Read Positive User Reviews for Magnolia

10

cabritaSep 19, 2012

What a raw and powerful film that succeeds in every category possible. Writing, directing, acting, editing, camera work are all fantastic in another PT Anderson masterpiece. All the more great because it is a film that denies hollywoodWhat a raw and powerful film that succeeds in every category possible. Writing, directing, acting, editing, camera work are all fantastic in another PT Anderson masterpiece. All the more great because it is a film that denies hollywood convention and instead creates something more bizarre and memorable and a work of art that demands to be seen and talked about.… Expand

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

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9

amheretojudgeFeb 23, 2018

but the past ain't through with us..

Magnolia Holding an audience on the edge of the seat for more than 3 hours is an accomplishment let along entertain, mesmerize and inspire them with some outstanding writing ever to be written for thebut the past ain't through with us..

Magnolia

Holding an audience on the edge of the seat for more than 3 hours is an accomplishment let along entertain, mesmerize and inspire them with some outstanding writing ever to be written for the screen. When it comes to manipulate multiple characters and make them dance like puppets and bring out the best from each and every situation, no one can hardly touch Paul Thomas Anderson, for his awareness of its eerie world, concept and characters is what makes it work all the way through. Magnolia offers a rare experience that cinema and art could still bedazzle us by its thought provoking aspects toward life and humanity. It is carried and depicted by so many great performances by Tom Cruise, Julianne Moore, William H. Macy, Philip Hoffman and John C. Riley pitching each and every words on screen majestically. Magnolia contains fast paced exhilarating script which is supported thoroughly by stellar performances, breathtaking background score and perfect execution.… Expand

2 of 5 users found this helpful23

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8

heeldavidMay 4, 2014

Magnolia is a very intelligent film from a usually impressive director Paul Thomas Anderson, Magnolia is very unique and watchable. The cast delivers great performances. Tom Cruise is in one of his strongest role as Frank T.J Mackey. A greatMagnolia is a very intelligent film from a usually impressive director Paul Thomas Anderson, Magnolia is very unique and watchable. The cast delivers great performances. Tom Cruise is in one of his strongest role as Frank T.J Mackey. A great way to follow up Boogie Nights!… Expand

2 of 6 users found this helpful24

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10

FilmVirtueApr 6, 2015

A modern masterpiece in unique storytelling that from start to finish will have you captivated inside It's killer plot that never lets up, only becoming more and more intense as the story progresses. Afterwards it won't matter that the filmA modern masterpiece in unique storytelling that from start to finish will have you captivated inside It's killer plot that never lets up, only becoming more and more intense as the story progresses. Afterwards it won't matter that the film is 3 hours, because It's 3 hours well spent and many more to come.… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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9

DamienDarko777May 6, 2011

Grandly emotional, brilliantly edited, and makes use of music in startlingly original and profound ways. However, this sprawling opus isn't perfect; It's a bit hard to follow and some plot points get left dangling. The cast is excellent, andGrandly emotional, brilliantly edited, and makes use of music in startlingly original and profound ways. However, this sprawling opus isn't perfect; It's a bit hard to follow and some plot points get left dangling. The cast is excellent, and while it isn't flawless, it is a great film. Definitely worth seeing.… Expand

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

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9

kyle20ellisApr 9, 2022

'Magnolia' is perhaps the most polarising of Paul Thomas Anderson's work. A lot of people have found it thought-provoking, emotionally impacting and dazzling in many ways, while many others have found it dull, self-indulgent, bloated and'Magnolia' is perhaps the most polarising of Paul Thomas Anderson's work. A lot of people have found it thought-provoking, emotionally impacting and dazzling in many ways, while many others have found it dull, self-indulgent, bloated and overlong.

This reviewer falls into the former camp. 'Magnolia' perhaps feels indulgently overlong in places, and the final group musical number does feel contrived and out of sorts with the rest of the film. On the whole though 'Magnolia' is a dark, daring and dazzling film, and another winner in a filmography where this reviewer has yet to watch a dud.

