Donnie Darko: The Director's Cut
Newmarket Films | Release Date: July 23, 2004
8.5
USER SCORE
Universal acclaim based on 374 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
338
Mixed:
16
Negative:
20
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User Reviews

User scoreBy dateMost helpful
10
FrankS.Jan 20, 2007
My favorite movie of all time. I saw it for the first time when I was 20 and it changed my life. I had never identified with a film character like this before, and doubt that I ever will. I think you owe it to yourself to experience this My favorite movie of all time. I saw it for the first time when I was 20 and it changed my life. I had never identified with a film character like this before, and doubt that I ever will. I think you owe it to yourself to experience this movie. Uniquely American and flawlessly executed.… Expand
6 of 6 users found this helpful
10
RitaP.Jan 30, 2006
Perfect 10, this film cannot be faulted. The pressure is on Richard Kelly to reproduce the genius thats so evident in Donnie Darko, maybe that's why he hasn't released anything since.
1 of 1 users found this helpful
10
SmallyFeb 4, 2006
liked it alot both its inner perspective and outer spective views on reality and life, also the wake up part clearly was reference to the kundalini awakening, donnie suffers trauma then his kundalini wakes up, he also predicts his own death liked it alot both its inner perspective and outer spective views on reality and life, also the wake up part clearly was reference to the kundalini awakening, donnie suffers trauma then his kundalini wakes up, he also predicts his own death as a result of this sudden out pour of energy within the body.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful
10
FelixQ.Jul 25, 2006
Unparalled in every dimension. What Donnie Darko, both the original and the director's cut, has done that has served to make it such a cult phenomenon, is give the viewer a completely different world to live and think in. A world Unparalled in every dimension. What Donnie Darko, both the original and the director's cut, has done that has served to make it such a cult phenomenon, is give the viewer a completely different world to live and think in. A world that's so wonderfully sculpted and detailed that one can reason and debate within the confines of a completely different world, with entirely new and different 'laws' and physics, and do so confidently because it is so complete and fleshed out it might have been real. It offers you the chance to be the expert in something else, and somewhere else to inhabit in your mind for however long you choose. I think it's this same element that helped with the success of Harry Potter and Friends- taking escapism a level further, and putting you almost literally into another dimension. It's not an easy movie to watch- repeat viewings are almost always called for, if not desired, and serve to make this more than just a story being told. What the director's cut offers, is a new perspective on certain elements of the story- pretty much giving you more insight into the director's own interpretation of it. Here technology plays a much more vital part, and in the commentary he reveals that there might be someone in the future who is manipulating the events, the tangent universe and even the secondary characters to help Donnie reach the conclusion needed for the world to continue. Granted, even the extra footage doesn't make this explicitly clear, but I think the commentary is actually more useful than just the additional footage on this one.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful
10
DougE.Apr 9, 2009
Any film that demands multiple viewings (not just to get at the nooks and crannies of the plot, but also to fully realize its emotional depth) gets a 10 in my book. Initially frightening and disorienting, upon subsequent viewings, Donnie Any film that demands multiple viewings (not just to get at the nooks and crannies of the plot, but also to fully realize its emotional depth) gets a 10 in my book. Initially frightening and disorienting, upon subsequent viewings, Donnie Darko hits a surprising emotional pitch. Watch the director's cut first, and then I suggest taking in the original theatrical version for its tightness and pacing.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful
10
AmberHFeb 9, 2010
A truly amazing movie, a modern day version of The Last Temptation of Christ, which coincidental the movie references itself. What baffles me though is how the director's cut, honestly the inferior version in my opinion, is rated so A truly amazing movie, a modern day version of The Last Temptation of Christ, which coincidental the movie references itself. What baffles me though is how the director's cut, honestly the inferior version in my opinion, is rated so much higher on this site. The director's cut goes as far flat out telling "this is EXACTLY WHAT IS HAPPENING" without letting the viewer make sense of it all, which is part of the appeal.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful
10
jonOct 12, 2005
One of the best movies i've ever seen, it actually makes you think.
