Focus Features | Release Date: November 7, 2014
7.8
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Generally favorable reviews based on 573 Ratings
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8
glommanApr 28, 2021
I really liked this movie, being a former physics student myself, it was nice to see Stephen Hawking on the big stage for once. Other than that it's also a beautiful drama about a student with developing ALS, who has to choose between hisI really liked this movie, being a former physics student myself, it was nice to see Stephen Hawking on the big stage for once. Other than that it's also a beautiful drama about a student with developing ALS, who has to choose between his work and his family. Expand
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9
Platypuss1010Sep 17, 2020
This movie messed me up. In some parts the acting by whoever played Jane seemed a little off. But overall extremely good watch. Made me emotional.
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7
MahmusSep 25, 2020
I actually enjoy this film a lot more than the rating I'm giving it, but that's mostly because Eddie Redmayne's performance is so damn good.

Sure, it's formulaic and there's some corny moments here and there, but this is a really emotionally
I actually enjoy this film a lot more than the rating I'm giving it, but that's mostly because Eddie Redmayne's performance is so damn good.

Sure, it's formulaic and there's some corny moments here and there, but this is a really emotionally moving biopic that would make a great double-feature with A Beautiful Mind.

Plus I really adore the ending montage.
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8
DawdlingPoetNov 21, 2021
I found this to be a very emotive watch - its quite saddening to see how quickly Dr. Hawking's motor skills deteriorated due to MND. Of course I was aware of him prior to seeing the film and indeed because of that, I was really quiteI found this to be a very emotive watch - its quite saddening to see how quickly Dr. Hawking's motor skills deteriorated due to MND. Of course I was aware of him prior to seeing the film and indeed because of that, I was really quite surprised by how 'normal' he appeared at the very start of the film, when he first started seeing Jane. Both his curiosity to understand the beginnings of the world and his passion for science in general came across clearly, as he seems a very eager student, although he does come across as somewhat naive but then given his relatively young age at the time, this is hardly surprising I suppose.

I found myself feeling very sorry for Jane, given the obvious dire situation she finds herself in, unaware initially that this situation was to become more long-term than had been originally estimated (for want of a better phrase). At one point, relatives (presumably in-laws) of the couple question Jane, effectively questioning her dedication to their relationship, which seemed rather harsh. I was pleased to see to what extent she supported Dr. Hawking, despite the questions and the nay-saying. As far as the films lighting is concerned, I noticed the majority of it was shot in quite a yellow-y hue, with some scenes featuring a light, or mild, blur or softness around the screen. I suppose you could argue that given the serious nature of the film, particularly knowing its very much based on a true story, then you could argue there is a need for it to have a lighter side to it perhaps. It would be quite a grim watch otherwise, I suppose, although it is still a film that you ought to watch with tissues by your side. The film covers numerous issues, as well as Hawking's deterioration with MND, his love of science and desire to prove the history of time and his relationship with Jane, it also covers the thorny/controversial issue of faith (can a man who seems so genuinely keen on and who fully believes in science, have an ability to believe in a God?), which I thought was an interesting issue. Plus, it may challenge your perception of disabled people, their intellectual potential for one.

There are numerous pieces of orchestral or instrumental music played during the film, which give it somewhat of an uplifting 'feel' to it, in appropriate scenes. I thought that generally it was a very thought provoking film and the two main performances were particularly well portrayed, as I couldn't help but feel sorry for Jane (played by Felicity Jones) and also feel the intense frustration Dr. Hawking (played by Eddie Redmayne) clearly had when realising he was to be in such a physically debilitating condition, dependent on others to take care of him from day to day, while wondering about the most complicated scientific questions and issues at the same time. I felt that Dr. Hawking's determination and tenacity really came across well in Redmayne's performance - its hard to precisely explain why but I certainly felt that it did.

There is something of a fairy tale feel or aspect to this film, in both the soft, semi-blurry lighting used at times and there's a scene right at the end whereby the films events are re-shown at speed, which made me think of a fairy tale type narrative somehow. Of course the film is based on a true story, its based on a biography by Jane Hawking herself but there's something somewhat magical about it, which came across well. I can imagine some people may feel this film was, or is, a bit too 'Hollywood', having a bit too much of a positive spin perhaps? if your a complete 100% realist, I could kind of agree up to a point but I thought that the film, while having some lighthearted aspects, didn't hide from the main, difficult subjects present in his life and I did feel that it gave, what I believe to be a roughly realistic insight in to Dr. Hawkings mind at certain times.

I learnt a few things from this film, such as the fact that there's a type of tea called builders tea! in all seriousness though, I found it a quite engrossing watch, if perhaps a little bit sugary sweet but not quite enough so to make me feel like it was a ruined film by any means. It may not suit people who are purely interested in his science genius, as I'd say this is much more romance focussed (I believe Dr. Hawking himself has seen it and commented that he wished more emphasis was given to his scientific theories) but otherwise its a decent film. It may not be for everyone but for what it is, its pretty decent.