All of Anderson's films are visually stunning, and 'Magnolia' has some of the most haunting and scintillating arresting images of any of his films, especially at the end. The long takes and tracking shots are distinctively Anderson and look wonderful, the whole film is beautifully shot, very atmospherically lit and the production design is suitably audacious. The soundtrack is rich in emotion and sticks in the head, and all the song choices are well chosen. Some found it intrusive, not to me.

Regarding the script, it contains some of the most thought-provoking, layered and poignant writing of all Anderson's films. The story has a long length to work with, and doesn't disappoint with the pacing which is a mix of suitably manic and suitably languid when either extreme is needed, unpredictable, beautifully developed, hugely entertaining, dark and often very emotional scenarios and richly layered characters, remarkable for so much going on. Anderson's direction is also exemplary.

Another controversial asset of 'Magnolia' is the ending, something that many will find powerful (again fall into this camp) and others will be perplexed. Whatever extreme you find yourselves, it certainly is not an ending that one forgets easily. Anderson's mastery of direction of actors and their interactions shows through loud and clear, with the whole cast giving superb performances in one-of-a-kind roles, for some among their best.

Tom Cruise in particular has an absolute ball, and he is particularly well supported by a gleefully entertaining and charming John C. Reilly, a touchingly restrained William H. Macy, an as always exemplary Philip Seymour Hoffmann and a heartfelt Julianne Moore. Jason Robards and Melora Walters also do brilliantly.

In conclusion, dark, daring and dazzling. The most polarising of Anderson's films but incredibly well executed, a flawed masterpiece somewhat. 9/10 Bethany Cox… Expand

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10

bobmeierAug 1, 2016

Magnolia is a great film on any level, but the cliche about never seeing a film in a vacuum certainly is addressed to this film. I saw it just after a close friend died and everything about this film rang so true.
I think that Anderson wasMagnolia is a great film on any level, but the cliche about never seeing a film in a vacuum certainly is addressed to this film. I saw it just after a close friend died and everything about this film rang so true.
I think that Anderson was saying was don't hold back having the BIG discussions or you may find it's too late to do so. And we all are somewhat guilty of that. What an experience Magnolia is...and so sad to see it now with Phil Hoffman gone. Wonder if he had the time to have the discussions.… Expand

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10

cameronmorewoodNov 15, 2012

Don't treat Magnolia like a movie. Surrender yourself to it's awesomeness and allow it to play on your emotions like music. It'll blow you away.

1 of 5 users found this helpful14

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9

PaxsterOct 7, 2010

A rare success with this film is that it is a Tom Cruise film I like. But to be honest,it's not really about him it's how the cinematography is so interwoven you can't remember where you went last and where you are going to go next. To thinkA rare success with this film is that it is a Tom Cruise film I like. But to be honest,it's not really about him it's how the cinematography is so interwoven you can't remember where you went last and where you are going to go next. To think of a story like this takes time and dedication and to keep you hanging on for 3 Hours isn't a bad feat either.… Expand

2 of 12 users found this helpful210

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10

seancriswellOct 7, 2012

Every so often a movie that you have heard a lot about but never seen blows your mind. Magnolia is one of those movies for me. Immediately after viewing this film I knew that it would be on my mind for weeks and that it would become one of myEvery so often a movie that you have heard a lot about but never seen blows your mind. Magnolia is one of those movies for me. Immediately after viewing this film I knew that it would be on my mind for weeks and that it would become one of my top 10 films. Every character in this movie is interesting on multiple levels. Every scene in this movie is thoughtful and poignant. The scenes that opponents of this film have problems with, the frogs and the musical interlude, work for me in every way. Both these scenes do seem out of place in this story, but for me that is what makes them amazing. They come from nowhere, but interlock these characters in a visceral, interesting way. There is so much to unravel in a film this large, with multiple plot lines and characters running both separate from each other and together at various times. You could probably write a book trying to accurately review this movie. I look forward to watching this movie again and again over the years, and trying to unravel all the characters and premises in my mind.… Expand

5 of 36 users found this helpful531

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7

rotkuFeb 19, 2012

Interesting interwoven tale of numerous lives although the Tom Cruise character dominates the movie. A superbly acted and directed movie which everybody should see.

