Crazy Heart
Fox Searchlight Pictures | Release Date: December 16, 2009
7.5
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 204 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
154
Mixed:
39
Negative:
11
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User scoreBy dateMost helpful
10
zig16Dec 23, 2010
I rented this movie on blue ray. I had to turn it off 1/2 way through the picture and send it back - it was that bad! This type of movie gets publicity from review whores who all jump to try to outsmart the other critics, but in the end, theI rented this movie on blue ray. I had to turn it off 1/2 way through the picture and send it back - it was that bad! This type of movie gets publicity from review whores who all jump to try to outsmart the other critics, but in the end, the critics are all full of s--t! This movie sucks!… Expand
1 of 11 users found this helpful110
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8
roberti.Jan 17, 2010
A small film that captures the unlikely fire and light between two characters in need of each other.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
carolsJan 8, 2010
Jeff Bridges is mesmerizing as Bad Blake. A movie about a down and out mid-lifer can be cliche but Crazy Heart, and more accurately Bridges, brings a realism and depth to the nuances of addiction. Will someone give this man an Oscar please?!
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
ROBERTMJan 10, 2010
Jeff Bridges makes Bad Blake come alive. Maggie Gyllenhaal is the perfect victim who always falls for the "bad boy" who breaks her heart. Robert Duvall is the ideal vehicle for being the channel for Otis Blake's redemption. All in all a Jeff Bridges makes Bad Blake come alive. Maggie Gyllenhaal is the perfect victim who always falls for the "bad boy" who breaks her heart. Robert Duvall is the ideal vehicle for being the channel for Otis Blake's redemption. All in all a very satisfying movie. REM… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
DerekB.Jan 19, 2010
A perfectly crafted film. Beautifully written, acted, and directed. Bravo.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
KennethSFeb 15, 2010
I've seen and heard this story before many times, but Mr. Bridges' and Mrs. Gyllenhaal's performances seem both effortless and truly moving. They are the beating heart of a wonderfully written song which, in the end, is I've seen and heard this story before many times, but Mr. Bridges' and Mrs. Gyllenhaal's performances seem both effortless and truly moving. They are the beating heart of a wonderfully written song which, in the end, is neither happy nor sad, but everything in between.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
LornaSFeb 28, 2010
A terrific character study from Jeff Bridges,in which he gets inside the skin of Bad Blake.Even the songs fit him perfectly. The one negative about this film,unfortunately,is a big one.It is the unconvincing love story,made worse by the cute A terrific character study from Jeff Bridges,in which he gets inside the skin of Bad Blake.Even the songs fit him perfectly. The one negative about this film,unfortunately,is a big one.It is the unconvincing love story,made worse by the cute kid storyline.More of Colin Farrell's character would have been more interesting,plus adding more to our understanding of Bad.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
JamesHMar 15, 2010
The storyline of this movie is nearly identical to last year's "The Wrestler". Both movies are good, but "The Wrestler" is better, and Mickey Rourke's performance is amazing. This one doesn't quite reach that level but the The storyline of this movie is nearly identical to last year's "The Wrestler". Both movies are good, but "The Wrestler" is better, and Mickey Rourke's performance is amazing. This one doesn't quite reach that level but the writing and acting is good throughout. I'm a big fan of "the Dude" Jeff Bridges so I'm glad he won the Oscar for this performance. Way overdue.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
duaneApr 25, 2010
There is more truth on the screen in this film than I've seen in years. At one point I could swear I smelled the alcoholic stench of Bad Blake (Bridges).
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
FranceL.Dec 29, 2009
Featuring an Oscar worthy performance by the talented, underrated Jeff Bridges, this is the painful story of one man's path from self destruction to self redemption. Maggie Gyllenhaall and Colin Farrell add solid backup and the Featuring an Oscar worthy performance by the talented, underrated Jeff Bridges, this is the painful story of one man's path from self destruction to self redemption. Maggie Gyllenhaall and Colin Farrell add solid backup and the soundtrack is a winner.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
StephenD.Jan 12, 2010
A perfectly crafted film - Jeff Bridges is amazing and seamlessly transforms himself into the character - great music - great story - for me, the most satisfying film of 2009.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
7
EdM.Jan 18, 2010
Not much new here -- seen this story before -- but well done.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
QwertyJan 24, 2010
That's an 8 for the film overall, a mere 6 or 7 for the plot, a 9 for Gyllenhaal, and an all-out 10 for Bridges and the music. It's a toe-tapper/thigh-slapper all the way through.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
BillyS.Feb 15, 2010
Jeff Bridges - that's all you need to know to go see this movie. The actor who's been around forever and forever doing Iconic performances from The Last Picture Show, Tucker, The Fabulous Baker Boys, Fearless, and "The Dude" in The Jeff Bridges - that's all you need to know to go see this movie. The actor who's been around forever and forever doing Iconic performances from The Last Picture Show, Tucker, The Fabulous Baker Boys, Fearless, and "The Dude" in The Big Lebowski now adds Crazy Heart to his resume, and it will be known as his Signature performance. Bad Blake is acting perfection and the Academy will finally engrave Jeff Bridges for Best Actor in a Leading Role on the Oscar he richly deserves and has been robbed of so many times before.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
jennymFeb 17, 2010
I loved this movie I think Jeff Bridges played the best movie role he ever has. This movie suited him like no other role ever has.If he dont get an award for this movie then he has been cheated. Even his voice when singing is amazing. I loved this movie I think Jeff Bridges played the best movie role he ever has. This movie suited him like no other role ever has.If he dont get an award for this movie then he has been cheated. Even his voice when singing is amazing. Wonderful job Jeff. I am going to watch it again which i seldom ever watch a movie twice. Loved it.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
KimC.Dec 30, 2009
Outstanding film! Story line, characterization, dialogue, acting.... all believable, consistent, authentic... The film was deep, vivid, heartbreaking and hopeful. Bridges was outstanding, I felt like I knew Mr. Blake personally. AND the Outstanding film! Story line, characterization, dialogue, acting.... all believable, consistent, authentic... The film was deep, vivid, heartbreaking and hopeful. Bridges was outstanding, I felt like I knew Mr. Blake personally. AND the music and singing were top notch and I'm not a big fan of C&W… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
thelordoffilmAug 13, 2010