1 of 1 users found this helpful
10
[Anonymous]Jun 24, 2008
Probably one of the best movies I have seen.
1 of 1 users found this helpful
9
JoeBNov 23, 2005
Donnie Darko is, I think, a rather underrated and often unconsidered science fiction film. With its several interpretations, it really makes one think. The acting is also superb.
1 of 1 users found this helpful
9
j30Feb 19, 2012
Donnie Darko's Directors Cut builds off the theatrical version by a lot with character development and a few loose ends with plot. If you decide to take a dive in the moody, thought-provoking Donnie Darko waters, you might as well dive in theDonnie Darko's Directors Cut builds off the theatrical version by a lot with character development and a few loose ends with plot. If you decide to take a dive in the moody, thought-provoking Donnie Darko waters, you might as well dive in the 133 minute director's cut version.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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10
BrushedRedAug 19, 2015
One of the greatest movies ever made. It's a genre-bending, mind-bending ride through space and time itself. It can seem a bit confusing, but the director's cut adds in about 20 extra minutes of footage to better explain how everything fitsOne of the greatest movies ever made. It's a genre-bending, mind-bending ride through space and time itself. It can seem a bit confusing, but the director's cut adds in about 20 extra minutes of footage to better explain how everything fits together by the ending. While I ultimately like the director's cut better, if you have never seen the movie, try to get the theatrical version first. It's more shrouded in mystery than this version. I wish the director's cut also had a selection to watch the theatrical version in case I wanted to show my friends, but ehh.. it's still a wonderful version of one of the greatest films ever made.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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10
TubieNov 2, 2010
This movie talked to me, and I know it talks to a lot of people, specially young people. This movie had such an impact on me it impressed me and I still think about it and how it made me feel. I want to watch it constantly but I refrainThis movie talked to me, and I know it talks to a lot of people, specially young people. This movie had such an impact on me it impressed me and I still think about it and how it made me feel. I want to watch it constantly but I refrain myself so that every time I do watch it it remains a memorable experience.… Expand
5 of 7 users found this helpful52
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2
MichaelS.Sep 8, 2005
If you people consider this a "good science fiction movie" then you clearly have never been exposed to good SF before, this movie is crap, I cannot even recommend it for its camp value it is so bad. This is merely the attempt of Richard If you people consider this a "good science fiction movie" then you clearly have never been exposed to good SF before, this movie is crap, I cannot even recommend it for its camp value it is so bad. This is merely the attempt of Richard Kelly to seem profound when he is merely ridiculous and tedious. Please people, go read some good SF like the work of Philip K. Dick or see a good SF movie like Tarkovsky's 1972 film "Solaris" or Kubrick's "2001: A Space Odyssey."… Expand
2 of 5 users found this helpful
2
joey-clemenzaFeb 27, 2013
trite, mundane, pretentious, hackneyed, sloppy, arrogant and dull......i never did understand the cult following this film has garnered. if ever the movie said anything to me, it said that writer richard kelly is way too in love with his owntrite, mundane, pretentious, hackneyed, sloppy, arrogant and dull......i never did understand the cult following this film has garnered. if ever the movie said anything to me, it said that writer richard kelly is way too in love with his own material (southland tales and the box being proof of this). there is nothing wrong with wanting to endeavor into your project like a child, nurturing it and loving it just as such. however, once a director reaches the state of "i don't care if it does make sense", you have then left your audience in the ditch and are now lost. there is an obvious disdain and further disconnect with kelly's audience, as the movie is only experienced in stylized sequences, complete with "plot twists" askew. oh, the plot twist. ever was there a more cheap though effective technique in fiction writing. this brings me to my next point. the story is so convoluted, there have been countless websites developed for the simple function of either identifying or deciphering the movies message, plot, theme and "code" like a child who recently discovered the usesfullness of a Marvel styled decoder ring. only whence identifying these modes (or theorizing them, as there really is all you can do with this film), the former just seems so wishy washy in the end, you'd just as soon begin thinking of this film as a classic because if it doesn't make sense, it must be cool, right? Kelly has no business directing, as there is only a subtle hint of character in every one of these one or two layered protagonists. Richard Kelly really is the Omar Rodriguez of film and i see no other reason to praise him, save for the fact that he knows the Gyllenhaals? i assure you, rich.....your farts smell the same way as mine, and as your movie. **1 out of 5 stars**… Expand