1 of 11 users found this helpful110

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9

SpangleAug 23, 2014

Who would guess that a film like this would be successful? However, it absolutely is. Magnolia explores the themes of loneliness, regret, forgiveness, the past, and parent-child relationships, with snapshots of the life of a group of brokenWho would guess that a film like this would be successful? However, it absolutely is. Magnolia explores the themes of loneliness, regret, forgiveness, the past, and parent-child relationships, with snapshots of the life of a group of broken and troubled people who are all linked, even if they do not know it. Thanks to great acting from the ensemble cast featuring Tom Cruise, Melinda Dillon, Jeremy Blackman, Philip Baker Hall, Philip Seymour Hoffman, William H. Macy, Julianne Moore, John C. Reilly, Jason Robards, and Melora Walters, Magnolia's diverse (yet not as diverse as you may think) are brought to life brilliantly. It also does not hurt that the writing is superb and the depth we go to with these characters in just three hours is amazing. On that note, this one comes in at three hours and in spite of it, it feels like it was nothing more than an hour and a half, as the runtime just flies by. The ending is incredibly odd, though it brings the biblical references and the freak happenings of this one to conclusion nicely, as odd as it may truly be. Overall, Magnolia is a beautiful and brilliantly made film that will move and entertain you.… Expand

1 of 12 users found this helpful111

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10

netflicNov 2, 2020

Oh boy, oh boy. I don't know where to begin.
They cannot make movies like this nowadays.
One percent of what is there would be considered too politically incorrect. And that is a shame, because it is a masterpiece. I watched it 20 years agoOh boy, oh boy. I don't know where to begin.
They cannot make movies like this nowadays.
One percent of what is there would be considered too politically incorrect.
And that is a shame, because it is a masterpiece.
I watched it 20 years ago when it just came out, in a theater. And I loved it.
Since then I forgot what it was about, I just remembered that I loved it 20 years ago.
Decided to watch it again. So happy I did.
The movie is intensely packed. The script is enough to make at least three good dramas of
Shakespearean quality. The ensemble of actors... All the best of the very best is there.
Performances vary from very good to breathtaking.
Some would say it is too intense, too intermingled. Maybe.
The clear advantage of watching it at home is that one can take a break when it becomes unbearable, and it does. That is when you know it is not just a good movie.
Plus you could read subtitles and not miss any word they sometimes mumble.
'Nough said.
It is a must-see movie.… Expand

0 of 15 users found this helpful015

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10

sometimesMar 10, 2012

Few people seem to understand this movie, but then few people understand me either. We are damaged, the film's characters and I. We struggle with pain and a crippled emotional life. It is a beautiful film. It sings a lovely and desperate song.

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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8

StaticSpineSep 16, 2013

Definately my kind of movie: it has multiple storylines with different characters, which are entwining and crossing each other in some points. They are mostly dramatic, telling about ruined lives, personal regrets and skeletons in the closet.Definately my kind of movie: it has multiple storylines with different characters, which are entwining and crossing each other in some points. They are mostly dramatic, telling about ruined lives, personal regrets and skeletons in the closet. Most of the characters have an amazing backstory, which is revealed during the movie. Also I'd like to mention Tom Cruise's role, probably his best one I've seen.… Expand

0 of 9 users found this helpful09

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8

adamSv94Feb 25, 2013

In Paul Thomas Anderson's "Magnolia" we get to follow a range of characters during one day as their fates are tied together. I can start by saying that I really liked this movie and its many characters, one of them brilliantly played by TomIn Paul Thomas Anderson's "Magnolia" we get to follow a range of characters during one day as their fates are tied together. I can start by saying that I really liked this movie and its many characters, one of them brilliantly played by Tom Cruise who, according to me, should have won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor instead of Michael Caine. The fates of all the characters are tied together so beautifully and so elegantly by PTA that I think it's safe to say that he is nothing less than a master, one of the greatest artists of his generation. Despite "Magnolia's" brutal length, I didn't look at my watch a single time, much because of its soundtrack that gives the movie an admirable pace both Aimee Mann's songs and the composition by Jon Brion is magical. This is a film that every movielover out there should see.… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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10

sekerzitskiFeb 26, 2021

Best Tom Cruise movie, still ahead of its time. Too bad the director turned back from his roots to make action horror movies.

