Read Positive User Reviews for Woman in Gold

10

ledaumasApr 2, 2015

I really enjoyed this story of an elderly lady and a young, eager attorney who won a lawsuit against a country. Helen Mirren and Ryan Renolds play well together. It's a story about people trying to get what they despite it being wrong, andI really enjoyed this story of an elderly lady and a young, eager attorney who won a lawsuit against a country. Helen Mirren and Ryan Renolds play well together. It's a story about people trying to get what they despite it being wrong, and the people with enough will power to battle them. When one loses their desire to battle, the other picks up and keeps it moving. The legal maneuvering was very interesting on how to fight injustice. Stories like this are important to show us that the little guys can sometimes win.… Expand

6 of 6 users found this helpful60

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8

Harr70517Apr 12, 2015

All the other movies playing at the theater looked too violent or just plain trashy for my taste. So I decided to give "Woman In Gold" a try. I give it a very high LIKE! The acting was good and the story flowed well. I was happy to see aAll the other movies playing at the theater looked too violent or just plain trashy for my taste. So I decided to give "Woman In Gold" a try. I give it a very high LIKE! The acting was good and the story flowed well. I was happy to see a true story being done so well.
We should never forget WWII or the Holocaust. Anyone who thinks this a boring movie has no appreciation of History.… Expand

6 of 6 users found this helpful60

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10

drbriandoddphdApr 14, 2015

Having lived and worked in Vienna for 5+ years, I'm admittedly biased. Vienna is my favorite city and I'm a big fan of Klimt's work. This is one of the few times I've disagreed with the metacritic score...but I felt that the movie was spotHaving lived and worked in Vienna for 5+ years, I'm admittedly biased. Vienna is my favorite city and I'm a big fan of Klimt's work. This is one of the few times I've disagreed with the metacritic score...but I felt that the movie was spot on with its characterizations of Austrians and particularly Helen Mirren's role. My wife and I loved the movie.… Expand

5 of 5 users found this helpful50

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10

BBLNApr 27, 2015

I can't say enough good about this movie. There have been a lot of Holocaust movies over the years, and I imagine that for some people, the subject has lost interest. Several of my family members were in the Holocaust, so It is always aI can't say enough good about this movie. There have been a lot of Holocaust movies over the years, and I imagine that for some people, the subject has lost interest. Several of my family members were in the Holocaust, so It is always a struggle for me to decide whether to watch movies about the Holocaust, but this movie attracted me right off the bat because it was so different from other movies, very empowering, as well as being a TRUE story! Most people in the Holocaust who survived did so based on luck; the outcome was generally the same whether the person fought or didn't fight the Nazis. So to see a film about a woman and her lawyer who took on the Austrian government to fight for what was rightfully hers was such a wonderful balance to that sense of helplessness that many people felt. The acting in this film was excellent, the character development of both the main actress and the lawyer was well done, and the portrayal of those in authority in the Austrian government concurred with what I understand to be the governmental attitude in Austria after WWII. I really hope that this film is nominated for some awards, especially for the acting. I teared up the full length of the movie.… Expand

4 of 4 users found this helpful40

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8

BHBarryApr 24, 2015

"Woman in Gold" is a film regarding the famous painting by Gustav Klimts, the family that owned it and the niece, Maria Altmann (played by Helen Mirren), who witnessed its theft by the Nazis and her extraordinary efforts to regain it. This"Woman in Gold" is a film regarding the famous painting by Gustav Klimts, the family that owned it and the niece, Maria Altmann (played by Helen Mirren), who witnessed its theft by the Nazis and her extraordinary efforts to regain it. This is also the story of her attorney, Randy Schoenberg (played by Ryan Reynolds) and the legal machinations put in Ms. Altmann’s path by a Viennese government dedicated to the retention of its "Mona Lisa", as it colloquially referred to this revered work of art. More than anything, this film, directed by Simon Curtis and written by Alexi Kaye Campbell, is about justice and those who will give their all to achieve it. Ms. Mirren plays her role with the dignity and dedication that the real life subject no doubt possessed. The film is engrossing and well paced and one need not be an attorney to follow and understand, the legal niceties it contains. One can talk about millions who were brutalized by the members of the Third Reich but the impact of the crimes they committed becomes even greater when the story is told about one person and one piece of property. I give the film an 8 for its ability to relate the horror and hopelessness the victims of Nazi tyranny experienced as their dignity, their possessions and, yes, their very lives were taken from them.… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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8

