Perfume: The Story of a Murderer
DreamWorks Distribution | Release Date: December 29, 2006
7.5
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 186 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
142
Mixed:
24
Negative:
20
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User Reviews

User scoreBy dateMost helpful
10
JochenD.Jul 15, 2009
One of the best films ever made. Great direction and cinemathography, magnificent decors, great performances, great music, ... Tom Tykwer did what Stanley Kubrick found impossible: he adapted Suskind's wonderful novel to a fantastic One of the best films ever made. Great direction and cinemathography, magnificent decors, great performances, great music, ... Tom Tykwer did what Stanley Kubrick found impossible: he adapted Suskind's wonderful novel to a fantastic movie. An outstanding masterpiece.… Expand
3 of 3 users found this helpful
9
skadosmenOct 5, 2013
this movie makes me feel that life is an art! any smell, color sound is perfect a visual beauty highlighting the most beautiful colors and places. on the other hand shows a macabre and brutal reality of this times! Perfume is a Great anthis movie makes me feel that life is an art! any smell, color sound is perfect a visual beauty highlighting the most beautiful colors and places. on the other hand shows a macabre and brutal reality of this times! Perfume is a Great an powerful Masterpiece full of love passion art music colors and murder.… Expand
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
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8
JohnE.Sep 15, 2007
First I'd like to say that Nanifaye P. is an idiot and only an idiot would rationalize this movie by comparing it to Iraq and insulting the hard work and sacrifices of our soldiers and our country. It's unfortunate that my review First I'd like to say that Nanifaye P. is an idiot and only an idiot would rationalize this movie by comparing it to Iraq and insulting the hard work and sacrifices of our soldiers and our country. It's unfortunate that my review will likely be edited before posting (if posted at all) since it's not PC at the moment to insult other reviewers, but sadly on the other hand, it is quite fashionable to trash anything and everyone that has anything to do with Iraq without a shred of logic to one's insane accusations. On a separate note, the movie was great with a very original storyline coupled with excellent acting and directing. Oh and to answer your question Nanifaye P., what's horrific is that you seem to believe every last bit of nonsense you hear and have the gusto to regurgitate it in something as apolitical as a movie review about perfume. Quite frankly, I'm not quite sure who's sicker, the main character of the movie, or you.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful
10
RegOzApr 5, 2012
I have read the book, of course, years before I watched the movie. Patrick Suskind's masterpiece can't compete with this movie. Yet, the movie is a masterpiece itself, it is not the faithful image of the book, it is different, it has its ownI have read the book, of course, years before I watched the movie. Patrick Suskind's masterpiece can't compete with this movie. Yet, the movie is a masterpiece itself, it is not the faithful image of the book, it is different, it has its own value. The performances were excellent, Great direction too! And the visuals....WOW!....the photography left me speechless! It is one of my favourite movies ever!...my favourite part? THE ENDING! IT IS JUST SPECTACULARLY FLAWLESS Do not miss it! WATCH this film for it is a hidden diamond!… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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10
MagicMar 12, 2014
Perfume is a seriously awesome experience. The characters, the story, the acting, the music, everything is nearly perfect. The surprise ending was really mind-blowing.
