
Dogville
2003, Drama, 2h 58m
168 Reviews 50,000+ RatingsWhat to know
critics consensus
A challenging piece of experimental filmmaking. Read critic reviews
You might also like
Where to watch
Dogville Photos
Movie Info
Cast & Crew
Grace Margaret Mulligan
Gloria
Ma Ginger
The Man with the Big Hat
Tom Edison
Mrs. Henson
News & Interviews for Dogville
Critic Reviews for Dogville
All Critics (168) | Top Critics (55) | Fresh (117) | Rotten (51)
-
Dogville's tongue-clucking point-and von Trier makes it broadly-is the hypocrisy of the Good Samaritan, but a less clinical film could have done so more powerfully.
March 16, 2020 | Full Review… -
Kidman has never lacked the courage to perform in innovative productions on stage and screen, such as The Blue Room and Eyes Wide Shut. In this film, which is a bit of both, she acquits herself gamely.
January 10, 2018 | Full Review… -
For its exuberance and its difference, its fine performances and its devastating finale, Dogville is essential viewing.
January 9, 2018 | Full Review… -
Bold stylistic decisions reinforce the themes of the narrative, while a strong story and convincing performances prove equal to the task of carrying such an extended running time.
April 1, 2006 | Rating: 5/5 | Full Review… -
Ambitious, intriguing but fatally self-important ...
January 26, 2006 | Full Review… -
For all of "Dogville's" strengths -- its powerful performances, the ingenious staging, how quickly and completely the audience accepts its stylized reality -- its take-home message is, ultimately, measly.
September 26, 2005 | Full Review…
Audience Reviews for Dogville
-
Sep 30, 2015Dogville is a talented work, yes, but is it a great film? No, It's not great. The ending is flat, especially for such a long buildup. It's not wholly a film either. It's not that the stage play thing is wrong, it's fine (especially since the story is reminiscent of Greek tragedy). The problem is that it is lacking in light and sound. Maybe that is a good thing since the second half is heavy and long and feels real enough as it is. Still, Dogville is definitely a film to watch for two reasons: (1) an excellent performance by Nicole Kidman and (2) food for thought, one is definitely given a few things to think about. But be warned, this is not a film one watches to be entertained.Robert B Super Reviewer
-
Nov 11, 2013Dogville is Lars von Trier's indictment of American values and the way we treat each other and outsiders, and while it does have a clear message and purpose, at three hours it overstays its welcome and becomes tedious rather than insightful. The message itself is grounded more in a violent hatred than it is in intellectualism, as von Trier eventually takes the movie's central allegory to very disturbing extremes. Dogville does have impressive acting from its entire cast, especially Nicole Kidman in the central role, and that makes it significantly easier to sit through, but ultimately it's not enough to keep the movie from being painfully long and startlingly full of hate.Joey S Super Reviewer
-
May 04, 2013A film about morality corruption, doubts, lost of humanity and sins. Dogville is a disturbing tale of evil existed in everyone and when the right opportunity comes, it slips out. Lars von Trier attempted the direction of the film by using minimalistic set and an open world design that you can see through each of the houses. It became difficult to watch as the film progresses, Nicole Kidman should've won an academic award for her performance. Dogville may be uneasy to watch but it taught everyone a valuable lesson.Sylvester K Super Reviewer
-
Feb 24, 2013The tiny township of Dogville (population 20) reluctantly takes in a woman fleeing from gangsters, but their generosity turns into abuse as they gradually maker her into their slave. It's de Sade's "Justine" played out on the set of "Our Town." Masterful but misanthropic.Greg S Super Reviewer
Dogville Quotes
Grace: | I want to make this world a little better. |
Tom Edison: | Maybe people just regard things a criminal because they envy their success. |
Tom Edison: | It's quite a blow to me to see all my friends act this way--so uncivilized. |
Liz Henson: | Honestly, Tom, you've done it again. Made us come here to listen to a lot of nonsense. Who do you think you are? Some kind of philosopher? |
Tom Edison: | Observant, that's what I am. |
Ma Ginger: | Lazy, I would say. |
Movie & TV guides
About Tomatometer
The percentage of Approved Tomatometer Critics who have given this movie a positive review
About Audience Score
The percentage of users who rated this 3.5 stars or higher.
Verified