2 of 7 users found this helpful25
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4
ShannonP.Aug 5, 2007
The good parts of this film are (highly) derivative, while the "original" parts fall flat. There are a few funny lines, and many tiresome scenes. It feels like the writer/director realized he was working on a "Heathers" redux, and added the The good parts of this film are (highly) derivative, while the "original" parts fall flat. There are a few funny lines, and many tiresome scenes. It feels like the writer/director realized he was working on a "Heathers" redux, and added the whole time travel theme to make it "original." Whether that theme makes sense hardly matters--its a crushing, self-indulgent bore.… Expand
1 of 4 users found this helpful
3
nicolew.Aug 20, 2007
The good parts of this movie, black comedy about suburbia, remind me a LOT of Heathers. The "original" parts of the movie, based on some idea of time travel, are tedious. Cutting this theme back in the original film made it at least seem a The good parts of this movie, black comedy about suburbia, remind me a LOT of Heathers. The "original" parts of the movie, based on some idea of time travel, are tedious. Cutting this theme back in the original film made it at least seem a little mysterious. The directors cut makes that theme more literal , silly, bloated, and self-indulgent. Anyone who assets they found some deep and original meaning here is fooling you and/or themselves.… Expand
1 of 10 users found this helpful
2
WayneH.Jun 16, 2008
Did I miss something?
0 of 3 users found this helpful
10
YvanG.Nov 2, 2005
While this movie, as a science fiction, is not quite as good as Solaris and 2001: A Space Odyssey, as Michael S. was so hostile to express, Donnie Darko: The Director's Cut works best as a brooding, but sometimes humorous, drama. In my While this movie, as a science fiction, is not quite as good as Solaris and 2001: A Space Odyssey, as Michael S. was so hostile to express, Donnie Darko: The Director's Cut works best as a brooding, but sometimes humorous, drama. In my opinion, the movie is not so much about parallel universes, and such, as it is about a young man's sexual feelings towards his older sister. Hard to see but the evidence is there.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful
1
chrismMay 14, 2009
Not a good movie, once more the wooly rabbit suit is pulled over our eyes.
0 of 4 users found this helpful
3
psyquickSep 4, 2018
I was eventually put off by so many tired, worn cliches - the Neurotic teacher, the Nasty school bully, the Fat Chinese chick, sleazy Mr. Motivator, the Mr & Mrs Average parents, the eccentric old lady. And then the time travel and theI was eventually put off by so many tired, worn cliches - the Neurotic teacher, the Nasty school bully, the Fat Chinese chick, sleazy Mr. Motivator, the Mr & Mrs Average parents, the eccentric old lady. And then the time travel and the convoluted, confused plot trying to lend some scientific credibility to this sorry concoction.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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9
JamesMNov 19, 2005
Perhaps the ultimate example of how to tell such an original and bizzare story, Donnie Darko presents some wild and astonishing ideas, and cleverly masks them by masquerading as a film of teen frustration. The film is packed with moments Perhaps the ultimate example of how to tell such an original and bizzare story, Donnie Darko presents some wild and astonishing ideas, and cleverly masks them by masquerading as a film of teen frustration. The film is packed with moments that will make you think for months afterwards, but it is not the individual scenes that shine, rather the whole idea of the film itself. It scatters ideas that come from every direction while threading a somewhat coherent story and some fascinating propistions throughout it. Donnie Darko is a hard film to describe and while not perfect is an absolute must see.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
DawS.Oct 30, 2007
Whether or not you prefer the original or the director's cut depends largely on whether you like your sci-fi to be a little ambiguous and not too literal, or whether you prefer it to be unshamedly speculative. It's possible to make Whether or not you prefer the original or the director's cut depends largely on whether you like your sci-fi to be a little ambiguous and not too literal, or whether you prefer it to be unshamedly speculative. It's possible to make a "psychological" interpretation of the original, but the director's cut leaves no doubt that this is a sci-fi film - essentially about time travel. This is a masterpiece.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