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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10
roorSep 2, 2014
Suskind's masterpiece cannot compete with the movie, but the film itself is a beautiful piece of art. The photography is absolutely flawless, the music left me breathless and I was absolutely captivated by the story of the monstrous ParisianSuskind's masterpiece cannot compete with the movie, but the film itself is a beautiful piece of art. The photography is absolutely flawless, the music left me breathless and I was absolutely captivated by the story of the monstrous Parisian murderer. I absolutely recommend reading Suskind's book first and then watching the movie witch will give you an absolute exquisite aftertaste.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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0
RM.Jan 5, 2007
I apologize if I seem blunt, but am I missing something here? This is one of those movies that gives the viewer an impression that: A) it was made specifically for a good trailer, and B) it was made under the supposition that the viewers are I apologize if I seem blunt, but am I missing something here? This is one of those movies that gives the viewer an impression that: A) it was made specifically for a good trailer, and B) it was made under the supposition that the viewers are stupid. Dustin Hoffman (who is otherwise brilliant) gives the worst performance of his career. The movie is set in France, but everyone has British accents, aside from the main character (who speaks some strange brew of Cockney) and Hoffman (who speaks some strange brew of Yiddish/Brooklyn). I'm wondering if they should have just cut to the chase and given us 147 minutes of extreme closeups of the main character--because there is nothing more to this film. The people in the audience were yelling out loud at the stupidity of this film, and as I exited, I overheard someone say, "walk of shame. . .".… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful
5
jimmytancrediMay 29, 2011
The movie, of course, is a romanticized version, and even a little imaginative from the book, which is gross, greedy, nasty and wonderful. The most demanding, observing every detail of the adjustments, you might not like this. I loved it.The movie, of course, is a romanticized version, and even a little imaginative from the book, which is gross, greedy, nasty and wonderful. The most demanding, observing every detail of the adjustments, you might not like this. I loved it. Even after the book that blew me away, I could watch this movie and find extremely beautiful. With a gripping story, takes you on a visual journey to there and gives us a rich history of this man, Grenouille. Ben Whishaw **** perfect on paper. The scene of the "execution" it is one of the craziest I've ever seen. Hard to take your eyes off the television.… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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4
thatsmyrainbowMay 26, 2012
I didnt like this movie at all. It's really sadist and incredibly annoying to watch. I watched it a month ago and I still can't believe what I've seen. The actors are amazing and the pressure that makes me feel its weird but I dont know, II didnt like this movie at all. It's really sadist and incredibly annoying to watch. I watched it a month ago and I still can't believe what I've seen. The actors are amazing and the pressure that makes me feel its weird but I dont know, I just dont feel good about it.… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
All this user's reviews
3
AmyR.Jan 19, 2009
One of the more disturbing, creepy movies I've ever seen, and I don't mean that in a good way. The plot point on which everything turns is so repulsive, offensive to women and humanity in general, as to be without redemption. The One of the more disturbing, creepy movies I've ever seen, and I don't mean that in a good way. The plot point on which everything turns is so repulsive, offensive to women and humanity in general, as to be without redemption. The San Francisco newspaper sums it up nicely--this film is nothing it aspires to be, and utterly revolting in its attempts.… Expand
1 of 3 users found this helpful
3
JamesL.Jun 2, 2009
Roger Ebert is plain senile. The movie is so bad.
0 of 1 users found this helpful
1
JeffS.Jan 14, 2007
Perfume is so awful I'm actually compelled to write about how terrible this movie is 2 weeks after seeing it. First off, whereas Tom Tykwer had a few strong strokes of originality in Run Lola Run, he proves in this film that he is Perfume is so awful I'm actually compelled to write about how terrible this movie is 2 weeks after seeing it. First off, whereas Tom Tykwer had a few strong strokes of originality in Run Lola Run, he proves in this film that he is without a doubt a masterful hack. The entire adpatation is sophmoric, employing an idiotic narrator voiceover that redefines the definition of cliche. In fact there are so many problems in this movie such as hystrionic acting, horrible dialects, and a narrative structure so misguided, you sit in the audience and after an hour wonder if this is all a big joke. And whereas you typically don't isolate one person as having the responsibilty for a movie going sour - in this particualr film, there is no other individual responsible for this movie tanking than Tom Tykwer. With material that requires clever dramatic and visual structure, and a unique sense of style, all we get is cliche, bread-and-butter drab, Tom, I gotta hand it to you, your directing is so awful in this, so stuffy, self-serious, and suffering from delusional egomania, that you've made "American Pie" look like "The Godfather" in comparison. I know this sounds harsh, but at least "American Pie" knew its place as a movie. In keeping with your tradition of cliches, all I have to say is "Your film stinks."… Expand
0 of 2 users found this helpful
8
vgmkyleJan 8, 2016
The person behind the direction of this film was clearly exaggerating from start to finish and savored every last annoying sniff. The story was actually quite engaging, and while it may have been a vacuous experience it was quite hard to lookThe person behind the direction of this film was clearly exaggerating from start to finish and savored every last annoying sniff. The story was actually quite engaging, and while it may have been a vacuous experience it was quite hard to look away indeed. No one can deny that the film was well shot.… Expand
0 of 2 users found this helpful02
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8
BenWJan 2, 2007
The absurd ending stops the film from being a classic. The rest of the film is excellent; a very good script, excellent acting, and brilliant direction. Now if they only changed the final 15 minutes...
