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10

AkshadasSep 10, 2019

This movie is the true definition of a crime thriller and the absolute best in its genre! Impeccable and commendable acting by Edward Norton! Richard Gere's style, relatively uncharacteristic and new in that era is equally immersive. TheThis movie is the true definition of a crime thriller and the absolute best in its genre! Impeccable and commendable acting by Edward Norton! Richard Gere's style, relatively uncharacteristic and new in that era is equally immersive. The plot, storyline and execution is just brilliant! If you are a true cinephile, you will absolutely love this movie and appreciate the beauty of it. It goes much beyond a courtroom drama and is one of the gems of that era. Must watch for individuals who love crime thrillers, psychological thrillers and courtroom dramas. I will go as far as to say that the recent movies have been greatly "inspired" by the plot of this movie and copied a lot of it elements but none could execute it as brilliantly as Primal Fear did. The 10/10 is for the brilliant acting and the simple simple but impactful execution of the storyline.… Expand

5 of 5 users found this helpful50

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8

NickHAug 27, 2005

A 47 percent? Bull. This movie deserves to have those numbers flipped. 74% or higher, come on! I really liked it. Ed Norton was great.

3 of 3 users found this helpful

8

RJGDec 7, 2006

Don't be mislead by the 47 number above. This is as good a psycological thrillers as they get. Norton's performance is resourceful, convincing, and powerful. The plot is better than most movies in the genre.

3 of 3 users found this helpful

8

KillumiJan 27, 2023

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Overall an interesting title. I really liked the plot, the splitted personality explanation wasn't too obvious at the beginning. The final plot twist added some special spice to the story and made it memorable. The acting performance of Edward Norton was incredible!… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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9

SpangleJul 27, 2013

The acting in this film is outstanding. Edward Norton was absolutely amazing and the twist really makes this better than your average courtroom drama. Really good film, kept me on the edge of my seat for sure.

11 of 12 users found this helpful111

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9

Compi24May 3, 2013

Chock-full of dazzling "holy sh*t" moments, "Primal Fear" not only delivers intrigue as a fascinating courtroom drama would, but it also shocks you the way a gripping thriller would.

10 of 12 users found this helpful102

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10

Xenophobe114Jun 25, 2021

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10 of 12 users found this helpful102

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9

FilmQueenNov 25, 2015

This film is great! Edward Norton is outstanding and the plot is also pretty good. Although the twist is a bit predictable, I still think it's very good.

5 of 6 users found this helpful51

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10

Lanyard980Aug 9, 2021

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. A must see!

I would recommend this to anyone! A great story, great acting, and very intense. There are very few near perfect movies, but this is one of them. Edward Norton doesn't get better than this. Don't rent it...buy it for your collection, an stunning legal thriller.… Expand

5 of 6 users found this helpful51

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9

kykthebrykDec 19, 2012

Os actores falam por si, talvez o melhor papel jamais desempenhado por Edward Norton. O Thriller em si é genial, talvez um dos melhores, simples, agradável de ver, boa qualidade de fotografia, papeis bem desempenhados,Os actores falam por si, talvez o melhor papel jamais desempenhado por Edward Norton. O Thriller em si é genial, talvez um dos melhores, simples, agradável de ver, boa qualidade de fotografia, papeis bem desempenhados, personagens bem caracterizado que nos agarra á história até ao fim surpreendente que é a cereja no topo do bolo!… Expand

6 of 8 users found this helpful62

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10

Embalmer98Jun 11, 2021

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3 of 4 users found this helpful31

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9

Acquit77Jul 19, 2021

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3 of 4 users found this helpful31

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10

AbolishAug 16, 2021

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3 of 4 users found this helpful31

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10

Stagger74Jul 13, 2021

》》》》》》》》》》》》》》》》》》》》》》》》》》》》》》》》》》》
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5 of 7 users found this helpful52

