Open Your Eyes

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Open Your Eyes

R

1997

1h 57m

Drama

Mystery & Thriller

Sci-Fi

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Popcornmeter

87%

Tomatometer

45 Reviews

88%

Popcornmeter

25,000+ Ratings

Handsome 25-year-old Cesar (Eduardo Noriega) had it all -- a successful career, expensive cars, a swank bachelor's pad, and an endless string of beautiful and willing women. He is then thrown into a strange psychological mystery after a car accident scars his face and lands him in prison.

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Critics Consensus

Director Alejandro Amenábar tackles some heady issues with finesse and clarity in Open Your Eyes, a gripping exploration of existentialism and the human spirit.

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Jonathan Rosenbaum

Chicago Reader

06/08/2007

Even if the script (written by the director and Mateo Gil) and direction are patchy, the obsessive theme is gripping.

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Time Out

01/26/2006

This is so smart, mischievous and stylish, you'll instantly want to see it again.

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Jeff Millar

Houston Chronicle

07/21/2005

If you're the type who doesn't mind jigsaw puzzles unassembling themselves as you assemble them, if you enjoy enigmas and don't need explanations, the film just might work for you.

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Sergio Benítez

Espinof

04/15/2020

The filmmaker's imaginative performance is a permanent reason for admiration. [Full Review in Spanish]

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Blake French

Filmcritic.com

08/02/2009

4/5

If Stanley Kubrick and David Lynch had collaborated on a project, the result might have been something like Open Your Eyes."

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Jim Lane

Sacramento News & Review

08/07/2008

5/5

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Leprechaun K

@LeprechaunKing Mar 15

The writing keeps it interesting in the first half and really pushes the envelope toward the end. Although this is the original, the main character isn't as likable as the Tom Cruise version. The finale makes up for the shortcomings. Still an enjoyable film.

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Monica B

@Chartreusea Mar 7

Honestly, I know this is the original , but the Tom Cruise version is more polished, has better music, and the female roles are richer. The lead is a good actor. But this story needs that Hollywood touch.

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D P

@RT45936356 Jun 18

I know this came first, but I can't help but to compare to Vanilla Sky. I think the concept is very interesting. I have never been so attracted to this story that I wanted to watch it repeatedly, but it is very interesting. I think if I had to pick, the American version probably appealed to me more. I think it's very interesting that Hollywood has to keep stealing fresh ideas from other cultures because the industry is so averse to outsiders.

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Craig B

@Boundsy 02/26/2025

Open Your Eyes, the film which inspired 'Vanilla Sky', is a reasonable watch, not least just to watch a young Penelope Cruz (in 'all her glory', as well). Certainly intriguing and keeps you guessing. I won't declare it's better or worse than Vanilla Sky, because I didn't really go much on that film.

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Trevor W

@RT19620579 06/20/2024

Only reason I'm giving this 4.5 stars instead of 5 is because the remake "Vanilla Sky" actually managed to out do it. If this were the only version, it would be 5 stars.

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Shioka O

@RT54204327 03/26/2024

I watched this after "Vanilla Sky", and this is the original and much better than the American remake. It's more sympathetic and better narrative. Less entertaining but just right for the psychological sci-fi story. Now I think that another problem of the American one was casting.

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Alejandro Amenábar

Director

Eduardo Noriega

César

Penélope Cruz

Sofia

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Synopsis

Handsome 25-year-old Cesar (Eduardo Noriega) had it all -- a successful career, expensive cars, a swank bachelor's pad, and an endless string of beautiful and willing women. He is then thrown into a strange psychological mystery after a car accident scars his face and lands him in prison.

Director: Alejandro Amenábar
Producer: Fernando Bovaira, José Luis Cuerda
Screenwriter: Alejandro Amenábar, Mateo Gil
Distributor: Artisan Entertainment
Production Co: Lucky Red
Rating: R (Some Strong Sexuality|Language|Some Violence)
Genre: Drama, Mystery & Thriller, Sci-Fi
Original Language: European Spanish
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 19, 1997, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 5, 2014
Box Office (Gross USA): $368.2K
Runtime: 1h 57m
Sound Mix: Dolby Stereo, Dolby Digital, Dolby A, Surround, Dolby SR
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

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