0 of 0 users found this helpful
0
NikkiI.Dec 20, 2007
One of the dumbest movies I have ever seen that tries to be so much more. I must admit that the first hour or so is good, at best, but the ending was so completely absurd and ridiculous I had a hard time just trying to get through it. Its One of the dumbest movies I have ever seen that tries to be so much more. I must admit that the first hour or so is good, at best, but the ending was so completely absurd and ridiculous I had a hard time just trying to get through it. Its disappointing, as I was told this was a relatively good movie... but it was garbage. Absolute garbage.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
4
SyzygyJan 7, 2007
For not the last fifteen or so minutes, this would have been a film to remember for the right reasons. But I cannot recall another film that was trotting along so well only to commit inexplicable narrative suicide with an ending that defies For not the last fifteen or so minutes, this would have been a film to remember for the right reasons. But I cannot recall another film that was trotting along so well only to commit inexplicable narrative suicide with an ending that defies reason and sanity. So ridiculous is the conclusion that it can't even serve as object lesson for young directors and writers on how not to end a story. Such a shame for there is a lot here to admire.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
7
timJul 29, 2007
really really good. i liked it alot but was totally thrown off by the ending. i think if the ending was done a little better, i would have given it a 9 or 10, but it was too laughable. still worth it, one of the best horror/thriller movies ofreally really good. i liked it alot but was totally thrown off by the ending. i think if the ending was done a little better, i would have given it a 9 or 10, but it was too laughable. still worth it, one of the best horror/thriller movies of recent years.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
FrankHeirtrzlerSep 20, 2007
I
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
MattB.Mar 10, 2009
Stunning. Ignore the ignorant criticisms....a faithful adaptation of the masterpiece book. It's very much a satire about greed and desire, rather than the mysoginism that some have incorrectly suggested.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
MaanJ.Jun 20, 2009
Great, creative and tasty movie. I recommend to be watched clearly with deep imaginary.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
7
scotthDec 23, 2006
Very well made. If one's read the book it is hard to imagine a good film rendition of the wonderful details on smells and smelling that Suskind conveys. Nevertheless, filmmaker and actors have done a good job at portraying the essence Very well made. If one's read the book it is hard to imagine a good film rendition of the wonderful details on smells and smelling that Suskind conveys. Nevertheless, filmmaker and actors have done a good job at portraying the essence of the story.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
RickyS.Dec 27, 2006
Great movie ! Visually brilliant with good actors and a well done job by Tom Tykwer ! One of the best movies in this year ! Enjoy it !
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
JeffA.Jan 14, 2007
I thought it was visually mesmorizing, and transported the viewer into the world of a seemy and "smelly" world of a long ago France. I felt the main character was portrayed adeptly as this sadly inept and tortured soul, without any real I thought it was visually mesmorizing, and transported the viewer into the world of a seemy and "smelly" world of a long ago France. I felt the main character was portrayed adeptly as this sadly inept and tortured soul, without any real sense of the world or what it was to be alive. He survived through scent and it ironically lead to his demise. [**SPOILER**] The only out of place and seemingly ridiculous scene was the orgy that made a 10 an 8.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
7
MichaelE.Feb 19, 2007
Near-brilliant. A much finer adaptation of the book than I had ever expected. If the investigation sequence toward the end had been trimmed down (I think that part is ten pages in the book) and had Dustin Hoffman picked an accent and stuck Near-brilliant. A much finer adaptation of the book than I had ever expected. If the investigation sequence toward the end had been trimmed down (I think that part is ten pages in the book) and had Dustin Hoffman picked an accent and stuck with it, it might have been my favorite movie of the year. Not that there aren't other problems, but the film carries a sense of LIFE about it that no other film this year quite has. It's a fantasy that's real. I suspect that he and the other stars were cast because Tykwer liked their noses, but Whishaw is perfect as Grenouille -- he's supposed to be totally empty, a non-entity, someone who would never be noticed on the street, and he does all these things while still managing to hold the attention of the viewer. I suspect that in order to really get this film, one must have felt as though he or she was invisible at some point: Grenouille is an invisible man who manages to force himself to be noticed. And the conclusion is great; very appropriate. It may take some thinking to come to this conclusion, but at the end Grenouille, for a few shining minutes, Grenouille is a power for (almost) good.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
2
JimA.Feb 23, 2007
A really bad movie with awful plot and terrible acting! The only reason I give 2 is the young actress who played not bad at all!