0 of 6 users found this helpful06

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8

Movie1997Aug 20, 2015

Paul Thomas Anderson knows how to write interesting characters. "Magnolia" centers around the different stories of multiple people. We have two characters dying of cancer. One is a cop that falls in love with a drug addict. Tom Cruise is aPaul Thomas Anderson knows how to write interesting characters. "Magnolia" centers around the different stories of multiple people. We have two characters dying of cancer. One is a cop that falls in love with a drug addict. Tom Cruise is a sex mentor. The list goes on. As a result I love this movie. Grant it, it's not a perfect movie and has its issues. But we'll get to that later. To be fair, there is a lot to love about this movie. Anderson wrote and directed the living crap out of this movie. He has such a beautiful vision not just from a cinematic scope, but from a storytelling point of view. And he has also written tons of interesting characters. John C Reily as the cop. Jason Robards and Phillip Baker Hall as the two men dying of cancer. Phillip Seymour Hoffman as Robards nurse. TOM CRUISE AS A SEX MENTOR! There are tons of more characters than that, but can't talk about them all day. However the performances from the cast is stellar. They hold their own emotional weight to their specific stories and carry the film. Sure some were better than others, but all their stories were nevertheless engaging. And Tom Cruise just kills it in this movie. In a movie filled with literally top notch performances, he stands out as my favorite character. It was just something totally different from what we've seen him do before. I loved how the stories are interconnected but never to the point that they have to try to have everyone come across everyone in some forced way or fashion. It's not like those ensemble movies in which everyone meets up at the end. For a 3 hour long movie, it keeps me engaged the whole way through. If anything only the last 5 maybe 10 minutes dragged. That's it! Plus it also has a rewatchability factor to it. Again, it goes back to having all the interesting characters keep you engaged the entire movie. Ive seen this movie twice and still plan on watching it a third time in the near future. As far as issues, I will say that Julianne Moore's character was the one that I could never care about. It's the fault of Anderson's writing rather Moore's performance is completely over the top. Luckily she doesn't have as big of a story as essentially every other character. But I could never get into to her character like I did with everyone else. And there is a big event near the end of the movie, while a great scene, it just felt completely over the top and absurd. Maybe because that the whole movie felt so grounded in reality up until that point. I guess it's just something I have to look further into. But overall, it's such an entertaining movie with stunning performances by almost everyone, fantastic writing and a great vision (for the most part) by Anderson. I'm going to give "Magnolia" an A-!… Expand

0 of 3 users found this helpful03

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7

gracjanskiFeb 18, 2021

There are very different little stories with top actors except Julianne Moore, who was a annoyance to watch. Tom Cruise was great. But the movie is too long. And was what that frog raining? So out of place and wannabe art.

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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10

MurozakiJul 10, 2013

Magnolia is the kind of film that Paul Thomas Anderson likes: intelligent, full of symbolism and great characters that connect beautifully in the end.

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9

imilhoferDec 23, 2013

This epic montage gives an incredibly honest yet dark insight into the lives of the average human being through a stunningly complex and intelligent script. The three hours goes by in seconds, as the complexity andThis epic montage gives an incredibly honest yet dark insight into the lives of the average human being through a stunningly complex and intelligent script. The three hours goes by in seconds, as the complexity and likability/love-hate-ability of the superbly-acted characters (especially Julianne Moore as Linda Partridge and Melora Walters as Claudia Wilson Gator) keeps us engaged and guessing, as well as putting us through at least ten different emotions a minute. The climactic scenes are masterfully executed by P T Anderson, and give the perfect balance between satisfactory ending and a provocative one. The film is stylishly and atmospherically shot, indulging us and gripping us in the tense and unfulfilled, yet obscurely warm and wonderful world that is Magnolia.… Expand