ThomadJun 26, 2006
For me it's the best movie I've seen. It's funny, interesting and it makes you think. It has small details to discover every time you see it again which keep the movie fresh.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
OliKJul 24, 2007
This movie is the best cult movie ever made in my opinion. although, i think the original is MUCH better than the directors cut. the original is more mystical and unrevealing, hence it being more of a challenge to figure things out, which iThis movie is the best cult movie ever made in my opinion. although, i think the original is MUCH better than the directors cut. the original is more mystical and unrevealing, hence it being more of a challenge to figure things out, which i like. so i would give the original 10/10, but the directors cut 8/10.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
GooseGJan 28, 2008
Solid in every facet.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
AlP.Jun 22, 2009
There is a nobility to this film which moved me greatly- More than any other film in recent memory. Unfortunately, it is apparently missed by a great many. Quite simply the most surprisingly brilliant film of it's year and in my top 5 There is a nobility to this film which moved me greatly- More than any other film in recent memory. Unfortunately, it is apparently missed by a great many. Quite simply the most surprisingly brilliant film of it's year and in my top 5 films of all time.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
RodrigoMJan 26, 2010
Even if you aren't a big fan of sci-fi, the drama part of the movie is awesome. But if you like sci-fi you'll just love this.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
DrewH.Aug 26, 2004
Its just so weird...i have to give it a good rating. Seriously go see it because of how amazingly weird it is...im still confused...
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
DrewH.Aug 26, 2004
Its just so weird...i have to give it a good rating. Seriously go see it because of how amazingly weird it is...im still confused...
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
ConnorB.Oct 21, 2006
This isn
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
FiskJun 21, 2006
It's interesting. It's weird. It's funny. And it has a giant bunny rabbit. Awesome. Go and see it.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
JeffPDec 4, 2009
Every time I see this movie, which has probably been 10 times, I discover more depth and content to revel in. I highly recommend this film and have it in both blu-ray and DVD, just so I can loan it to friends. It has those gnostic Every time I see this movie, which has probably been 10 times, I discover more depth and content to revel in. I highly recommend this film and have it in both blu-ray and DVD, just so I can loan it to friends. It has those gnostic undercurrents (The world is not what you think, and neither are you) which I loved in Blade Runner, The Matrix, Dark City, Waking Life, etc.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
Lopez17Aug 11, 2010
Do you ever wonder if the world you are living in is real? Do you wonder if it is nothing more than just a fabrication of your own insane imagination, or if it is happening for real? Donnie Darko is asking himself those very same questionsDo you ever wonder if the world you are living in is real? Do you wonder if it is nothing more than just a fabrication of your own insane imagination, or if it is happening for real? Donnie Darko is asking himself those very same questions as he travels down a mind breaking, insanity inducing journey that leaves you with a disturbing and haunting answer that will shatter everything you think you know about reality and also leave you with one nagging question, where does fantasy end and reality begin? Richard Kellyâ… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
rodericrinehartAug 14, 2010
A unique, puzzling, strange, and gripping story about a boy in existential angst, aided of course by time traveling bunnies. I'm sure the suits were like, WHAT?, but I'm glad it made it to the screen. This is the definition of a cult classic.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
PaxsterOct 21, 2010
Just seriously so strange and mystical it has you thinking for days. Not to mention the strange bunny man and the teenage angst. This is a film that fuses both universal consequences and personal problems into one genius cinematic bubble.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
jimmytancrediMay 29, 2011
