Shutter Island
Paramount Pictures | Release Date: February 19, 2010
8.5
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Universal acclaim based on 1537 Ratings
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1,364
Mixed:
107
Negative:
66
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User scoreBy dateMost helpful
6
worleyjamersDec 8, 2012
Pretty good. I enjoyed it a lot, but I think it's very overrated. It had some very good, thrilling moments, but overall it was predictable. I had the ending figured out after the first 90 minutes. Some people will try to squeeze this moviePretty good. I enjoyed it a lot, but I think it's very overrated. It had some very good, thrilling moments, but overall it was predictable. I had the ending figured out after the first 90 minutes. Some people will try to squeeze this movie into "The Best of 2010" category, but for me it just doesn't deliver. Good but not what I was expecting!… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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4
BlackFalconSep 23, 2010
(Ignore the review I had with a 10. Not sure why the page reverted back to that score)

"Meh" about sums it up. The acting was good, with a decent idea for a story, but the ending was hugely predictable, even from the previews. The length was(Ignore the review I had with a 10. Not sure why the page reverted back to that score)

"Meh" about sums it up. The acting was good, with a decent idea for a story, but the ending was hugely predictable, even from the previews. The length was expected of Scorsese, which actually hurt the movie. It would've been much more bearable if the ending we knew was coming would have arrived 20-30 minutes earlier. Add in a couple of blatantly unrealistic moments such as the scene where the storm's rolling in and tree branches are whipping by at 80 mph, but the people are able to practically jog with no hindrance from the gale blowing around them. Really, Scorsese? You've been in the business that long and didn't even see that flaw?… Expand
2 of 9 users found this helpful27
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4
dontcontractaidSep 18, 2010
I saw it coming after about 20-30 minutes. So, I had to wait the entire movie to see the ending I already thought was going to happen. Totally lame...
1 of 8 users found this helpful17
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4
SonnyCMay 15, 2010
To be sure, I love Scorsese and am generally a fan of DiCaprio's, but this movie was disappointing on all levels. It was so riddled with cliche after cliche, and to be honest, I didn't feel this movie was much of a thriller at all. To be sure, I love Scorsese and am generally a fan of DiCaprio's, but this movie was disappointing on all levels. It was so riddled with cliche after cliche, and to be honest, I didn't feel this movie was much of a thriller at all. I had the twist figured out half-way through and was just bored waiting for the reveal. And that's another thing...the twist. Do we have to keep seeing movies with that twist? Seriously, Fight Club, the Machinist, Identity, etc etc etc. It's old, it's done. I don't care anymore.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful
5
GathGamerOct 1, 2010
The movie was too great, firstly i kinda got lost in the middle not to mention when all things got "delusional" and it was mind twisting... The end sequence left me at "aw" it could have ended awesome, but anyway big-up 2 martin s.
0 of 3 users found this helpful03
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5
IqbalMar 9, 2011
The plot had one too many twists in it. If you actually think about it, it makes no sense. If hes a dangerous mentally ill patient then why would they allow him to leave and then mak him board a ferry back to the hospital as the whole reasonThe plot had one too many twists in it. If you actually think about it, it makes no sense. If hes a dangerous mentally ill patient then why would they allow him to leave and then mak him board a ferry back to the hospital as the whole reason they had him there was because hes a dangerous and violent man. The directors probably think they made an intruiging twist in the plot but all they did was end up ruining the film. A shame as it could have been great had they not added the last twist.… Expand
0 of 2 users found this helpful02
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6
TubieNov 2, 2010
A fine film with Leo showing what a great actor he's become. I think the central plot in the story has been a bit overused and I won't go into detail because it would spoil the film but nonetheless it's well done and makes for a very enjoyable movie.
0 of 2 users found this helpful02
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4
ZorglyJan 13, 2011
I predicted the big plot twist to this movie in the trailer months before its release. THE TRAILER. when the narrator says, "you have to find the missing patient" while a weak and disturbed looking Leonardo DiCaprio stares into a mirrorI predicted the big plot twist to this movie in the trailer months before its release. THE TRAILER. when the narrator says, "you have to find the missing patient" while a weak and disturbed looking Leonardo DiCaprio stares into a mirror looking as though to question his identity IT IS OVER. One of the most overrated films in the history of cinema. Leo has acted better before (but hes okay). Scorsese has directed better before (but hes okay) everything about this movie is completely average. except for the abysmal plot. By the end of the film I was saying lines before the actors were, to which the guy behind me said "Stop spoiling it I haven't seen it yet", to which I replied "NEITHER HAVE I!!!" recommended only to brainless mainstream leeches with no appreciation for creativity, originality, or storytelling.… Expand
0 of 3 users found this helpful03
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6
beingryanjudeAug 24, 2014
While Shutter Island may be one of Scorsese's weaker efforts, DiCaprio along with Ben Kingsley are able to generate two exciting performances in a moderately thrilling atmosphere.
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
All this user's reviews
4
Trev29Apr 2, 2012
This movie was going fine until it took a turn in the stupid direction. The twist was horrible. Why can't there ever be a semi reasonable mystery that didn't end with the person just being crazy. Weird, confusing, and just plain bad.
0 of 3 users found this helpful03
All this user's reviews
6
Sosmooth1982Jan 11, 2023
Just an ok movie. I liked the movie and it kept me interested till the very end. What I didn't like is, if the guy was that crazy, why go along with everything he was doing. That ruined the movie for me.
0 of 3 users found this helpful03
All this user's reviews
6
SparkyFlaryJun 17, 2022
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is like The Wicker Man (the one with Nicolas Cage), but except of a cult island, DiCaprio is in a mental institution. Both Nicolas and DiCaprio were investigators in their movies. It's a bit more modern than the Nicolas Cage movie but at the same time probably not as good in some areas. He is on a quest to find out the truth about a place but upon doing so he becomes more insane. It's a sort of adventure or mind twist that can spark interest seeing it.