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8

PushkarMay 16, 2011

A really good psychological thriller supported by some brilliant performances by the lead actors. Don't get carried away by 47% rating for critics will not appreciate a good movie even if it comes and bite their bum. Watch it to believe itA really good psychological thriller supported by some brilliant performances by the lead actors. Don't get carried away by 47% rating for critics will not appreciate a good movie even if it comes and bite their bum. Watch it to believe it and definitely don't miss the last scene.… Expand

6 of 9 users found this helpful63

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10

Socket84Sep 12, 2021

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2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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10

Shroud189Jun 27, 2021

♤♡♤♡♤♡♡♡♡♡♡♤♤♤♤♤♡♡♡♡♤♤♤♤♡♡♡♡♡♤♤♡♡♡♡
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5 of 8 users found this helpful53

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8

Tss5078Feb 22, 2013

Based on a best selling novel by William Diehl, Primal Fear stars Richard Gere, as a high powered defense attorney, who decides to take on what appears to be an open and shut case, just so he can get his face on Television. The case isBased on a best selling novel by William Diehl, Primal Fear stars Richard Gere, as a high powered defense attorney, who decides to take on what appears to be an open and shut case, just so he can get his face on Television. The case is intriguing and did what seldom movies can do, surprise me. There is an ending to this film that will just completely blow you away. As for the rest of the film, it was extremely entertaining thanks to the outstanding cast, that features both Richard Gere and a very young, Edward Norton, in one of his first roles. At the time Norton was a no-name, while Gere was the big star. Who would have thought that eventually Norton would become the bigger name? Well, anyone who saw this film and the absolutely tremendous performance Norton gives. To be honest, most court room dramas don't surprise me. You can always tell if the suspect is guilty or innocent, and there is usually some kind of twist in the story. Primal Fear was not so cut and dry, I kept going back and fourth on the suspects guilt or innocence myself. That's because this is a powerful movie, with an unrivaled cast, written by a professional novelist, as opposed to some amateur screenwriter. Primal Fear is a perfect example of what it takes to create a great movie, and after you watch it, let me know if you can figure out where the title comes from. It took me a while to get it, but eventually I did.… Expand

4 of 7 users found this helpful43

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8

joyalJul 21, 2014

suspenseful and twisting ...! awesome superb performance by edward norton richard gere,excellent script and direction, mind blowing ending, one of the greatest TWIST ending Film of All Time.!

4 of 9 users found this helpful45

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7

grandpajoe6191Sep 29, 2011

"Primal Fear" is just a average lawyer thriller. But, as Tom Cruise did in "Jerry Maguire", it's the superb acting by Edward Norton that changes the tables of the movie's tone.

6 of 16 users found this helpful610

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8

HerlyantiJan 6, 2016

This movie really reminded of The Fugitive, including the running time. Only 1 minute differs and never made me sleepy no matter how late I watched it. I really enjoyed the thrill. Love the music so much. No wonder, actually, cause it'sThis movie really reminded of The Fugitive, including the running time. Only 1 minute differs and never made me sleepy no matter how late I watched it. I really enjoyed the thrill. Love the music so much. No wonder, actually, cause it's scored by the same person so it sounds pretty similar. Hihi. Sorry, can't help.
I always fall in love with movie screening drama trial. And this movie gives me one, plus the psychological element. I like the plot twist, but surely I need more. I need to be shaken even more, to make the story more unpredictable. Btw, I couldn't quite follow what happened between Mr. Shaughnessy, Archbishop Rushman and Joey. Yeah, call me stupid… Expand

2 of 6 users found this helpful24

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7

FilipeNetoAug 24, 2018

This film is based on the judgment of an altar boy accused of the death of a Catholic bishop, so it's like dozens of other "court movies", where all revolves around a case, and lawyer-client relationships. What is different here? The caseThis film is based on the judgment of an altar boy accused of the death of a Catholic bishop, so it's like dozens of other "court movies", where all revolves around a case, and lawyer-client relationships. What is different here? The case involves the Catholic Church (and that always attracts the audiences), the altar boy seems unable to hurt a fly and the lawyer seems pretty obnoxious most of the time.