A film that mixes social issues and moral concepts of quantum physics and that still has a whole intricate screenplay, full of moments that connect key elements arranged separately on the timeline of the script and doing it all quite wellA film that mixes social issues and moral concepts of quantum physics and that still has a whole intricate screenplay, full of moments that connect key elements arranged separately on the timeline of the script and doing it all quite well without holes carefully distributed equally, it is definitely a milestone. Like Lynch's recent films, these films are not just movies, they are objects of study, meaning, here you also need a second immersion in the world of Donnie to connect all the dots. In my opinion, he wasn't schizophrenic. Frank was just there to guide him in your mission. and impressive as in the end when he was receiving revelation, Frank horn trying to wake Donnie not to die in a panic. Science fiction is very well developed, combining both time travel and parallel universe. and the creepy feeling that all agreed. It's hard to understand seeing the film only once time, and it is very difficult without seeing the Director's Cut. It's totally open to interpretation, which makes the original better, but less enlightening And it is amazing how they made it look like a REALLY late '80s, photography, music, culture, everything. You don't know what had been done in 2001, certainly think it was 90s. Probably the smartest/complex movie I have ever seen, impossible to absorb everything in one view only. Many details and issues are touched gently that you can be talking about it for years. Since the high school portrayed, bullying, politics, Donnie's mental state and his low self esteem, always considering a madman and a burden for parents. His stop with the drugs portray the true situation of patients. His revolt against society/life (with the attitude of young Donnie are common these days) showing the injustice that they are, the error of people only see the surface problems and separate them between two categories: good or bad, or love and fear. relationships, platonic or not being the common fights between brothers, even loving one another. Donnie's criticism to young people have children early, is teenage life portrayed in a movie alone. is so critical that makes you think about all this on an unconscious level, then spring up as an idea of many layers, one whole. In fact, the cult theme just amazed me. The movie has a wonderful story, a story all snug by the 'erased' Richard Kelly. Whatever the issue of quantum physics or the subject matter. The climax of the movie is the great lesson of sacrifice to save a world that does not even deserve to be saved. It is not necessary or at least understand the movie to get a conclusion of what the director wanted to come to us. Donnie's story is sad and shattered. Donnie may well represent each of us. Each love we had, that there was repression in every school and every sacrifice we had to do to fix something in our lives. I know it's a cult film, and hated by many people, I guess. But I still believe I'll live long enough and I never will see a movie so important to me like that. The soundtrack is flawless, from Echo and the Bunnymen to INXS, Joy Division and through the end of the beautiful song â… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
DannyDarkoMar 13, 2011
This film is my absolute favorite film ever. I bought the special edition for a very low price, simply because it seemed like an extremely weird sci-fi flick, and I figured it would be funny to see a six-foot-tall bunny rabbit talking toThis film is my absolute favorite film ever. I bought the special edition for a very low price, simply because it seemed like an extremely weird sci-fi flick, and I figured it would be funny to see a six-foot-tall bunny rabbit talking to Jake Gyllenhaal. What I didn't expect, however, was the film's utter seriousness, and it's message. The message, I've learned from research, is that the message is different to everyone. Director Richard Kelly may or may not have meant it, but the film's ending is extremely ambiguous; I've had multiple people tell me what they thought it meant, and none of their explanations quite matched my own. This adds to the greatness of the movie, I believe, because it involves the audience, coaxing them to form their own opinions on the film's meaning. In my view, which I will not begin to explain, in the event someone reads this without having seen the film, the film is extremely touching, to the point where I could barely contain my tears. I cry every time I watch it, actually, and I do not cry easily. If all of that isn't enough to get you to watch the film, let me tell you this: the rabbit is terrifying, despite how silly the idea may sound.… Expand
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10
DamienDarko777May 6, 2011
When I first saw Donnie Darko (the theatrical cut), I was instantly taken in by its clever mix of sci-fi and teenage drama. I enjoyed the mix of humor and angst, the use of music, the enigma at its core. Which is exactly why I now say, lessWhen I first saw Donnie Darko (the theatrical cut), I was instantly taken in by its clever mix of sci-fi and teenage drama. I enjoyed the mix of humor and angst, the use of music, the enigma at its core. Which is exactly why I now say, less is more. I didn't much care for this extended cut, and felt it added nothing of value and even detracted from the film's sense of mystery. See the original cut first, and if you're really interested, then check out this one.… Expand
