IFC Films | Release Date: July 22, 2016
6.8
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 26 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
17
Mixed:
7
Negative:
2
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5
virginiaproudDec 23, 2016
The concept promises much more than this movie delivers. Lot's of beautiful looking scenes where not much of consequence happens. A child that is indulged to be sure, ignored when suited and once beaten (that we see), but it doesn't adds upThe concept promises much more than this movie delivers. Lot's of beautiful looking scenes where not much of consequence happens. A child that is indulged to be sure, ignored when suited and once beaten (that we see), but it doesn't adds up to a childhood or parents that could be accused of sowing of the seeds of a sociopath. To further complicate, we are shown only a brief snap shot of this childhood, then a huge time jump to reveal, for the final few minutes... The Leader. That's about it. It was OK, heavy on artistic pretension and the ushering in of a new directing prodigy, which is possibly why critics are turning somersaults over it. Expand
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4
TVJerryDec 14, 2018
Comparisons to the current A Star Is Born are inevitable, but there's no comparison on any level. This somewhat experimental film wears its edgy credentials all over the place: random visual styles, quirky editing, heavy-handed, evenComparisons to the current A Star Is Born are inevitable, but there's no comparison on any level. This somewhat experimental film wears its edgy credentials all over the place: random visual styles, quirky editing, heavy-handed, even melodramatic score (not to mention the clunky narration). It follows a young woman as she endures a traumatic event, then goes on to become a pop star. The role is first played by Raffey Cassidy, then after about 45 minutes, by Natalie Portman, Confusingly, all of the other main roles keep the same actors for both time periods. This role gives Portman a chance to strap on a New York accent, become a ranting, self-absorbed rock star with personal issues (nothing new here) and even perform a mini concert (songs by Sia). The film tries to make some statements and dazzle with showy style. Even so, there's still a weirdly compelling aspect that keeps it from being a totally self-indulgent mess. Expand
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8
alejandro970Dec 31, 2017
Slow paced but effective horror drama with the same spirit of Roman Polanski early jobs. In a minimalist scenario shows the birth and making of a monster with an angelic face. Not for all tastes, is´nt easy to know what´s the point.
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10
triangles19Jul 24, 2017
"The Childhood of a Leader" is a very academic movie, in the good way. Very humble, graceful and mature. Intimate but never obscene, the storyline dare to transcend "L'Enfance d'un Chef" from Jean-Paul Sartre, to bring the characters as far"The Childhood of a Leader" is a very academic movie, in the good way. Very humble, graceful and mature. Intimate but never obscene, the storyline dare to transcend "L'Enfance d'un Chef" from Jean-Paul Sartre, to bring the characters as far as possible. A masterpiece. Expand
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7
OrukayuJan 22, 2023
A drama film based on a 2015 novel. It tells the story of a child who is brought up under pressure and coercion by disinterested parents. I've been a child, possibly rebellious, and as the pressure on him increases, he becomes moreA drama film based on a 2015 novel. It tells the story of a child who is brought up under pressure and coercion by disinterested parents. I've been a child, possibly rebellious, and as the pressure on him increases, he becomes more rebellious. Eventually this kid grows up and becomes a dictator. The child actor who plays the role really does justice to the role. The music used in the movie is beautiful. There is one final scene, which is incredible. It is exquisite with both the shooting style and the music. Although the movie is static, it is watched with interest.

There is no sex or nudity in the movie. However, it is a question that the child focuses on his chest, which is visible under the teacher's shirt while taking lessons, and the scene takes a little longer.
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7
geewahJan 6, 2021
The story of how an entitled boy turns into a facist. Despite having a number of flat spots the story is compelling enough.
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