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critics consensus

A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints is a lively, powerful coming-of-age tale with winning performances and sharp direction from first-timer Dito Montiel. Read critic reviews

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Movie Info

Dito Montiel (Robert Downey Jr.), a successful author, receives a call from his long-suffering mother (Dianne Wiest), asking him to return home and visit his ailing father. Dito recalls his childhood growing up in a violent neighborhood in Queens, N.Y., with friends Antonio (Channing Tatum), Giuseppe, Nerf and Mike.
  • Rating:
    R (Sexuality|Pervasive Language|Drug Use|Some Violence)
  • Genre:
    drama
  • Original Language:
    English
  • Director:
    Dito Montiel
  • Producer:
    Trudie Styler, Travis Swords, Charlie Corwin, Clara Markowicz
  • Writer:
    Dito Montiel
  • Release Date (Theaters):
     limited
  • Release Date (Streaming):
  • Box Office (Gross USA):
    $516.1K
  • Runtime:
  • Production Co:
    Xingu Films
  • Sound Mix:
    Dolby Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    Flat (1.85:1)

Cast & Crew

Robert Downey Jr.
Dito
Shia LaBeouf
Young Dito
Chazz Palminteri
Monty
Dianne Wiest
Flori
Channing Tatum
Young Antonio
Melonie Diaz
Young Laurie
Martin Compston
Mike O'Shea
Eric Roberts
Antonio
Rosario Dawson
Laurie
Adam Scarimbolo
Giuseppe
Dito Montiel
Director
Dito Montiel
Writer
Trudie Styler
Producer
Travis Swords
Producer
Charlie Corwin
Producer
Clara Markowicz
Producer
Sting
Executive Producer
Bobby Sager
Executive Producer
Peter Sahagen
Executive Producer
Amanda Mackey
Executive Producer
Show all Cast & Crew

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Critic Reviews for A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints

All Critics (93) | Top Critics (40) | Fresh (70) | Rotten (23)

  • Superb performances and a gripping retrospective plotline make this tough cookie an entertaining one, even if its adult story strand is weighed down with vagaries.

    February 27, 2008 | Full Review…

    Anna Smith

    Film4

  • Given all the filmed memory pieces about screaming, violent Italian-American families in New York boroughs, I'm not especially thrilled by even a well-made example.

    February 27, 2008 | Full Review…

    Jonathan Rosenbaum

    Chicago Reader

  • It positively crackles with energy, featuring startlingly raw performances from a cast that also includes Shia LaBeouf as the young Dito. And if it looks ragged around the edges, that's as it should be.

    July 31, 2007 | Rating: 4/5 | Full Review…

    Stella Papamichael

    BBC.com

  • Over-indulgent but often interesting and ambitious in its attempt to recreate the free-wheeling, jazz-improvisational feel of classic independent 70s cinema.

    March 3, 2007 | Rating: 3/5 | Full Review…

    Peter Bradshaw

    Guardian

  • The plot itself might not break much new ground, but the telling, by both cast and crew, makes this a memoir to remember.

    February 28, 2007 | Full Review…

    Ben Walters

    Time Out

  • A decent enough calling-card picture that swaggers even as it stumbles.

    February 27, 2007 | Full Review…

    Tim Robey

    Sight and Sound
View All Critic Reviews (93)

Audience Reviews for A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints

  • Mar 24, 2010
    None too shabby but really nothing to write home about either. Very middle of the road and 'meh.' Not the worst 90 minutes I've spent in my life, but really theres nothing new to see here either. The acting is good for the most part, the script is okay most of the time and the directing is adequate. Never really climbs above the pit of mediocrity either though. If your into this kind of 'teens in trouble' type of movie give it a watch, but you've probably already seen it done better in the past. Not essential viewing, but not a total waste of time either.
    Ed Fucking H Super Reviewer
  • Jan 13, 2010
    This depiction of harsh times in the Bronx is portrayed with perfection! I thought the performances from LaBeouf and Tatum were amazing! The plot is extremely engaging and every scene sent chills down my spine. The cinematography, the gritty look, the handheld camera shots, and the low-budget production values, are all contributing factors towards what I consider an overall masterpiece in independent filmmaking. Director Dito Montiel (in my opinion) has made his mark on cinema, creating believable characters to go along with a story that is inspired by true events. This film is a breathtaking work of subtle art filmography. I highly recommend this movie to film lovers. "A Guide To Recognizing Your Saints" is a beautiful little film!
    KJ P Super Reviewer
  • Jan 10, 2010
    I had to make great efforts to find a reason to watch this movie to the end.
    Alice S Super Reviewer
  • Jan 07, 2010
    An amazing movie that has a great visual style and a compelling story. The acting was amazing and a lot more realistic than you usually see. Not since The Basketball Diaries has there been such a flawless sense of coming-of-age. It isn't a feel good teen comedy, but a very powerful and relentless tale of the city.
    Conner R Super Reviewer
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