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7
Zen-ZinxeApr 1, 2013
This used to be my movie, the one I would always think of when anyone asked me what the best movie you ever saw was. It turned me towards philosophy and made me, in some respects, a more thoughtful person. But this was not a favor to me, inThis used to be my movie, the one I would always think of when anyone asked me what the best movie you ever saw was. It turned me towards philosophy and made me, in some respects, a more thoughtful person. But this was not a favor to me, in fact this movie simply preached to my childish pseudo-intellectual side that wanted to be "deep". The problem is that the movie isn't really all that deep, it just appears deep with lots of cryptic messages and surreal occurrences. Reminds me a lot of Bioshock Infinite to be honest. I still think it's a fun movie to watch, but I'm changing my previous score from a 10 to a 7.… Expand
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10
BenLJun 22, 2011
This film is fantastic and is probably my favorite movie of all time, unfortunately this is a movie you just have to sit down and watch yourself and is probably impossible to recommend to someone without just spoiling the whole thing orThis film is fantastic and is probably my favorite movie of all time, unfortunately this is a movie you just have to sit down and watch yourself and is probably impossible to recommend to someone without just spoiling the whole thing or leaving them just as confused as they would be had they watched it.… Expand
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10
JAM123Aug 14, 2011
This was one of the best movies I have ever seen. This movie was a fantastic mix of horror, sci-fi, drama, and even a bit of comedy. This movie had me a bit confused at times and scared but that just makes it better. It made you think, and IThis was one of the best movies I have ever seen. This movie was a fantastic mix of horror, sci-fi, drama, and even a bit of comedy. This movie had me a bit confused at times and scared but that just makes it better. It made you think, and I love that in movies. It had an awesome storyline, a spectacular cast, cool soundtrack, and a great director. It had me on the edge my seat wondering what was next the whole time. Again one of the best movies I have ever seen and if you didn't like it then "wake up."… Expand
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10
Mad_Hatter91Jun 27, 2012
A film that intrigues you start going forward and that surprises you. The creator of this film was truly a genius!
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10
TTW107Feb 8, 2012
In my top 5 movies of all time hands down and always will be. The first time I saw this was at least 7 years ago and I've seen it countless times since, each time enjoying it more and more. Easily my favorite Jake Gyllenhaal movie. Also iIn my top 5 movies of all time hands down and always will be. The first time I saw this was at least 7 years ago and I've seen it countless times since, each time enjoying it more and more. Easily my favorite Jake Gyllenhaal movie. Also i would highly recommend the Director's cut over the original. The first time I ever saw the movie I saw the Directors cut and recently I saw the original once and it just paled in comparison. The Directors Cut almost guides you for a better understanding of the movie.… Expand
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9
nabozny4Jun 18, 2012
Jake Gyllenhaal is phenomenal. He manages a great blend of humor and depth which wonderfully coincide with the direction and screenplay. And the story - a deliciously dark romp of confusing and bizarre images packed together with a greatJake Gyllenhaal is phenomenal. He manages a great blend of humor and depth which wonderfully coincide with the direction and screenplay. And the story - a deliciously dark romp of confusing and bizarre images packed together with a great blend of satiric humor and frightening concepts. All in all, Donnie Darko brilliantly utilizes the star power of Jake Gyllenhaal to create a beautiful mystery fusing comedy, horror, and drama to create a cult classic full of dark atmosphere and profound themes.… Expand
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8
BshopAug 16, 2014
Now a cult classic. I watch this movie every year at least once, sometimes within a few months of each other. Remains current throughout the years.
Memorable and sticks with me every time I watch it. So many experiences are relatable - theNow a cult classic. I watch this movie every year at least once, sometimes within a few months of each other. Remains current throughout the years.
Memorable and sticks with me every time I watch it. So many experiences are relatable - the awkwardness in high school, the girlfriends, the bullies, and time travel....well maybe not the last one, but everything else.