0 of 0 users found this helpful
5
GiuliaFeb 28, 2007
I want to just mention one thing some here don't understand: they couldn't change the ending because it's part of the book! So that would have been a crime. I like the book much better though. They had nice pictures and kept I want to just mention one thing some here don't understand: they couldn't change the ending because it's part of the book! So that would have been a crime. I like the book much better though. They had nice pictures and kept close to the storyline. I like most of Tykwer's work (Heaven, Run Lola Run, The Warrior and The Empress) so I thought everything would be fine. But it turned out to be an enjoyable (a bit long) evening. But nothing more. So it disappointed me. And therefore my low points. It was a big thing here in Germany, so they should at least put some more German or at least French actors in it.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
JohnMar 1, 2007
I think Roger Ebert has the right idea about this film. It is haunting. Grenouille is seeking to immortalize the essence of a woman through their scent. As such, his quest is almost more important than the females he must snuff to reach his I think Roger Ebert has the right idea about this film. It is haunting. Grenouille is seeking to immortalize the essence of a woman through their scent. As such, his quest is almost more important than the females he must snuff to reach his goal. We almost admire the final scene in which he may now die because he has driven everyone into a sense of euphoria. I suppose this is where the tale bridges from somewhat real into the stuff of urban legends. However weird the ending, his quest is both evil and purely idealistic. His victims are captured forever in his tiny bottle.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
RomanJ.Mar 2, 2007
First "different" film I've seen in years. Refreshingly off beat, Beautifully filmed.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
KarimaA.May 20, 2007
Fascinating movie both on the dramatic and technical levels.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
2
MichaelD.Aug 23, 2007
I have nothing positive to say about this movie. The acting is terrible, the plot is nonsensical, and the subject matter is creepy.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
1
RichR.Sep 27, 2007
This movie, to put it mildly, and I apologize if anyone else has made this joke because I can't be bothered to read all the posts, STINKS!
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
NancyH.Sep 4, 2007
Truly disturbing in a dark way--like road kill, can't take your eyes off the movie. Beautifully shot, and the story has you screaming in parts. What is most frightening is that the main character is devoid of any feeling--he looks at Truly disturbing in a dark way--like road kill, can't take your eyes off the movie. Beautifully shot, and the story has you screaming in parts. What is most frightening is that the main character is devoid of any feeling--he looks at humans as experiments to feed his obsession. It's one of those movies that has you thinking about it for a few days.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
3
PatA.Sep 8, 2007
It is clear that the director of this movie had a fair-sized budget to work with. It is too bad that it is one of the dumbest stories I have ever wasted two hours on. Save your money; do not rent this movie!
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
TomG.Jan 10, 2008
I just saw this movie on DVD and It was excellent. I get bored of movies easily because so many are formulaic and predictable. This movie was not. It does demand from the viewer an open mind and a capacious imagination in order to understand I just saw this movie on DVD and It was excellent. I get bored of movies easily because so many are formulaic and predictable. This movie was not. It does demand from the viewer an open mind and a capacious imagination in order to understand and appreciate the movies' trajectory. The ending was brilliant. It required a particularly imaginative understanding of what the power of scent is capable of doing, but it is this that made the bacchanalian love fest credible and the quest transcendent. A unique film that you will either love or hate.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
latakiauOct 29, 2008
First read the book, then watch the movie. You'll realize how difficult is to make a movie out of this ineffable story. I highly recommend both the book and the movie.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
JohnM.Jan 17, 2009
Easily in the top five best movies I've seen, and probably my new favorite movie. Extremely dark, creative, and captivating.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
Jean-PaulP.Dec 24, 2006
Visually gorgeous, brilliant direction.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
5
BernadettedeV.Dec 26, 2006
There is continual note of the difficulty of turning Suskind's book into a film; however this was the task undertaken, and as such the film has to be considered as a singular work, lest we should never review anything negatively because There is continual note of the difficulty of turning Suskind's book into a film; however this was the task undertaken, and as such the film has to be considered as a singular work, lest we should never review anything negatively because we sympathise with the toils and troubles of production/finance/plot etc. The film, simply, looked pretty good and was acted fairly well. However these achievements are routinely reached with a little bit of cash. Aside from that it failed to suspend disbelief, failed to build an attachment with the audience to any one of its characters, and three quarts of the way through descended into utter ridiculousness and never looked back. The pitiful ending was to be expected; nothing could save it after it had fallen so spectacularly. There are a thousand films which manage to combine excellent cinematography, acting and production with an engaging and interesting plot, and those films should be seen before bothering with this one.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