I don't think the movie is for most people though but it might be interesting to those who want to see this type of thing.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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6
EdGFeb 22, 2010
Dear Roger C: "penultimate" means "second to last," and as far as I know Leonardo DiCaprio is not the second to last actor of his generation. Dear AgnosticConservative W.: You appear to be fixated on "liberals." This movie had nothing Dear Roger C: "penultimate" means "second to last," and as far as I know Leonardo DiCaprio is not the second to last actor of his generation. Dear AgnosticConservative W.: You appear to be fixated on "liberals." This movie had nothing whatsoever to do with politics. G'night!… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
JamesHJun 10, 2010
The cinematography is very impressive and the supporting cast is exceptionally good. Patricia Clarkson and Mark Ruffalo stand out. Ben Kingsley
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
JamesS.Feb 20, 2010
The acting was great, but the story really lost momentum towards the middle. Scenes that were supposed to be creepy were numerous, and the CG was sub-par. Put this one on the shelf next to the other psy-thrillers with textbook twists
0 of 0 users found this helpful
5
SandyMar 13, 2010
Some nice visual effects couldn't hide the fact that the twist was evident from within a few minutes of the start, and was then a long slow slog to get to the end. I nodded off, but woke just in time for the denouement.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
WilliamAMar 1, 2010
Well-directed and acted, but the big "twist" is entirely unbelievable. The film would have been much better without it - and the fact that the twist takes up quite a bit of screen time to explain only makes it more unberable - not to mention Well-directed and acted, but the big "twist" is entirely unbelievable. The film would have been much better without it - and the fact that the twist takes up quite a bit of screen time to explain only makes it more unberable - not to mention that most of everything you've seen up through then is rendered a waste of the viewer's time in the process.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
5
SpikeK.Mar 7, 2010
The movie looked beautiful, and was expertly done, and Dicaprio was excellent, but I was somewhat bored and thought the ending was VERY disappointing.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
4
PeteW.Feb 20, 2010
If this weren't a Scorcese movie it would be easily recognized as the uninspiring Showtime Original late-nite thriller it is. I'll give it a few points for atmosphere and strong performances from Ben Kingsley and Mark Ruffalo, but If this weren't a Scorcese movie it would be easily recognized as the uninspiring Showtime Original late-nite thriller it is. I'll give it a few points for atmosphere and strong performances from Ben Kingsley and Mark Ruffalo, but there's just not much here you won't felt like you've seen done better elsewhere. DiCaprio is wildly miscast as the hard-drinking, traumatized, hallucination-prone investigator, as his boyish looks and comically thin beard stubble work against his flailing attempts to seem edgy and threatening. Save your money and rent Memento or Dark City instead.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
5
ScottN.Feb 21, 2010
Interesting premise, and an excellent performance turned in by DiCaprio as always, as well as the other cast members, but the movie runs about 30 minutes too long to get to a plot twist that we've seen all too many times. The entire Interesting premise, and an excellent performance turned in by DiCaprio as always, as well as the other cast members, but the movie runs about 30 minutes too long to get to a plot twist that we've seen all too many times. The entire "everything you just witnessed was all in the madman's mind after all" idea was pretty cool the first 20 times I saw it. Minus a couple points for originality, or lack thereof, and minus a few more for unnecessarily dragging the movie out to a 2+ hour screen time. Not the worst movie I've seen this year, but I don't want to watch it again.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
5
DominicMFeb 23, 2010