Richard Gere has played a good role in this film, one of the few decent roles in this actor's career to date, and has shown that he is a good, talented actor, who deserves better characters in the future. Perhaps even better was the performance of Edward Norton, in the role of the altar boy Aaron. He becomes so credible and sincere that we believe him to the end, and this only serves to make the end a twist even more amazing than it would be otherwise. That's enough for the movie to deserve a chance from the public.… Expand

2 of 7 users found this helpful25

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8

gracjanskiFeb 15, 2021

Edward Norton is the reason to see this movie, what a performance. The rest of the movie is not on the same level: Somehow I didnt like Richard Gere, Laura Linney and some scenes. So sometimes the movie felt too long.

2 of 8 users found this helpful26

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5

Voodoo123Dec 28, 2018

+Great cinematography
+Excellent cast
-Below average screenplay -Needless side plots Primal fear's cast elevate the material to make for an entertaining movie but ultimately the audience will suffer at the hands of a made-for-tv-screenplay+Great cinematography
+Excellent cast
-Below average screenplay
-Needless side plots

Primal fear's cast elevate the material to make for an entertaining movie but ultimately the audience will suffer at the hands of a made-for-tv-screenplay that falls short of the otherwise superb production value.… Expand

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

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8

SEROJOct 30, 2015

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. "I've never been afraid of wackos, I've always been afraid of somebody disguising themselves as a wacko." Serj Tankian. The ending was absolutely amazing!… Expand

1 of 5 users found this helpful14

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6

MovieGuysAug 17, 2014

I wish that the well-known twist in this movie had come with a little more power and wouldn't have been as predictable, but Primal Fear is engaging enough to work for a Saturday movie night. Gere and Norton give their characters a little moreI wish that the well-known twist in this movie had come with a little more power and wouldn't have been as predictable, but Primal Fear is engaging enough to work for a Saturday movie night. Gere and Norton give their characters a little more edge than what lesser actors would've done, and the story is only a few plot points short of plausible.… Expand

1 of 7 users found this helpful16

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3

BroyaxDec 8, 2017

L'intérêt de ce film procédurier à procédures réside dans son duo d'acteurs, l'un confirmé, l'autre très prometteur... ainsi Richard Gere très convaincant en ténor du Barreau prêt à défendre l'indéfendable (on en a aussi chez nous) qui donneL'intérêt de ce film procédurier à procédures réside dans son duo d'acteurs, l'un confirmé, l'autre très prometteur... ainsi Richard Gere très convaincant en ténor du Barreau prêt à défendre l'indéfendable (on en a aussi chez nous) qui donne la réplique à Edward Norton dans son rôle de psychodingo que le petit jeune maîtrise déjà parfaitement.

Le film vaut également le coup d'oeil pour son final d'une belle ironie, une sorte de cerise sur le gâteau inattendue... mais pour arriver jusque là, il faudra en passer par tous ces blablas d'avocaillons et de cour volubile qui durent une éternité : le rythme en pâtit énormément et le Jury s'est endormi depuis belle lurette.

La mise en scène très molle, typique d'un téléfilm à la petite semaine se révèle assommante et propice à un bon roupillon de l'audience bonne pomme que nous sommes, malgré les acteurs qui ne déméritent pas. Ah si on avait enlevé au moins une demi-heure à ces deux plombes, la physionomie du film en eut été radicalement changée. Peut-être.