ChrisC.Dec 29, 2006
Unique. Great style. Would have liked to see the character's remorse with each killing, but unable to stop himself because of his "artistic" vision (or scent). Too much of an idiot savant, and not enough of a complicated human being.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
AlfonsoDAug 14, 2007
Ben Whishaw plays the main character Jean-Baptiste with such amazing realism that I was truly captivated with his story. The story was an amusing one from start to finish. It did fail to provide me the ending I felt it deserved. I did feel Ben Whishaw plays the main character Jean-Baptiste with such amazing realism that I was truly captivated with his story. The story was an amusing one from start to finish. It did fail to provide me the ending I felt it deserved. I did feel good enough about it to recommend it to my friends. I do feel that Ben Whishaw could one day be nominated for an Oscar if he keeps aligning himself in the right rolls.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
NaniFayeP.Aug 17, 2007
First really original plot I have seen in a long time. The trailers made it look like a horror/thriller movie, but I thought it was neither. It was a beautiful portrait of a lost human. He was trying to bottle love, because he had none in First really original plot I have seen in a long time. The trailers made it look like a horror/thriller movie, but I thought it was neither. It was a beautiful portrait of a lost human. He was trying to bottle love, because he had none in himself. Sometimes hated like a devil, sometimes worshiped as a god, but empty inside. It was not offensive to my eyes or my tastes, because the murders were done in such a way that the imagery was beautiful, not horrific. There was nothing frightening or scary about his actions, because they were done for what he saw as a higher cause. I mean, come on, we kill innocent people in Iraq so we can have their oil - tell me if that's not horrific.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
HowardR.Sep 21, 2007
I thought the movie was really good! I can't believe some people are giving this 2s or 3s. It got a little boring in a couple parts, but as a whole, the film was very interesting and kept you watching. Yes, the subject matter is a I thought the movie was really good! I can't believe some people are giving this 2s or 3s. It got a little boring in a couple parts, but as a whole, the film was very interesting and kept you watching. Yes, the subject matter is a little disturbing, and the ending a little crazy, but just look at it like a fictional story, and not something thats supposed to be perfectly realistic.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
0
JanetC.Dec 22, 2008
Absolutely delighted to see this panned by so many reputable publications like the NY Times; a review I agree with 100%. This film is absolutely ABHORRENT. It is a completely vacuous, yet insidious story which sees a man GLORIFIED for his Absolutely delighted to see this panned by so many reputable publications like the NY Times; a review I agree with 100%. This film is absolutely ABHORRENT. It is a completely vacuous, yet insidious story which sees a man GLORIFIED for his destruction of women. It is misogynistic in the extreme. I was actually so revolted I can scarcely express it to you. It may be well shot, but that just emphasises how pretentious and self-satisfied it is. Avoid this filth.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
3
DonS.Feb 18, 2008
This misogynistic, repulsive film is Euro-trash masquerading as art with a little "magic realism" thrown in to impress the pseudo-intellectuals. Yes, I'm talking about you, Mr. Ebert.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
DialloGrantJul 31, 2009
Perfume is a visually lavish dark fairy tale about an obsessive man seeking beauty and recognition in a morally void society. The protagonist is born with a super-human sense of smell, a will to live, and nothing more. Born and bred in aPerfume is a visually lavish dark fairy tale about an obsessive man seeking beauty and recognition in a morally void society. The protagonist is born with a super-human sense of smell, a will to live, and nothing more. Born and bred in a world where life is treated as a distant and vulgar second to money, we see the development of a man who relates to beauty only as possession, one more smell to be collected and preserved. Finding the women who possess these scents to be obstacles to his obsession, he murders them, destroying them in the process of creating the most powerfully exquisite scent the world has ever known. It is not until the end of the film when he finally glimpses the dimension of beauty that issues from contact, from sharing--in a word, love--that he is able to feel any form of remorse. Until then his quest to objectify and possess beauty and to force upon the world the value of his existence is mirrored by the society around him, from the brutal exploitation of the Parisian slums to the trophies and conceits of the nobility. Perfume is a sensual marvel of a movie that explores morality and the profane in a lyrical way.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
pinkscreenFeb 20, 2012
It is a disturbing movie! The book is a page turning and the adapatation is appropriate. The main actor '' grenouille '' came from nowhere and gave us a great performance.
