A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints

2006, Drama, 1h 44m

93 Reviews 100,000+ Ratings

What to know

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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A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints Photos

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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 (Pervasive Language|Drug Use|Sexuality|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:
  • Distributor:
    First Look
  • 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
Laila Liliana Garro
Diane Honeyman
Peter Tambakis
Young Nerf
Scott Michael Campbell
Nerf
Anthony DeSando
Frank
Eleonore Hendricks
Jenny
George Di Cenzo
Uncle George
Jermel Wilson
Yup Yup
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
Eric Gautier
Cinematography
Christopher Tellefsen
Film Editing
Jake Pushinsky
Film Editing
Jonathan Elias
Original Music
Jody Asnes
Production Design
Sandra Hernandez
Costume Design
Amanda Mackey
Casting
Melissa Chusid
Casting
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Critic Reviews for A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints

All Critics (93) | Top Critics (40) | Fresh (70) | Rotten (23)
Full Review… Anna Smith Film4 Full Review… Jonathan Rosenbaum Chicago Reader Full Review… Stella Papamichael BBC.com Full Review… Peter Bradshaw Guardian Full Review… Ben Walters Time Out Full Review… Tim Robey Sight & Sound Full Review… Cole Smithey ColeSmithey.com Full Review… Brandon Fibbs BrandonFibbs.com Full Review… Walter Chaw Film Freak Central Full Review… Anton Bitel Eye for Film Full Review… David Nusair Reel Film Reviews Full Review… Stuart McGurk thelondonpaper
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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