Crazy Heart is a real American movie, it's not a remake or reboot. It's original work that needs to be seen. Of all the generic movies of violence and bad storytelling it's very refreshing to see a movie that cares for its characters andCrazy Heart is a real American movie, it's not a remake or reboot. It's original work that needs to be seen. Of all the generic movies of violence and bad storytelling it's very refreshing to see a movie that cares for its characters and plot. Crazy Heart tells the story of Bad Blake (Jeff Bridges) a washed-out country singer who's not a very likeable guy. He curses, drinks, and very lazy. He use to be the top dog in country but we can just tell he screw that up. His agent clearly forces him and yells at him to get up and do a performance and not to f@#k it up. He refuses to collaborate with another country singer named Tommy Sweet (Colin Farrell) which we get a notion of a disagreement between them from the past. Bridges performance is so good that we can tell the age of experience from his actions and mannerisms. We can tell his sadness from his actions with the way he acts and his judgments. All of these things start to change once he meet Jean Craddock (Maggie Gyllenhaal) a writer and her son. At first is sexual but then he starts falling for her and for his son. He decides to reinvent his life and people it's not easy for him. Bridge's performance is downright awesome and finally the recognition he deserves. He comes from a huge career of movies and he nailed this one. He created a character that was believable. There were times when we wanted to cry for him and when we were angry with him. The supporting cast was very good as well. Gyllenhaal was very good and gave a very good supportive role. Colin Farrell as well who does more action flicks shows that he has more meaning and dramatic depths. Yeah the plot is familiar with music stars but the performances form the actors rise to another level. I think this movie shines a light on movies where we lost the effect that movie does for us. This is a movie who has important things to say, films are suppose to be teach aspects of life and to entertain. Some movies are satires and some movies are protests. You want to know what Crazy Heart teaches, see it yourself and let it teach you. One of the best films of 2009.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
Christopher_G2Jun 19, 2011
Crazy Heart might not break new ground, but it's a satisfying experience for the two lead performance. Bridges is totally worthy of his Oscar win as a down and out drunk and former music legend, and Maggie Gyllenhaal has never given aCrazy Heart might not break new ground, but it's a satisfying experience for the two lead performance. Bridges is totally worthy of his Oscar win as a down and out drunk and former music legend, and Maggie Gyllenhaal has never given a performance this good. On the other hand the great Robert Duvall as a supporting performance is woefully underused, and Colin Farell is just okay as a protegee that has surprassed Bridges in star power. This is a good little film, definetly worth watching.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
tonyGreenJan 7, 2011
Understated, genteel movie making. Relationships realistically portrayed, without melodrama. Sad, but not at all maudlin. Not at all a blockbuster, just a great little film. Very pretty cinematography too.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
txrangersfan72Nov 24, 2010
Crazy Heart is a superbly acted movie that transcends the story. Any less of a performance by Jeff Bridges or Maggie Gyllenhaal would have made this a sub-par film. Story-wise it never connects with me. Not enough time is spent on specificCrazy Heart is a superbly acted movie that transcends the story. Any less of a performance by Jeff Bridges or Maggie Gyllenhaal would have made this a sub-par film. Story-wise it never connects with me. Not enough time is spent on specific emotional elements between Bad and Tommy, Bad and his son or even Bad and Jean. However, you can extract the pain from Jeff's performance alone. He was extremely worthy of his Best Actor Oscar. While I've seen him in a rugged role before, he takes a character that is clearly meant to exhibit a painful presence and, in spite of the strength of the story, makes you see and almost feel his pain.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
JudgeHoldenJan 5, 2012
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The Dude is the Dude. Bridges: he makes all the difference in this movie. There are many similar movies to Crazy Heart, but Bad Blake's history is unique for Bridges' ability to portray an old country star whose best days are long gone and their place is taken by alcohol. It's worthy to see just for the few scenes with Bridges and Duvall together: they are great actors because when they act they seem no actors at all.… Expand
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8
Trev29Jul 31, 2013
Jeff Bridges is most deserving of his Oscar for this role. The music works wonderfully to help tell the story of this man, and shows just how powerful a lyric can be. A very moving movie.
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7
SpangleJun 4, 2016
Featuring a powerhouse performance from Jeff Bridges, Crazy Heart may not be a direct adaptation of any single musician, but it does feel like it. Crazy Heart follows the music biopic formula from start to finish and never deviates,Featuring a powerhouse performance from Jeff Bridges, Crazy Heart may not be a direct adaptation of any single musician, but it does feel like it. Crazy Heart follows the music biopic formula from start to finish and never deviates, showcasing all the classic trademarks: classic songs, broken friendships, failed relationships, and alcoholism. Aside from Bridges, the acting is good, but Crazy Heart's narrative formula is tried and true. While conventional, it is a good take on the music "biopic" formula and is a thoroughly entertaining film, heartbreaking at times, plus it has great music. That said, Crazy Heart is most certainly not too original and is far too typical to be better than pretty good to good. Jeff Bridges' performance is what truly lifts this one up and over the competition.… Expand
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9
YoursTrulyNov 12, 2012
You take a thoroughly realistic yet original plot, combine it with brilliant acting, and you get a stunning motion picture. Jeff Bridges deserved the Oscar and then some. I really loved this.
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9
worleyjamersFeb 24, 2013
Although it treads familiar territory, I really don't care because Crazy Heart is so well done that it's easily one of the most effective and satisfying films of its kind in years. The performances are great; Maggie Gyllenhaal is great (asAlthough it treads familiar territory, I really don't care because Crazy Heart is so well done that it's easily one of the most effective and satisfying films of its kind in years. The performances are great; Maggie Gyllenhaal is great (as usual), well deserving of her Oscar nom., and Jeff Bridges is brilliant and completely deserved his Oscar for Best Actor. Also, two key supporting characters played by Robert Duvall and Colin Farrell really knock the film out of park. Solid script, great music, perfect cast, Crazy Heart is one of the best films of 2009.… Expand
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8
heeldavidJul 6, 2014
This Scott Cooper film without Jeff Bridges would be nothing, Jeff Bridges puts on the best performance of his career, and gets some nice supporting backup from the rest of the talented cast: Colin Farrell, Maggie Gylenhaal and Robert Duvall
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8
ydnar4Mar 15, 2015
Jeff Bridges pulls off a pretty good performance in Crazy Heart. I find this performance a little overrated as the whole cowboy role is a role Bridges has been known to play on many occasions. He won an Oscar for best actor in a weak year butJeff Bridges pulls off a pretty good performance in Crazy Heart. I find this performance a little overrated as the whole cowboy role is a role Bridges has been known to play on many occasions. He won an Oscar for best actor in a weak year but don't get me wrong his performance is still strong. I just wasn't blown away by it. Crazy Heart is interesting but certainly slow, I understand that its not for everyone. Bridges bond with the young boy in the film is really cute and the music is really good too. Who knew Colin Farrell could sing so well.… Expand
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8
amheretojudgeMay 1, 2018
that's good, bad..