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8
RalfbergsMar 5, 2017
Really good movie, good acting, cinematography and an interesting story. I haven't read the book so can't compare, but the movie itself was really good.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
CriviewerMay 15, 2016
Just mind-blowing! Although there are some professional points to be made here and there (as one can read on the critic reviews), the movie shines because it makes unexpectedly deep (mind-blowing) connections. It talks about ideals (the man'sJust mind-blowing! Although there are some professional points to be made here and there (as one can read on the critic reviews), the movie shines because it makes unexpectedly deep (mind-blowing) connections. It talks about ideals (the man's search for absolute in his art, and the inevitable sacrifices). For that alone it stands as a great movie! (even more of an achievement when you think about the endless amount of mainstream mediocre holywood junk that's being produced out there).… Expand
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10
josh95Apr 21, 2017
I am not one to write reviews of anything, but reading the negative reviews on this site has prompted be to write something. This film is beautiful, I think the people leaving these absurd reviews have completely missed the entire point ofI am not one to write reviews of anything, but reading the negative reviews on this site has prompted be to write something. This film is beautiful, I think the people leaving these absurd reviews have completely missed the entire point of the film. The film so perfectly encapsulates the desires of young men, in an intriguing and absolutely surreal way. The ending is not absurd at all, it is a metaphor to make one question their own desires. My favorite aspect of this film by far is the music, the music during the most poignant scenes is simply art.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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4
FilipeNetoFeb 20, 2018
This film portrays the life of Jean-Baptiste Grenouille, a French perfumer whose genius turns into madness. Directed by Tom Tykwer, who also collaborated on the screenplay alongside Andrew Birkin and Bernd Eichinger, it has Ben Whishaw in theThis film portrays the life of Jean-Baptiste Grenouille, a French perfumer whose genius turns into madness. Directed by Tom Tykwer, who also collaborated on the screenplay alongside Andrew Birkin and Bernd Eichinger, it has Ben Whishaw in the main role and features also interpretations of Alan Rickman and Dustin Hoffman.

What's the boundary between genius and madness? It's hard to define it, and this movie makes me meditate about that. It's a positively challenging film, which is difficult to be indifferent. Or you like it, or you hate it. Based on Patrick Süskind's novel, the film knew how to be faithful to it without become predictable for those who haven't read it. The script is good but it's too warm and, despite the suspense, isn't able to create real tension moments before reaching the end, which is explosive and shocking to most impressionable audiences. Perhaps it's because of this that so many professional film critics have been so hard on this film. Okay, it has several flaws, the soundtrack doesn't stand out particularly, the costumes are ordinary despite fulfilling it's role, most of the cast was reasonable but didn't shine... but on the other hand these flaws are compensated by good photograph, the visually attractive scenarios, the correct narrator's diction and, above all, the superb interpretation of Ben Whishaw, who managed to give his character an extraordinary dichotomy of personalities and feelings, which reminded me "Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde".

For all this, and despite being far from perfection, this film is quite acceptable and has some quality moments. After seeing it, I conclude that I will not remember it as one of the best I've seen, but I didn't feel cheated in my expectations.… Expand
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7
nolanscameraSep 11, 2018
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Film is about an orphan who has got an above average nose. After a while Jean-Baptiste Grenouille get out of slavery, than he started to work with one of the masters of perfume. He has a passion, protect smells, he cant do it besie his master so he traveled to distant lands.
Movie's space and colors remind me Agora -I recommend, Agora is good movie too-
First of all, watching Perfume is very wonderful and different. But it is not that perfect.
Perfume feels like art , actually movie feels like women and death art. According to me there are mistakes in the scenario.
in the execution of baptiste, when they received the smell, they started to say that he was innocent, okay it could be.
But there was a priest and when he received perfume, he shouted '' he is an angel.
