people wanting constant action or 'full blown entertainment' as such but its a good film never the less - it certainly has an aesthetic appeal to it, which is a little hard to fully put my finger on. It has quite an arty sense to it too, I should say.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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beamyappleOct 9, 2020

This might be a weird thing to say considering its Ozu-like, detached style, but Columbus feels like a hug.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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AmateurfilmVWROct 6, 2022

Its crazy to think that a movie about two random strangers walking around and bonding over architecture in a town in Indiana could be so damn good.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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