Crazy Heart The bonding projected since the beginning, of each individual character with the protagonist is so pure and innocence that it doesn't fit into the "social" boundary which helps this feature fly onto new andthat's good, bad..

Crazy Heart

The bonding projected since the beginning, of each individual character with the protagonist is so pure and innocence that it doesn't fit into the "social" boundary which helps this feature fly onto new and fearless territories. Scoot Cooper's smart adaptation from Thomas Cobb's novel is the core strength of this feature where even Scott's brilliant execution skills fail to surpass the way it conveys the message comfortably to the audience. Addition to that, the performance is the highlight of this feature that is outdrawn beautifully by Jeff Bridges; as the protagonist, and Maggie Gyllenhaal as a supporter. Crazy Heart never had something fresh or intriguing concept in its first place to bedazzle the audience but its simplicity and details towards the mannerism of the characters, is what something one can explore.… Expand
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7
FilipeNetoApr 9, 2021
In this film, we follow a drunken and decadent country singer on a journey of self-redemption through love. When he least expected it, he finds in a young aspiring journalist who wanted to interview him a strong and revolutionary loveIn this film, we follow a drunken and decadent country singer on a journey of self-redemption through love. When he least expected it, he finds in a young aspiring journalist who wanted to interview him a strong and revolutionary love interest that makes him see life with a new spirit and change his bad habits and vices.