Did anyone else feel as if you were standing on a soundstage everytime one of the characters was: on a boat, in a car, or dangling from a cliff. The movie looked cheesy. Biggest compliant though, nice dialogue change at the end of the Did anyone else feel as if you were standing on a soundstage everytime one of the characters was: on a boat, in a car, or dangling from a cliff. The movie looked cheesy. Biggest compliant though, nice dialogue change at the end of the film....ruined it. Read the book.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
5
SandyC.Mar 14, 2010
A great cast wasted: Max, Ben and Mark were great!. If the twist was the point, I got it in five. If the ride was the point, it was too long: I nodded off, though woke in time to have my theory confirmed! (Roger C - what do you mean A great cast wasted: Max, Ben and Mark were great!. If the twist was the point, I got it in five. If the ride was the point, it was too long: I nodded off, though woke in time to have my theory confirmed! (Roger C - what do you mean 'penultimate' actor? In what way is he 'the last but one'?)… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
4
TomDMar 14, 2010
The worst sort of twist endings are the ones that sacrifice continuity for shock appeal, and unfortunately that is the case here... The twist in Shutter Island renders everything that came before utterly implausible, and worse, mostly The worst sort of twist endings are the ones that sacrifice continuity for shock appeal, and unfortunately that is the case here... The twist in Shutter Island renders everything that came before utterly implausible, and worse, mostly irrelevant. I wouldn't say it was a total waste of time but in the end it seemed rather cheap and shallow, despite the holocaust imagery and bloated running time.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
5
joeblowJun 8, 2010
It was alright. Was expecting something entirely creepy, suspenseful and, you know...not boring. It wasn't bad though. Just something i wasn't expecting.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
4
DavidB.Feb 20, 2010
Not much redeeming about this movie, other than perhaps the cinematography. Otherwise, pretty run-of-the-mill story (at least the way it was told), and not nearly the mind-blowing experience it was intended to be. "Meh" is the right word to Not much redeeming about this movie, other than perhaps the cinematography. Otherwise, pretty run-of-the-mill story (at least the way it was told), and not nearly the mind-blowing experience it was intended to be. "Meh" is the right word to describe it. Hard to believe this came from Scorsese. Wait for the DVD, if you really feel the need to see this at all.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
MikeDavisFeb 22, 2010
I had waited in anticipation for this, but was let down by the "twist". The CGI was poor. Scenes didn't quite flow right for me. When a scene was required, it just appeared as when Teddy was wandering and the warden just appeared. I was I had waited in anticipation for this, but was let down by the "twist". The CGI was poor. Scenes didn't quite flow right for me. When a scene was required, it just appeared as when Teddy was wandering and the warden just appeared. I was thinking that something of substance would occur, but no it was just a ride back followed by that eye thing. Made no sense, very pretentious and contrived in my book. I knew the end about 3/4 through, but was hoping for the double negaitive. The acting was very good though, and I'll rent it when it comes out as I'd like to see which clues I missed, similar to "The Sixth Sense".… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
4
MathewBFeb 25, 2010
Long, dull, often pointless, and yes criminally predictable. Good production values, and some good performances (some bad ones too) cannot make-up for a film that consists of little more than exposition. There must be 20 scenes involving Long, dull, often pointless, and yes criminally predictable. Good production values, and some good performances (some bad ones too) cannot make-up for a film that consists of little more than exposition. There must be 20 scenes involving various characters giving speeches. Yikes... The movie consist of long speech, silly flashback, long speech, silly flashback, over and over again until the not so surprising conclusion.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
5
DarylSMar 18, 2010