In summary, I would rent it or borrow it first to make sure you "get it", after you should buy it because like I said, it's worth a watch every year or more. I bought it a few years ago - buy the Director's Cut if you like the extra features, but not really necessary for the effect.… Expand
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10
TheGeographer52Jan 25, 2013
Wake up recut.
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10
S_tribeMar 15, 2013
One of the most brilliant movies I have seen, Donnie Darko: The Director's Cut offers an exceptional plot and fully fleshed out characters to further support and intensify the multitude of dark, existential and humanist themes it explores.One of the most brilliant movies I have seen, Donnie Darko: The Director's Cut offers an exceptional plot and fully fleshed out characters to further support and intensify the multitude of dark, existential and humanist themes it explores. Combine this with an excellent and wonderfully used soundtrack, a touching romantic subplot and just enough (black) humor to soften the hard-edged reality of Donnie's world and the result is a perfect film that will keep you engaged all the way and finally leave you emotional and overwhelmed with your own thoughts on life, death, love and the human experience.… Expand
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9
mbeckfordOct 27, 2020
A complete mind-bender of a movie that put Jake Gyllenhall on the map, introduced the creepiest rabbit custom of all time, and may make you surprisingly tear up to a remake of Tears for Fears "Mad World."
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10
Gamer147Oct 5, 2013
Amazingly well done. A bit too subtle (would've been a ten) but still an amazing journey and experience. Actors out-performed it, the actor that played Donnie played him just perfect. Music was pretty good too.
This is NOT light watching, ifAmazingly well done. A bit too subtle (would've been a ten) but still an amazing journey and experience. Actors out-performed it, the actor that played Donnie played him just perfect. Music was pretty good too.
This is NOT light watching, if you miss anything the movie really gets ruined; watch it in full, enjoy the complications.… Expand
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10
eggMar 14, 2015
My favourite version of my favourite film.
The story is intriguing, and despite being open to interpretation, has an actual official arc if you read into it. Saying this movie is bad because it doesn't make sense is a crime; somethingMy favourite version of my favourite film.
The story is intriguing, and despite being open to interpretation, has an actual official arc if you read into it. Saying this movie is bad because it doesn't make sense is a crime; something doesn't have to make sense for you to have an emotional connection with it, and it does make sense if you engage with it. Of course I can't be mad for people viewing this film negatively, as opinions are a thing and I respect them, however in my humble opinion this is the greatest mainstream piece of film produced.
Perhaps it was because I viewed it at a reasonably young age that I have a strong emotional connection with it, but I am still able to watch it and say it is magnificent. All of the characters are very human and have deceptively complex depth, with their simplicity being a reflection of the suburban society they exist in, and being faced with the seemingly supernatural, Donnie has to respond to this with his personal values.
The proxemics are wonderful as the visuals and the music work so well together to produce an intense atmosphere one minute and then be transported back to real life suburbia the next morning. It does well to contrast various themes and visuals, yet I won't say which of these they are as they are pivotal to the plot. People say Richard Kelly was up his own arse when he made this but I think he just cared for it so much that he wanted as many people to have an emotional response with it as possible, hence the abstract story, and yet he kept us linked with the details through the book in this version of the film.
I could go on forever but that would be boring, but there is far more to this movie that I have said so far. I highly recommend watching it and forming your own opinion on it, as whether you like it or not is irrelevant, as how it connects with you emotionally is what counts, and perhaps negative emotions are aroused causing you to hate this film, and that's fine. I love it.… Expand
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6
juliankennedy23Jul 22, 2014
Donnie Darko: 6 out of 10: Some movies just pass me right by. I found Amelie by the end more irritating than cute, I didn't laugh once at Rushmore, and only a hostage situation could coerce me to watch The Piano again.

Donnie Darko has aDonnie Darko: 6 out of 10: Some movies just pass me right by. I found Amelie by the end more irritating than cute, I didn't laugh once at Rushmore, and only a hostage situation could coerce me to watch The Piano again.