GreatMartinApr 21, 2015

Since the first of April I chose over “Woman In Gold” movies such as “Danny Collins” (good), “The Longest Ride” (okay), “While We’re Young” (awful) and “Desert Dancer” (okay) until today when I went to see “Woman In Gold” which I definitelySince the first of April I chose over “Woman In Gold” movies such as “Danny Collins” (good), “The Longest Ride” (okay), “While We’re Young” (awful) and “Desert Dancer” (okay) until today when I went to see “Woman In Gold” which I definitely should have seen before now.

The painting in question, “The Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer” by Gustav Klimt, was used as a test case before the Supreme court regarding reparation for Jewish descendants whose family art was stolen by the Nazis. It is based on a true story that brought Maria Altman (played by Helen Mirren as an adult and Tatiana Maslany as young Maria) and a young lawyer, Randol Schoenberg (played by Ryan Reynolds) together to fight for the portrait of her aunt, along with other art works, that Austria claimed and saw as their “Mona Lisa”.

There are a series of flashbacks throughout the movie showing the Jewish Altman family, society and cultural leaders of Vienna, and what happened to them and their belongings when Hitler and his Nazis marched into Austria. Though many of these scenes are familiar they still resonate with the cruelty they caused on all levels.

The major part of the film is the interaction between the unsophisticated lawyer Reynolds and the refined Mirren, who can have a very sharp tongue. The chemistry between the two makes their journey together very believable as does Daniel Bruhl when he comes to their aid as an Austrian journalist aware of injustices of the past on a personal level.

Part Holocaust story, part courtroom drama and part history the whole movie is elevated by the acting of the leads especially, no surprise here, by Helen Mirren, who can throw out quips with gusto and whose face can express so much without dialogue.

As with most ‘based on a true story’ films much is left out such as Maria having children and what happened to her husband, played by Max Irons, though a major scene and middle portion of the film involves him. Over the credits we see pictures of the real people and we learn what happened to most of them.

The direction, especially the Austrian scenes, by Simon Curtis are generally well done as is the screenplay by Alexi Kaye Campbell, though the latter does pull at the heartstrings at points while the score by Martin Phipps and Hans Zimmer adds emotional tension to some scenes.

“Woman In Gold” is a movie that pulls you into all aspects of the story to the point of involving you emotionally!… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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8

ricksrosesJun 11, 2015

Good movie well representative of the times. Movies based on a true story are sometimes the best movies I have gone to. Especially ones with a seasoned cast and well acted. Fine piece of entertainment.

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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7

Brent_MarchantApr 4, 2015

This underdog-against-the-odds story may be a little formulaic in nature, and there are more than a few parallels to the narrative in the similarly themed "Philomena," but this very capable production deserves better grades than it's beenThis underdog-against-the-odds story may be a little formulaic in nature, and there are more than a few parallels to the narrative in the similarly themed "Philomena," but this very capable production deserves better grades than it's been receiving. Terrific production values, clear explanations of potentially complex subjects, and a well-balanced mix of contemporary and flashback sequences make for good storytelling. Another great performance by Helen Mirren and a surprisingly strong (though occasionally uneven) portrayal by Ryan Reynolds bring the story to life in an inspiring and convincing way.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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10

barbidoll31May 19, 2015

Without a doubt, this was the most compelling movie I can remember watching in years. I can't believe that anyone could view this without being emotionally affected. The screenplay was absolute mastery. Both Helen Mirren and Ryan ReynoldsWithout a doubt, this was the most compelling movie I can remember watching in years. I can't believe that anyone could view this without being emotionally affected. The screenplay was absolute mastery. Both Helen Mirren and Ryan Reynolds gave riveting performances. I was viscerally engaged throughout the whole movie. I gasped with joy at the final court verdict even though I already knew what it would be. I laughed, I cried, I begged for more. Of course the fact that the movie was based on a true story intensified all of my reactions. For me, this was not one more movie about the Holocaust, it was a movie about the human spirit and how we are drawn to define and re-define ourselves, and the powerful impact we have on our reality when we dare to do that fearlessly. This is a must-know story, and a must-see film, in my opinion. I dare you to view it and not come out of the theater with a sincere desire to do more, be better, and expand your existence. There isn't enough praise...… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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10