That perfume includes women, womens can symbolize sex, love, innocent, happiness
perfume includes smell of an whore, than papa shouts '' he is an angel
maybe perfume includes smell of a baby -it could be very reactionary-, the words of the papa could be meaningful.
other than this, i have no question about scenario.
the music in the movie is not good enough, camera angles are usual -boring- in the execution scene, every people started undress and sex, it was the most aesthetic scene i have ever seen.
when everyone was making love, he saw the fruits. He remembered the woman that he couldn't preserve. he had lived too long for a non-spiritual, he went his home, his dump than left himself to death.
Everyone should watch that movie, but it is not that extraordinary.… Expand
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10
Waldemar76Jan 2, 2021
Пожалуй, лучший фильм, что я видел. Идеально передает дух Франции того времени (во всех смыслах). Экранизация лучше книги.
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0
ShretzenJul 20, 2022
Ich muß ganz ehrlich sagen, der Film ist einfach nur grausam und ekelig, ohne jeden Sinn oder Moral. Ich weiß leider nicht, was daran beeindruckend sein soll und kann den Film deshalb auch keinem empfehlen.
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7
geewahJan 21, 2021
An arty and ambitious attempt to adapt Patrick Suskind's best-selling novel and on the whole it's reasonably well done.
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10
aniket49Jan 3, 2021
Amazing movie must watch in life . A great representation of old roman ethics
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10
ExceladeogunApr 26, 2023
Perfume: The Story Of A Murderer

Stands as one of the best movies I've ever seen. Perfume is a visual spectacle, a feast that gives till the final scene is shown. The plot moves fast, leaving no room for dull moments. The themes PerfumePerfume: The Story Of A Murderer

Stands as one of the best movies I've ever seen. Perfume is a visual spectacle, a feast that gives till the final scene is shown.

The plot moves fast, leaving no room for dull moments. The themes Perfume deal with are dark and askew, and it doesn't shy away, getting into the nitty-gritty it needs to tell it.

From the film's title, it's obvious that the subject matter will be sinister, but Perfume doesn't have a sympathetic lead or one deserving of pity, Grenouille is repulsive and gloomy. The cinematography and direction is blatant, aggressive and bold. The style and visuals are picturesque, you can literally smell what's being shown, that's how intimate Perfume is.

The cast is phenomenal, especially the lead, Ben Whishaw delivering a revelatory standout performance.

I believe Perfume is a movie that everyone should watch at least once in their lifetime.… Expand
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5
Craftnight405Mar 22, 2023
Der Flm spielt im 18 Jahrhundert wo der Frauenmörder Jean-Baptiste Grenouille sein unwesen treibt. Der Charakter wird nicht gut genug ausgearbeitet. Seine Motivation die Morde durchzuführen sind nicht klar erkennbar. Er ist so bessesen dasDer Flm spielt im 18 Jahrhundert wo der Frauenmörder Jean-Baptiste Grenouille sein unwesen treibt. Der Charakter wird nicht gut genug ausgearbeitet. Seine Motivation die Morde durchzuführen sind nicht klar erkennbar. Er ist so bessesen das perfekte Parfum herzustellen das er sogar mordet und man sieht keine Reue. Der Anfang gefiel mir bis einschließlich die Geschichte mit Dustin Hoffman endet. Danach zieht sich der Film und es wird eher langweilig. Der Film ist eine Buchverfilmung da ich das Buch nicht gelesen habe kann ich es nicht vergleichen. Jean-Baptiste Grenouilles Charakter wird nicht klar gestellt er scheint nur schüchtern zu sein und alles für sein Ziel zu machen. Die Kostüme sind super und filmerisch ist es auch gut gemacht. Die Story finde ich wird aber immer langweiliger. Wie das mit dem Geruch eingeführt wurde fande ich super. Man kann den Film nicht riechen sich aber vorstellen wie ekelhaft manches riecht. Was ekelhaft riecht wird auch hässlich und ekelhaft dargestellt. Was widerum schön und gut riecht, wird als schön und hell dargestellt. Die letzte halbe Stunde hat den Film und einiges weiter nach unten gezogen. Ich kann nachvollziehen, was damit gemeint ist und wie der Regisseur bzw der Autor das meinte. Für mich ist es trotzdem unrealistisch und ich fande es einfach nur lächerlich.


5,5/10… Expand
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10
LeviHLTZJun 2, 2023
My favorite movie of all time!!! It's a dark masterpiece that I believe anyone has to watch it once in their lifetime!!
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