Donnie Darko has a large legion of fans and I certainly understand its appeal. The acting by both Jake Gyllenhaal and Drew Barrymore is some of their best work. The rest of the cast also shines with a special kudos to Holmes Osborne as the father in what is almost always a throw away role.

The school and kids remind me of my high school from the eighties (Though this being Hollywood the music is much better than what the radio actually played in those years.) and the filmmakers certainly know how to frame a shot. I was even able to look past the Holden Caulfield and Harvey flashbacks the movie caused me to suffer.

So what went wrong… the plot. Oh up until the payoff it's fine enough, in fact it is better than fine. One wonders how the filmmakers are going to pull it off. The answer is simple. They don't. If anything the end of the movie reminded me of that atrocious horror film from a few years back Soul Survivors. Like Soul Survivors the movie holds your interest with more and more implausible plot twists and coincidences then cheats at the end like a bad junior high school English essay.

Now Donnie Darko is otherwise superior to Soul Survivors and other films where the ending is a groaner (cough The Village cough), but after all that goodness the magic is gone and they couldn't pull a rabbit out of their hat. Even a six foot demonic one.… Expand
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9
ZuqolynOct 2, 2014
Donnie Darko was mind-boggling, and I always had a fascination with time travel. Especially with such a beautiful ending I believe it is a superb movie.
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10
akenaton1984Sep 17, 2017
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. El viaje en el tiempo es sólo una metáfora. En la antigüedad es el loco quien dice la verdad. En el sustento de nuestra sociedad hay una serie de reglas tácitas por lo general violentas. en una ciudad kitch, Donnie atenta contra las idealizaciones. Sólo él puede ver los deseos en forma líquida y su deseo es acabar con todo, hasta los cimientos, y los conduce a un arma. Donnie rechaza los significantes establecidos, pero todavía se viste de hombre y el conejo le reclama por ello. Ante una sociedad monocromática, él les lanza en la cara la verdad que ocultan: su podredumbre. esto sólo lo puede llevar a sus últimas consecuencias: la sociedad debe eliminar al individuo que le muestra su violencia simbólica; por eso Donnie debe desaparecer. Todos han colaborado para misión en el tiempo de Donnie: aceptar su muerte. El final es evidente, los personajes podrán continuar con sus vidad (mad world de fondo) y la madre como la amante se saludan ante la muerte de Donnie, como si entre ellos hubiera un acuerdo sobre la desaparición de Donnie, y eso nos hace sospechar que la sociedad elimina tácitamente al que la pone en evidencia.… Expand
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10
Jose_VitorJan 30, 2018
A movie that in addition to combining exceptional work of filming, soundtrack and acting, manages to instigate several interpretations in only one scene. This makes Donnie Darko a unique film that in the end is not just any story
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6
drone41Feb 9, 2018
I'm not a fan of science fiction, but it's a very interesting movie. Nothing spectacular, just interesting.
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8
RaduAMar 15, 2019
82/100 I really don't know what to say... The story is... I really don't know what to say. It's good.
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9
AprilFlipsDec 6, 2020
Great movie! The soundtrack is amazing and miles above the Theatrical release soundtrack. People always want to watch again after watching it the first time. It's Cult Icon status becomes apparent once viewed. Although this is still aGreat movie! The soundtrack is amazing and miles above the Theatrical release soundtrack. People always want to watch again after watching it the first time. It's Cult Icon status becomes apparent once viewed. Although this is still a thinking person's movie, this longer with better songs version does take away some of the ambiguity, which some don't prefer. People seem to favor the one that they see first (theatrical Director's cut)people don't like. People t… Expand
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0
Jesus_SavesJan 17, 2023
I could not even get through the halfway point of this movie on two separate watching occasions. All the characters are unlikable and obnoxious.
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10
YukhtaJun 8, 2022
One of the best movies I've ever watched. I didn't expect the movie to be this great.
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10
starwarsgrimSep 10, 2023
Incredible...................................................................
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