brewsterApr 3, 2015

My wife and I use Metacritic religiously to guide us in our near weekly movie selection. This was a movie we both opted for before checking the Metacritic score. My wife and I both adore Helen Mirren, and my several in my family wereMy wife and I use Metacritic religiously to guide us in our near weekly movie selection. This was a movie we both opted for before checking the Metacritic score. My wife and I both adore Helen Mirren, and my several in my family were Holocaust survivors. While we often concur with Metacritic, there are often major misses. Most of them are of the film festival award winners, produced to impress movie critics rather than entertain moviegoers. The best example was Tree of Life, which had a near 100 Metacritic score but we absolutely hated. Woman in Gold was the opposite. Perhaps it was our fondness for Mirren. Perhaps it was my Holocaust sensitivity (I went to my ancestral home, Poland, last year, and visited Auschwitz-Birkenau, where we believe family members were murdered). But we LOVED this movie. I am the emotional one and cried like a baby. Because it is a true story and portrayed reasonably realistically, it is impossible not to enjoy this movie. Please go see it.… Expand

11 of 12 users found this helpful111

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10

dgoldstApr 13, 2015

This movie is not perfect, but very close.
Mirren's role is very well done. Supporting cast is good. Settings are excellent. What I found most fascinating was recreation of pre-war Vienna and the sudden morphing from Jewish aristocratic lifeThis movie is not perfect, but very close.
Mirren's role is very well done. Supporting cast is good. Settings are excellent. What I found most fascinating was recreation of pre-war Vienna and the sudden morphing from Jewish aristocratic life to victimization at hands of Austrian Nazis. Many Austrians to this day claim they were the first victims, when in fact they celebrated the Nazi entry to Vienna, sounded the church bells and lined the path with rose petals and . The Germans are no saints when it comes to their place in this history, but at least they have made admission. If for no other reason than historical satisfaction this movie is a winner..… Expand

3 of 4 users found this helpful31

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8

BeeceeApr 27, 2015

This film is definitely better than the critics would have it. Helen Mirren is magnificent as the heroine; Ryan Reynolds does a fine job as well. I wish there were a few fewer flashbacks, but the movie still kept me entertained throughout.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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10

Mary805May 15, 2015

I have to say I completely agree with Brewster, I almost skipped this movie because the reviews were 50/50. Maybe it was because I went in with lower expectations but I LOVED this movie.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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9

EliascMay 27, 2015

I almost skipped this one after reading the many less than stellar comments about this film. Luckily I ignored them and thoroughly enjoyed this well-made film. If you are familiar with the actual story, you will notice the missing detailsI almost skipped this one after reading the many less than stellar comments about this film. Luckily I ignored them and thoroughly enjoyed this well-made film. If you are familiar with the actual story, you will notice the missing details that would have made a more exciting and compelling film, but the performances of Helen Mirren, Ryan Reynolds, and the rest of the fine cast more than makes up for the lack of details and the significance of the lawsuits and court decisions. This historical real life drama is filmmaking at it's best and the perfect antidote for all of those trashy comic book films that have invaded the theaters.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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7

TVJerryApr 13, 2015

This is based on the true quest of Maria Altmann (Helen Mirren), who left behind her family's art collection in Vienna when she fled the Nazi occupation. Sixty years later, she hires a young lawyer (Ryan Reynolds) to help her reclaim it,This is based on the true quest of Maria Altmann (Helen Mirren), who left behind her family's art collection in Vienna when she fled the Nazi occupation. Sixty years later, she hires a young lawyer (Ryan Reynolds) to help her reclaim it, including the most famous painting, Gustav Klimt's "The Lady in Gold." All the fundamentals of a prestige film are here: a cast with chops, a noble cause, insurmountable odds and a troubled history (which alternates with the modern crusade). It has the potential and the outward traits of a stirring drama, but the writing is flat, the relationships are uninteresting and the emotion never hits home. While the story is appealing, the movie doesn't live up to the quality potential.… Expand