An American Rhapsody

Critics Consensus

Though obviously a labor of love, American Rhapsody is an uneven, heavy-handed effort, particularly in the second half.

55%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 60

66%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 3,281
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Movie Info

A true story based on the life story of writer/director Eva Gardos, this film depicts the personal odyssey of a family's escape from Communist Hungary. One night, Margaret (Nastassja Kinski) and Peter (Tony Goldwyn) arrange to escape Hungary with their eldest daughter in tow, forcing them to leave behind their youngest, Suzanne, in the care of Margaret's mother. When the mother is separated from the young child, she goes to live in a peaceful Eastern European countryside with a loving man and woman who raise her until age six, where Suzanne is sent for by her birth parents, now living in America. She finds the adjustment difficult and does not fully comprehend that Margaret and Peter are her parents, but she is willing to stay, and if she feels the same way in several years, Peter has agreed to give her a ticket back to Hungary. Later, as a rebellious teenager (played by Scarlett Johansson), with Margaret becoming a highly overprotective mother, she takes her father up on his offer to go back and reconnect with those who raised her as a child. While in Hungary, she has a change of heart , however, and discovers her true identity. The feature also co-stars Mae Whitman, Emmy Rossum, and Larisa Oleynik.
  • Rating:
    PG-13 (for some violent content and thematic material)
  • Genre:
    Drama
  • Directed By:
    Éva Gárdos
  • Written By:
    Éva Gárdos
  • In Theaters:
     wide
  • On Disc/Streaming:
  • Runtime:
  • Studio:
    Paramount Classics

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Cast

Nastassja Kinski
as Margit
Scarlett Johansson
as Suzanne
Tony Goldwyn
as Peter
Mae Whitman
as Young Maria
Agnes Banfalvy
as Helen
Zoltán Seress
as George
Zsuzsa Czinkóczi
as Teri
Balázs Galkó
as Jeno
Larisa Oleynik
as Maria at 18
Lisa Jane Persky
as Pattie
Colleen Camp
as Dottie
Emmy Rossum
as Sheila
Kelly Endresz Banlaki
as Suzanne at Age 6
Eva Soreny
as Eva
Kata Dobó
as Claire
Raffaella Bansagi
as Infant Suzanne
Klaudia Szabo
as Maria at Age 4
Zsolt Zágoni
as Russian Soldier
András Szöke
as Istvan
Erzi Pasztor
as Ilus
Carlos Laszlo Weiner
as Boy on Train
Bori Kereszturi
as Suzanne at Age 3
Péter Kálloy Molnár
as AVO Officer
Don Pugsley
as Cafe Supervisor
Vladimir Mashkov
as Frank
Imola Gaspar
as Stewardess
Tatyana Kanavka
as Girl in Airport
Lorna Scott
as Neighbor with Poodle
Sandra Staggs
as Saleswoman
Jacqueline Steiger
as Betty
Robert Lesser
as Harold
Lou Beach
as Party-goer
Marlee Jackson
as Sheila at 7
Timothy Everett Moore
as Paul
Kati Bacs
as Woman No. 1 at Market
Zsuzsa Szager
as Woman No. 2 at Market
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Critic Reviews for An American Rhapsody

All Critics (60) | Top Critics (25)

View All Critic Reviews (60)

Audience Reviews for An American Rhapsody

  • Jun 30, 2013
    Based on a true story, An American Rhapsody is an inspiring tale of heroism and self-sacrifice. When a Hungarian family flees to America to escape from the oppressive Communist regime the youngest daughter is separated and left behind, but years later when she is reunited with her family she feels caught between two worlds. Unfortunately, the film is poorly structured and isn't able to build any suspense or momentum. Additionally, the characters aren't developed very well, and never really connect with the audience. So while the story is quite interesting, An American Rhapsody suffers from weak filmmaking.
    Dann M Super Reviewer
  • Aug 05, 2012
    Not a blockbuster, but an interesting true story family drama. The casting director of this movie sure knew talent when they saw it. All throughout the film we are blessed with many up and comings..especially Scarlett Johansson. The movie itself is made-for-tv quality, and slightly better than average.
    Cynthia S Super Reviewer
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