Not what I was expecting and not that memorable a movie. It may make a good rental but not worth the admission price. The music is unbearably inappropriate for most scenes and the ending could have been a lot better. The only bright spot was Not what I was expecting and not that memorable a movie. It may make a good rental but not worth the admission price. The music is unbearably inappropriate for most scenes and the ending could have been a lot better. The only bright spot was DiCaprio, he gave his character the emotional range it needed though the talent of the other actors was mostly under-utilized. Ben Kingsley and Max Von Sydow could have done much more to support the film had they been allowed. I'm being generous giving it a 5 out of 10.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
SausageFeb 23, 2010
I wasn't expecting much with this film, but I gotta say...it really IS pretty good!! In reflection though it was a very simple story and pretty tame ending, masked by a great director and superb acting. The film does border into I wasn't expecting much with this film, but I gotta say...it really IS pretty good!! In reflection though it was a very simple story and pretty tame ending, masked by a great director and superb acting. The film does border into 50's twilight zone a few times and the ominous music does not help this vibe. Overall, its a weird, but well made psychological thriller!!… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
4
MarcKFeb 28, 2010
What happens when you end up figuring out the "twist" about an hour into the movie? That happened to me, and I was bored out of my mind until they "revealed" it later on in the movie. And believe me, I'm not all that smart.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
AJackson729Feb 19, 2011
Not one of Scorcese's better films, but it will keep you entertained. The acting is solid, and the plot keeps you engaged for most of the film. The film could have used some serious editing since it really tends to drag in that second hour.Not one of Scorcese's better films, but it will keep you entertained. The acting is solid, and the plot keeps you engaged for most of the film. The film could have used some serious editing since it really tends to drag in that second hour. The twist ending is decent, and open for interpretation. It's worth watching at least once, just don't go in with high expectations.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
sinadoomDec 24, 2013
A predictable but nevertheless well-directed delusional thriller. The suspense could've been better and sometimes it was difficult to follow what was real and what was fake; but I guess that's a good thing because it keeps you guessing. It'sA predictable but nevertheless well-directed delusional thriller. The suspense could've been better and sometimes it was difficult to follow what was real and what was fake; but I guess that's a good thing because it keeps you guessing. It's not particularly scary or insanely intense, but is good nevertheless.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
adamSv94Sep 6, 2013
A movie that starts off good, giving the viewer a sense of dread and terror. Once the movie has got a hold of you, it doesn't let go... UNTIL the second part. I'm sorry to say that it just drags throughout the second part of the movie and IA movie that starts off good, giving the viewer a sense of dread and terror. Once the movie has got a hold of you, it doesn't let go... UNTIL the second part. I'm sorry to say that it just drags throughout the second part of the movie and I personally lost all interest in the movie. But since the first part of Shutter Island is great and the fact that the actors all contribute with solid acting, it's still a movie worth watching.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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5
joao1198pedroDec 2, 2013
for me this is the worst movie made by martin scorsese and possibly the unic not good movie made by him it was an terrible disapointment for me see this.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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5
solomsApr 17, 2015
this is one of the most stupid movies that I ever seen. It's my opinion, but the story behind that cliches are so poor. What can I say... Martin Scorsese... I can never like his movies.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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5
DawdlingPoetNov 27, 2021
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The first thing I noticed about this film was that it features particularly loud music from the start, quite atmospheric, dour music, the type used to help cause a shudder to go down your spine. At times its quite remorseful in tone and others its quite sinister - think instrumentals with violins and piano.