0 of 3 users found this helpful03

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7

ZawMineJun 26, 2015

I almost disliked this movie. I almost trash-talked about this movie. But I didn't. Magnolia is kinda stressful to watch. Yeah! Stressful to watch. The casts are amazing. Everyone did an amazing job. The performance is amazing. And theI almost disliked this movie. I almost trash-talked about this movie. But I didn't. Magnolia is kinda stressful to watch. Yeah! Stressful to watch. The casts are amazing. Everyone did an amazing job. The performance is amazing. And the soundtrack. Oh my dear! I love the soundtrack so much. That is one of the main reasons I kept watching this movie. In the end, I will say Magnolia is a really weird (in a good way) drama movie.… Expand

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10

MrTibsterJun 28, 2015

One of my Top 3 films of all time (With Drive & Blade Runner) a beautiful film in each and everyway, with millions of layers upon it. This is one of those films that keeps you talking for days after your first viewing, and keeps you thinkingOne of my Top 3 films of all time (With Drive & Blade Runner) a beautiful film in each and everyway, with millions of layers upon it. This is one of those films that keeps you talking for days after your first viewing, and keeps you thinking about it for weeks to come. Definitely not a film for everyone as it is 3 hours long and can be very slow, but to me the film is flawless. The directing is superb as to be expected with P.T.Anderson, with fantastic cinematography and beautiful shots. The acting from everyone is top notch, not one bad performance is present throughout the film. Writing is brilliant with great character development. Each character is unique and feels realistic, you really do feel for certain characters.
Overall a perfect film that needs watching. Certainly not for everyone but to me it is magnificent cinema!… Expand

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9

RalfbergsJun 23, 2017

Amazing movie, great actors, performance and what is the most important for me - plot. I see that many have disliked it, but I enjoyed it a lot especially as each character's story was dependent on other characters.

0 of 10 users found this helpful010

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10

dmcg1990May 14, 2021

The length flies by. Great look at how we overcomplicate and **** up our lives over **** that doesn’t really matter — and how much better it would be if we could simplify our lives down to what truly counts.

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9

alejandro970Mar 24, 2019

How the coincidence and chance links in just 24 hours lives of people who have´nt nothing in common via the remorse, love and guilt. The rain of frogs of climatic sequence is surreal and for antology.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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7

eva3si0nJan 15, 2022

Magnolia is a drama that takes almost 3 hours. The drama in which 10 storylines that develop very slowly, but intersect in general in the final 20 minutes. Great cast, good acting of all the main characters and great ending. But 3 hours ofMagnolia is a drama that takes almost 3 hours. The drama in which 10 storylines that develop very slowly, but intersect in general in the final 20 minutes. Great cast, good acting of all the main characters and great ending. But 3 hours of timing, this is a lot, the dynamics of the plot in the middle of the film subsides.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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8

TrailesqueAug 5, 2022

This is one of these intersecting lives stories, with a bunch of LA characters struggling with various woes and heartaches. The main theme seems to be the pains and anxieties that lie behind the smiling successes of show business. TheThis is one of these intersecting lives stories, with a bunch of LA characters struggling with various woes and heartaches. The main theme seems to be the pains and anxieties that lie behind the smiling successes of show business. The narrative focuses mostly on one TV program, a quiz show in which kids become heroes by besting adults. The characters include a washed up star of this show, the current star of the show, a kid who suffers the horrible humiliation of pissing in his pants on national television, the current host of the show and his cocaine addict daughter, a Hollywood bigshot who is dying of cancer, his messed-up wife, the hospice nurse who is caring for him, his estranged son, a macho inspirational speaker (Tom Cruise, putting on a great show), and a lonely, well-intentioned cop. It definitely is not flawless. The dialogue is often lame and consists of people getting very emotional and cursing non-stop. Julianne Moore's talents are wasted in a pathetic role. The film could be accused of trying too hard to pluck on one's heart strings. But it is hard for me to dislike a movie that held my attention for 3 hours and then ends with thousands of frogs falling from the sky and causing all kinds of havoc. Oh, and it is very well put-together, with fine acting and editing. It is pretty amazing that writer-director Anderson was only 28 when he made this.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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9

ahmedaiman9999Aug 23, 2018

How on earth there is a space for sympathetic characters, terrific performances, coherent drama, comedy, miraculously connected storylines, logical sense in such a bizarre lengthy mess of a movie?