Bref, objection Votre Honneur, le film est trop long et irrecevable en l'état... je demande un vote-sanction comme à Koh Lanta : Peur primale doit rentrer chez lui pour se reposer.… Expand

1 of 13 users found this helpful112

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7

barnet42Oct 15, 2012

Was I alone on this? The whole point of this movie was supposed to be the shocking twist ending. But, I knew what was going to happen the entire time. No, I didn't have the ending spoiled. No, I didn't google it before watching. I knewWas I alone on this? The whole point of this movie was supposed to be the shocking twist ending. But, I knew what was going to happen the entire time. No, I didn't have the ending spoiled. No, I didn't google it before watching. I knew absolutely nothing about this movie what so ever. I watched it because it was suggested as good Edward Norton film. I had other people say they were so shocked and dismayed by the ending. How is this possible? It was so obvious. I knew he was faking it 5 minutes into the first scene. Was it this extremely obvious to everyone else?… Expand

0 of 4 users found this helpful04

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7

GayatreeMay 24, 2013

To label this as yet another courtroom drama would be far too hasty. Primal Fear has layers which are not apparent if we just look at the surface story. Its success as a film is mostly carried by Edward Norton as the naive, utterly convincingTo label this as yet another courtroom drama would be far too hasty. Primal Fear has layers which are not apparent if we just look at the surface story. Its success as a film is mostly carried by Edward Norton as the naive, utterly convincing alter boy. We go with the story, on the same journey as Gere, against our better judgement; which, in the end throws up the question of what separates our belief in innocence from our susceptibility to be taken in by appearances.… Expand

0 of 6 users found this helpful06

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7

DollCrushOct 29, 2013

Great performance from Edward Norton with a combination of innocence and sadist. Couldn't think anyone more suitable playing Aaron Stampler and could radiates the same energy as Edward did in "Primal Fear". Richard Gere was great too, onlyGreat performance from Edward Norton with a combination of innocence and sadist. Couldn't think anyone more suitable playing Aaron Stampler and could radiates the same energy as Edward did in "Primal Fear". Richard Gere was great too, only him are much less than I expected.… Expand

0 of 7 users found this helpful07

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7

alejandro970Oct 7, 2022

This courtroom drama is one of those movies that leaves us with the impression "it could have been better." Why? The loose and irregular of the first hour is compensated in the second, the but is the end, which leaves us with the idea thatThis courtroom drama is one of those movies that leaves us with the impression "it could have been better." Why? The loose and irregular of the first hour is compensated in the second, the but is the end, which leaves us with the idea that all the time they were kidding us.… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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4

amheretojudgeSep 8, 2019

I was rooting for everyone except for the newcomer and then Norton started taking charge of the energy in the room.

Primal Fear Hoblit makes an excellent courtroom drama. Surprisingly, none of his films ever contributed anything new to thatI was rooting for everyone except for the newcomer and then Norton started taking charge of the energy in the room.

Primal Fear

Hoblit makes an excellent courtroom drama. Surprisingly, none of his films ever contributed anything new to that genre. In fact, I am just gonna come out and say it, it never even delivered what is already out there, well and established. A film that is so textbook and standard in its approach towards the characters and their arcs and their characteristics, you'd hope for it to at least gift you what you expect. The director Gregory Holbit doesn't throw such parties. His parties are a celebration. Celebrations that are completely misinterpreted and misunderstood, in what makes a celebration.. well, a celebration- I cannot stop using the word, celebration.

So how does a best selling novel, trending set of genre and an incredible cast prints a messy product out in the market? The answer is the laziness. Take the encounter of Frances McDormand and Laura Linney in the courtroom, later in the film. What should have been a hair pulling and nail biting scene, is instead played like a sloppy exhaustion of some labour work. The makers understands that antic smartly.

But never thinks of earning that moment in any dimension. It is enjoying too much with its sassy attitude, gloating for that undeserved achievement- at least that is what comes off in the end- to ever cast an impact. Which by the way, also turns out to be the role of Richard Gere as a complex lawyer in the film. He is enjoying too much to make you care for him and to add more into his troubles, he doesn't particularly have the most empathetic role in this case. Primal Fear will always be a symbol for seizing an opportunity to me, Edward Norton never lets go of his insatiable Joker-alike dual persona on the screen; it didn't speak to me as well as it did to others, but it definitely marked him on the map.… Expand

0 of 3 users found this helpful03

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7

royalguy07Jul 13, 2023

Well structured and effective courtroom drama. Spins its wheels a little in the middle as it works its way through everything.

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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