The setting is quite creepy, often shown in dark light and with stormy weather and the fact that some of the characters are fairly anonymised, in as much as not a great deal is known about them individually, adds to the spookiness.

I also noticed quite early on that the contrast seemed quite high, as far as the colours were concerned - at times it appears as if people almost glow, again giving an almost ethereal feel, particularly in flashback or dream type scenes.

This is quite a dramatic and unsettling film, in regards to the passionate dialogue present at times, the flashbacks of events from the past, events which haunt Teddy. There are some quite bloody scenes, with multiple bodies in pools of blood, which appear quite suddenly and are certainly likely to unsettle, if not outright scare the viewer. I suppose, as far as genres are concerned, I'd say this is more of a mystery thriller than a horror film as such, as it isn't a sort of typical 'slasher flick' and the story that Teddy Daniels finds himself trying to slowly uncover, is quite a mysterious one. The plot pace moves tantalisingly slow, which can be quite frustrating - as a viewer, I found myself willing Teddy to continue his searches, to uncover the truth behind the rumours and the history of the secluded and isolated island hospital.

As the story unfolds, heading towards its conclusions, I felt that it became a bit predictable. The essential story, or where it leads to/ends, is one thats been covered by numerous other films in the past and dare I say it, felt a bit cliched. I think a part of me was hoping for a more scientific based ending somehow. It felt like quite a letdown, its quite a plot twist but not an original one.

I do feel like this was a pretty engrossing, creepy and sinister film and I felt that Leonardo DiCaprio did well in portraying the main character of Teddy Daniels, coming across as a steely, determined cop wanting to get to the bottom of whats going on behind the scenes at the islands hospital. He has a convincing look of suspicion and doubt. Other well known cast members include Ben Kingsley, who plays Dr. Cawley - the head doctor who runs the hospital, who has a quite strong, domineering presence and makes for a good adversary for Teddy. Michelle Williams portrays Delores, Teddy's wife, who doesn't have much screen time but plays the role of a 1950s wife pretty well. Mark Ruffalo also appears as Teddy's partner, Chuck.

Content wise, there is some strong language, generally tense, unsettling and spooky scenes and some moderate violence (more specifically bloody violence), hence it having a 15 rating.
This film is directed by Martin Scorsese (given its content). Its certainly quite a visually stylish film, although im not sure i'd count it as his best film as such (others including 'Goodfellas', 'Gangs of New York' and 'The Aviator').

Overall I'm not sure if I would recommend this title as such. I probably wouldn't, as there are other psychological thrillers with less cliches. This title started off well and I felt it had a fair amount of potential but the way the story was concluded just spoilt it for me personally as I felt it was quite cliched. Once your aware of the full story, your unlikely to want to watch it again - its one of those films that you'd see in totally different eyes from the start after finding out the end. The film does feature a good cast and it is fairly engrossing, thus its not all bad but overall I wouldn't specifically recommend it.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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4
NickTheCritickNov 4, 2021
This movie is a bad one sadly. For my tastes I mean. It Feels very overlong, I've almost fell asleep while watching it. It's surely not a memorable movie.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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