Wait a second! .... am I not describingHow on earth there is a space for sympathetic characters, terrific performances, coherent drama, comedy, miraculously connected storylines, logical sense in such a bizarre lengthy mess of a movie?

Wait a second! .... am I not describing humans and their lives?

Blending realism with surrealism, Magnolia is one of Paul Thomas Anderson's works and ,definitely, his most ambitious one.

Every story is as rich and intriguing as their characters. Stories that are harmoniously told, and embellished with Aimee Mann's heavenly soundtrack. The result is a three-hour epic mosaic devoid of any moment of boredom.

I think Donnie Smith's story, William H. Macy's character, is the most profound and the richest one. Nevertheless, it's also the most poorly told one, comparing it to the others. It could have been explored more. I wish I was as invested in it as I respected it after it ended.

Also, the movie could have been less on exposition in terms of characters a little bit more. Because I think what I've seen from the fantastic acting and the masterful use of symbolism are more than enough to make everything clear.

That being said, these issues are almost indiscernible, and it was difficult for me to notice them.

Magnolia is not my favorite PTA film, but hands down it's the most entertaining one despite its long runtime.

(9/10)… Expand

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9

Mascalzo8Jan 27, 2020

Voto forse alto per una pellicola che può veramente colpire nel segno solo nel cuore di pochi, ma che lo fa con realistica coerenza e crudezza, senza mai annoiare.
È certamente vero che alcune parti siano meno poeticamente riuscite di altreVoto forse alto per una pellicola che può veramente colpire nel segno solo nel cuore di pochi, ma che lo fa con realistica coerenza e crudezza, senza mai annoiare.
È certamente vero che alcune parti siano meno poeticamente riuscite di altre ma anche in questa dicotomia tra tangibile realtà e pseudo-filosofia verbosa è racchiusa la poetica del film che presenta un finale insolito ma estremamante credibile ma per niente… Expand

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10

RodPaMay 30, 2020

La vi una madrugada, buena pelicula; me dejó con ganas de mamar totona ahí mismo.

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10

AJ_13Mar 25, 2022

I thought PTA couldn't possibly surpass his achievement in Boogie Nights, but Magnolia has proved me wrong, and I couldn't be happier.
Treating forgiveness and past through various subplots, Magnolia is one of the most narratively-ambitiousI thought PTA couldn't possibly surpass his achievement in Boogie Nights, but Magnolia has proved me wrong, and I couldn't be happier.
Treating forgiveness and past through various subplots, Magnolia is one of the most narratively-ambitious films I recall watching, with a neverending cast, hipnotic camera work (which mutates through the film, alongside its dramatic tone) and a OUTSTANDING screenplay.
The "frog" moment is probably my favourite scene from PTA's whole filmography.… Expand

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7

NickTheCritickNov 3, 2021

This movie, which really reminds Altman, is a good characters exploration and development showing a Paul Thomas Anderson getting better movie after movie. Some people complains that the movie is too long and a lot of scenes could be cut. AndThis movie, which really reminds Altman, is a good characters exploration and development showing a Paul Thomas Anderson getting better movie after movie. Some people complains that the movie is too long and a lot of scenes could be cut. And it may be so. But there is something actractive in Magnolia and the cathartic ending contribute to make this movie an interesting (even if not perfect and sometimes boring) cinematic experience.… Expand

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10

MarcusDJul 30, 2007

The 2nd greatest film ever. The most ambitious direction and story ever. The best cast every assembled with Cruise standing out.