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Movies / On DVD / The Reckoning
The Reckoning

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The Reckoning (2004)

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Reviews Counted:84

Fresh:34

Rotten:50

Average Rating:5.6/10

Consensus: A talky, ponderous movie.

Rated: R [See Full Rating] for some sexuality and violent images

Runtime: 1 hr 50 mins

Genre: Dramas

Theatrical Release:Mar 5, 2004 Limited

Synopsis: Set in England during the late 1300s, Paul McGuigan's THE RECKONING follows Nicholas (Paul Bettany), a young priest literally running from his past. After encountering a band of wandering actors,... Set in England during the late 1300s, Paul McGuigan's THE RECKONING follows Nicholas (Paul Bettany), a young priest literally running from his past. After encountering a band of wandering actors, Nicholas is grudgingly allowed into the fold by the good-natured Martin (Willem Dafoe). When the troupe reaches an impoverished village, they get word of a strange murder and look into the story as the basis for a new play. However, Nicholas and Martin uncover more than they'd expected, and soon a deeper mystery emerges. Meanwhile, as Nicholas attempts to find justice, he also struggles to come to terms with his own troubled history. A medieval murder mystery in the vein of THE NAME OF THE ROSE, THE RECKONING is based on the Barry Unsworth novel MORALITY PLAY. Under the artfully somber direction of previous collaborator McGuigan, Bettany turns in an excellent performance as a guilt-ridden priest struggling to atone for his sins. In addition to Dafoe, the film also features fine supporting actors such as Brian Cox and Gina McKee. Utilizing its historical backdrop to the fullest extent, THE RECKONING immerses the audience in its medieval setting, revealing the period's many hardships and enhancing the drama of this intriguing, unfolding mystery. [More]

Starring: Willem Dafoe, Paul Bettany, Brian Cox, Gina McKee

Starring: Willem Dafoe, Paul Bettany, Brian Cox, Gina McKee, Ewen Bremner, Vincent Cassel, Simon McBurney

Director: Paul McGuigan

Director: Paul McGuigan
Screenwriter: Mark Mills
Producer: Caroline Wood
Composer: Adrian Lee, Mark Mancina
Studio: Paramount Classics

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Release:

Aug 3, 2004

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Reviews for The Reckoning

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81 - 92 (sorted by date)
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For its first hour or so, the story moves at a steady clip, generating enough mystery to keep you guessing and enough atmosphere to keep you interested.

Full Review Source: Los Angeles Times | comment Comment
03/05/04
Manohla Dargis
Manohla Dargis
Los Angeles Times

While the basic idea of this really old-school detective story seems admirable, the plot and the period just don't jibe.

Full Review Source: E! Online | comment Comment
03/05/04
E! Online

A medieval thriller whose moral themes have great relevance to the crimes of today's rich and the powerful who see themselves as being beyond the reach of the law.

Full Review Source: Spirituality and Practice | comment Comment
03/04/04
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat
Spirituality and Practice

A murder mystery becomes the catalyst for a showdown between truth and art, but while both triumph in the end, there is no mystery to the murder

Full Review Source: Reeling Reviews | comment Comment
03/04/04
Laura Clifford
Laura Clifford
Reeling Reviews

A talky, sententious affair.

Full Review Source: New York Times | comment Comment
03/04/04
A.O. Scott
A.O. Scott
New York Times
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

The story never gathers much dramatic momentum despite an impressive cast and a lot of dank Middle Ages atmosphere.

Full Review Source: Christian Science Monitor | comment Comment
03/04/04
David Sterritt
David Sterritt
Christian Science Monitor

Proceeds with such leaden literal-mindedness that it never seems more than a stodgy (and, at times, blatantly silly) paperback affair.

Full Review Source: L.A. Weekly | comment Comment
03/04/04
Scott Foundas
Scott Foundas
L.A. Weekly

Dafoe makes Martin's role as head of the company as naturalistic as that of any contemporary SoHo creative director.

Full Review Source: Entertainment Weekly | comment Comment
03/03/04
Lisa Schwarzbaum
Lisa Schwarzbaum
Entertainment Weekly
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

Emphatically acted, ponderous, and ultimately a little silly.

Full Review Source: Village Voice | comment Comment
03/02/04
Ed Park
Ed Park
Village Voice
N/R

Click to read the article

Full Review Source: AV Club | comment Comment
03/01/04
AV Club

In the final reckoning, this modern version of a medieval morality play, with its fine surface but problematic plot, proves more impressive for its body than its soul.

Full Review Source: One Guy's Opinion | comment Comment
03/01/04
Frank Swietek
Frank Swietek
One Guy's Opinion

A dark, compelling story with a segment that doesn't quite fit the period piece, but the costumes, make-up, and overall tone brings the dark ages to life.

Full Review Source: TheMovieChicks.com | comment Comment
04/30/03
Cherryl Dawson and Leigh Ann Palone
Cherryl Dawson and Leigh Ann Palone
TheMovieChicks.com
 
 
81 - 92 (sorted by date)
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