I'd recommend this film as its quite enthralling and engrossing, with great performances from the main cast, namely Felicity Jones as Jane and Eddie Redmayne as Dr. Hawking. It covers numerous issues and makes good use of the musical score, although if your purely interested in the story as far as Dr. Hawking's theories are concerned, then you may find this film to be a bit too 'Hollywood-ised' due to its main focus being on the emotional relationship between Jane and himself.
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9
Movie_FreakAug 22, 2020
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I know that the focus mainly on the love story of Stephen Hawking without much focus on his accomplishments didn't work for everyone. But it really worked for me. I was moved by come of the extremely emotional and memorable scenes in the move, especially when Stephen and Jane decide to divorce. Filled with great performances, a moving score, good costume design and fabulous sets, this is a great movie! Expand
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0
Dostoyevsky3May 31, 2022
The critics have no morality if they think a good movie is one that has a dude who throws away his wife and everything she’s done for him just for another woman who shows him porn. The only thing this movie is telling me is that atheists areThe critics have no morality if they think a good movie is one that has a dude who throws away his wife and everything she’s done for him just for another woman who shows him porn. The only thing this movie is telling me is that atheists are immoral because they are too arrogant to be under a divine being. Expand
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6
MattKingsburyJun 8, 2020
Eddie Redmayne and Charlie Cox both bring incredible performances, and are without doubt the shining light in a film that seems unable to decide what it wants to be: a focus on Stephen Hawking, his work or his relationship, or all of them. ItEddie Redmayne and Charlie Cox both bring incredible performances, and are without doubt the shining light in a film that seems unable to decide what it wants to be: a focus on Stephen Hawking, his work or his relationship, or all of them. It begins to feel drawn out and sadly falls off. I wish to know more about Hawking's work and how it impacted the world of physics, but sadly you will not find that here. Expand
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8
iCampoRamilNov 16, 2021
Actuaciones sensacionales, y una historia que te toca las entrañas. No necesito más.
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7
Gamzguy17Aug 21, 2021
Those looking for a scientific dive into Stephen Hawking's work will be sorely disappointed. Like many bio pictures involving famous, sometimes influential, people, it uses their love life (and possibly stretches it) to fortify the plot ofThose looking for a scientific dive into Stephen Hawking's work will be sorely disappointed. Like many bio pictures involving famous, sometimes influential, people, it uses their love life (and possibly stretches it) to fortify the plot of the film. As is though, "The Theory of Everything" is an all right film if you take it for what it is, a decent love plot with a guy who happens to be really smart. Bonus points goes towards the British sheen of production value and Eddie Redmayne's very good performance as the late doctor. In retrospect, I think Hawking would've enjoyed this film just fine since it (thankfully) doesn't act as an ego trip. Expand
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7
DarkwingSchmuckJul 27, 2023
A solid, if a bit standard biopic with some really good performances. It's Oscar bait, but it's sincere where it counts. Stephen Hawking's story is told with a lot of care, and a lot of heart.
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7
liamexeJul 26, 2022
The outstanding performances by Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones make this movie exceptional. The film exposes the painful truth of Stephen and Jane Hawking's relationship degrading as they grow up rather than the clichéd representation of aThe outstanding performances by Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones make this movie exceptional. The film exposes the painful truth of Stephen and Jane Hawking's relationship degrading as they grow up rather than the clichéd representation of a relationship that makes it seem completely wonderful, which makes the film realistic and emotional. But the film doesn't seem to be about Stephen Hawking; rather, it focuses on Jane Hawking's perspective on their relationship. The film does an excellent job of illustrating Stephen's battle with his illness, but you must constantly be reminded of Stephen's accomplishments that the film does not make stand out, otherwise you will mistakenly believe that you are watching the biography of a very ordinary person. Expand
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10
ALAMLEDPJan 19, 2023
The Theory of Everything is a heart-wrenching portrayal of the romantic journey of Stephen and Jane Hawking, as well as the struggles brought on by Stephen's motor neurone disease and its impact on their family. The film delves into theThe Theory of Everything is a heart-wrenching portrayal of the romantic journey of Stephen and Jane Hawking, as well as the struggles brought on by Stephen's motor neurone disease and its impact on their family. The film delves into the relationship between Stephen and Jane, as well as the bonds that develop between Jane and Jonathan Jones, a church choir leader, and Stephen and Elaine Mason, a nurse who helps Stephen communicate again. Eddie Redmayne delivers a phenomenal performance as Professor Stephen Hawking, earning him an Academy Award for Best Actor. His portrayal of Hawking's physical deterioration is staggering and moving. Felicity Jones also shines as Jane, giving a powerful and nuanced performance as she navigates her conflicting emotions and the strain of caring for Stephen and their three children. The pacing of the film is excellent, allowing the story to unfold naturally, and the film's emotional punch is genuine and heavy. The film's score, cinematography, and direction all contribute to the film's powerful and captivating experience.
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La teoría del todo es un retrato desgarrador del viaje romántico de Stephen y Jane Hawking, así como de las luchas provocadas por la enfermedad de la neurona motora de Stephen y su impacto en su familia. La película profundiza en la relación entre Stephen y Jane, así como en los lazos que se desarrollan entre Jane y Jonathan Jones, un líder del coro de la iglesia, y Stephen y Elaine Mason, una enfermera que ayuda a Stephen a comunicarse nuevamente. Eddie Redmayne ofrece una actuación fenomenal como el profesor Stephen Hawking, lo que le valió un Premio de la Academia al Mejor Actor. Su interpretación del deterioro físico de Hawking es asombrosa y conmovedora. Felicity Jones también brilla como Jane, brindando una actuación poderosa y matizada mientras navega por sus emociones conflictivas y la tensión de cuidar a Stephen y sus tres hijos. El ritmo de la película es excelente, lo que permite que la historia se desarrolle de forma natural, y el impacto emocional de la película es genuino y pesado. La banda sonora, la cinematografía y la dirección de la película contribuyen a la experiencia poderosa y cautivadora de la película.
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