For me, to date, it is the most notable film in Jeff Bridges' extensive filmography. He, more than any other, carries the film on his back and assumes an unequivocal protagonism, which he would already have for the character he assumes, but reinforces through a colossal performance. It is worth seeing this film just for him, and to hear the elegant and tuned way in which the actor sang in the film ... and I am not even fond of country. Maggie Gyllenhaal also makes a good contribution and collaborates quite well with the actor.

Technically, the film works quite well but knows how to be discreet, giving the actors the necessary space and the story told to stand out in the public eye. Cinematography is the standard, but it has excellent footage from concerts and musical performances. The soundtrack makes good use of country songs.… Expand
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8
DawdlingPoetNov 22, 2021
This is a drama film with obviously a heavy emphasis on music, more specifically country music and it features themes including reconciliation, personal identity, loneliness and of course country music. It is very much a character focussedThis is a drama film with obviously a heavy emphasis on music, more specifically country music and it features themes including reconciliation, personal identity, loneliness and of course country music. It is very much a character focussed drama. The main character, Bad (who is very hesitant to reveal his real name, I should note), is depicted from early on as quite a disillusioned person. We learn slowly about his history, via the love interest, Jean the journalist. Given his fame and adoration, its surprising to see that he lives a relatively modest life, keeping himself to himself most of the time. I found it hard to fully follow what Bad said at times, as his voice sounded quite mumbly - perhaps its (partly) because of his thick US accent. I often found myself tinkering with the volume to try and improve things, only to find a new scene starting with music playing and the music was too loud, so I'd turn it down, only to find myself, yet again, a bit unclear of the dialogue when it cut to a quieter scene, which is quite frustrating!. Whether thats anything to do with me watching it via my laptop, as I purchased it via Google Play, or not, I don't know but it was quite distracting and so I felt I better mention it.

The plot is pretty slow paced, infact I'm not sure if it was very clear quite what the plot was, certainly direction wise, at all. I found it (personally) a pretty easy watch, as I'm relatively keen on contemporary country music and I quite enjoyed the songs Bad performs (I believe the actor, Jeff Bridges, performs himself during the film, so its not a case of lip syncing or dubbing, which impressed me - some of the lyrics are relatively poignant) plus I don't mind a decent film centering on character development but this may not suit all, as some may find this a bit slow and meandering. I think its fair to say that this is quite a, what you might call, reflective film - with various people, mostly other musicians, looking back at things in the music industry and in their individual lives and perhaps wondering what may have been. It may seem a bit indulgent to some but I thought it was somewhat philosophical and I found it a pleasant enough watch regardlress.

Content wise, this film contains some strong language plus a scene involving a crash in which a character is left with injuries, part bloody ones although nothing especially graphic is shown. Bad is depicted as drinking and being inebriated at times and also people are seen smoking, which may not be something you'd want younger teenagers to see, if you think they may be influenced by such things but there are no other drug related references or scenes and no graphic sexual content either, although some mild nudity. Also I wouldn't say that drinking and smoking is glamourised as such either, the down sides to such over indulgences being made fairly clear. Regardless, due to this, the film carries a 15 rating here in the UK. The 15 rating slightly surprised me as I would have thought it would be ok with a 12a rating, for the language, given there isn't a great amount of violence but I suppose the higher rating is, if partly, due to the amount of smoking and alcohol taking depicted.

The film contains a definite bittersweet feel to it, particularly towards the end as certain discoveries are made, although I won't go in to any details so as not to spoil the film for anyone who hasn't seen it, of course. I thought this was a well made film which is relatively thoughtful.

Yes I'd recommend it overall, as long as you don't mind possibly relying on using the subtitles on ocassion and as long as you don't mind character based dramas, as this is just about one of the better ones. It may seem a little bland and it doesn't feature any big visual effects or anything but the main performance by Jeff Bridges is a solid one and I liked the music featured throughout and found it to be a good watch, if a rather sobering one.… Expand
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7
geewahJan 24, 2021
This movie is all about Jeff Bridges. And rightly so.
The story itself of a washed up, drunk musician seeking redemption has been told a thousand times before and this offers nothing new to that genre.
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