Dead Again

1991

Dead Again

Critics Consensus

No consensus yet.

83%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 47

77%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 11,901

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Movie Info

Set in contemporary Los Angeles as well as the Los Angeles of the 1940s, Dead Again explores a romance between two star-crossed lovers -- and the doomed passion they shared in their last lifetime. Los Angeles detective Mike Church (Kenneth Branagh) comes to the aid of mute, amnesia-victim Grace (Emma Thompson) and falls in love with her. He sets out to discover her true identity and the source of her terrible nightmares. Mike is aided in his investigation by hypnotist/furniture dealer Franklyn Madison (Derek Jacobi) who discovers that in a past life Grace was Margaret Strauss (also played by Thompson), who may have been mudered by her husband Roman (Branagh).

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Cast

Kenneth Branagh
as Mike Church/Roman Strauss
Emma Thompson
as Grace/Margaret Strauss
Andy Garcia
as Gray Baker
Robin Williams
as Dr. Cozy Carlisle
Derek Jacobi
as Franklyn Madson
Hanna Schygulla
as Inga
Wayne Knight
as Piccolo Pete
Campbell Scott
as Doug
Lois Hall
as Sister Constance
Eric Kilpatrick
as 2nd Cop
Richard Easton
as Father Timothy
Gail Levin
Obba Babatundé
as Syd
Miriam Margolyes
Christine Ebersole
as Lydia Larson
Jo Anderson
as Sister Madeleine/Starlet
Vasek C. Simek
as Otto
Patrick Montes
as Pickup Driver
Raymond Cruz
as Clerk
Patrick Doyle
as 1st Cop/2nd Party Guest
Erik Kilpatrick
as 2nd Cop
Gordana Rashovich
as Handcuffed Woman
Vasek Simek
as Otto
Gregor Hesse
as Frankie
John Gould Rubin
as Cafe Owner
Steven Culp
as 1st Party Guest
Yvette Freeman
as Nurse
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Emma Thompson’s 10 Best Movies
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Critic Reviews for Dead Again

All Critics (47) | Top Critics (11)

  • Be grateful for the genuine amusement Dead Again supplies. It may be cotton candy, but it's well spun.

    Feb 7, 2018 | Full Review…

    David Ansen

    Newsweek
    Top Critic

  • Branagh's contemporary American accent is annoying, and the film's constant inter-cutting of past and present lives becomes laughable.

    Jan 16, 2013 | Rating: 1.5/4 | Full Review…

    Gene Siskel

    Chicago Tribune
    Top Critic

  • As the twists come thick and fast and the plot gets progressively more and more baroque, Branagh shows himself to be at least as intelligent as Brian De Palma in delivering over-the-top stylistic filigree.

    Oct 25, 2010 | Full Review…

    Jonathan Rosenbaum

    Chicago Reader
    Top Critic

  • Director and star Kenneth Branagh brings the same zest and bravura style to this actors' romp of a mystery-thriller as he did to Henry V.

    Jul 6, 2010 | Full Review…

    Variety Staff

    Variety
    Top Critic

  • Branagh's lame stab at a romantic psychological thriller makes no sense.

    Jan 26, 2006 | Full Review…

    Geoff Andrew

    Time Out
    Top Critic

  • A big, convoluted, entertainingly dizzy romantic mystery melodrama. It's also another coup de cinema for Mr. Branagh.

    May 20, 2003 | Rating: 4/5 | Full Review…

    Lawrence Van Gelder

    New York Times
    Top Critic
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Audience Reviews for Dead Again

  • Feb 25, 2015
    I'm a Kenneth Branagh fan, but Dead Again just didn't do it for me. It was too high minded, littered with holes in its own logic, and Branagh was pretending to be American. I didn't hate it, but my expectations were higher than what the end result delivered.
    Gimly M Super Reviewer
  • Apr 26, 2013
    Kenneth Branagh's attempt in at romance noir culminated in Dead Again, a bizarre, lackluster, and increasingly dumb affair. To be sure, I love good film noir, and Dead Again has its moments. This is especially notable at the start of the film, having a good atmospheric set up, and a certain stylistic touch to the dialogue that I appreciated. As the film progressed, however, it got increasingly melodramatic to the point of almost being self parody. The existence of supernatural 'themes' is not an excuse for a profoundly dumb third act, with motifs about as subtle as the film's climax (an apartment decorated with pictures of scissors, for example). An overall misguided and disappointing entry by Branagh. 2/5 Stars
    Jeffrey M Super Reviewer
  • Jan 20, 2013
    A rare gem about the past lives and the influence it has on the present life. The story was interesting, but sort of like those from Tales From the Crypt. The twist was too easy to guess, though the acting from Thompson and Branagh saved the film
    Sylvester K Super Reviewer
  • Dec 22, 2012
    Great story and solid directing! Emma Thompson is mesmerizing!
    Jason R Super Reviewer
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