
Time Bandits
1981, Fantasy, 1h 50m
49 Reviews 25,000+ RatingsWhat to know
critics consensus
Time Bandits is a remarkable time-travel fantasy from Terry Gilliam, who utilizes fantastic set design and homemade special effects to create a vivid, original universe. Read critic reviews
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Movie Info
Cast & Crew
Robin Hood
King Agamemnon, Fireman
Pansy
Mrs. Ogre
Napoleon
Vincent
News & Interviews for Time Bandits
Critic Reviews for Time Bandits
All Critics (49) | Top Critics (10) | Fresh (44) | Rotten (5)
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The film lacks what Garland, Lahr, Haley, Bolger, et al, had in abundance: humanity and charm.
October 22, 2018 | Full Review… -
Time Bandits is one of Gilliam's more chaotic films, which is really saying something, but his six time-bandits fill the screen with fractious energy.
December 17, 2014 | Rating: 3.5/5 | Full Review… -
Adults will get this movie, but kids won't.
September 23, 2010 | Rating: 4/5 | Full Review… -
When you can count the laughs in a comedy on the fingers of one hand, it isn't so funny.
June 5, 2007 | Full Review… -
The film is resolutely, passionately antiadult, yet much of the humor has an adult sophistication and edge to it; this is one kids' movie that doesn't condescend.
June 5, 2007 | Full Review… -
For a kids film this is pleasingly dark with Gilliam delivering as much classical fairy tale as knockabout comedy.
August 30, 2006 | Rating: 5/5 | Full Review…
Audience Reviews for Time Bandits
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Apr 13, 2016The first in a trilogy of films referred to by director Terry Gilliam as the "trilogy of imagination." This film is seen through the eyes of a child who loves history and wants desperately to escape his life where his parents can't be bothered to be torn away from their new gadgets or game shows. One night in bed a knight on a horse bursts through his closet. He is scared, but his parents just tell him to go to bed. The next night he waits up with a flashlight expecting something similar to happen and he is met by six dwarves said to represent the Monty Python group. Along with the dwarves, the boy travels through history to steal valuable items with the help of a magic map. This map is also sought after by an evil sorcerer who wants to rule the world. Cameos in the movie include John Cleese, Sean Connery and Ian Holm. Very impressive film with great special effects on its modest budget.Joseph B Super Reviewer
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Dec 04, 2015original fantasy film and typical Gilliam brand. He was in the peak of his filmmaking in the 80s and 90s and this another great film. Full of great cameos and interesting oddball characters, you can't dislike such a passion filled film. Sean Connery is very good in a limited role. I couldn't believe this film has gone past my collection for so long.Brendan N Super Reviewer
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Aug 31, 2013One of my favorite movies from my childhood and it holds up remarkable well . . . probably because its hilarious (the recurring bits with Duvall and Palin are fantastic). I also like that Gilliam doesn't really change his political and personal beliefs to suit a younger audience.Alec B Super Reviewer
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May 18, 2012Clearly a conservatives dream world. Not exactly my kind of thing. What I disliked the most of this film was the pacing and production values. It was way to fast for my taste. After all it is a boys fantasy film and I'm no longer a little boy. I did not like the production values because it looked like it had a modest budget. Wasn't to big of a fan towards the props used in this. The plot itself was badly build up. It held no interest or fun. The acting was horrible. The writing was decent. It felt as if it was written to get it over with. Some of the ideas in this are great but they are badly put together. I recommend you don't see this.Eduardo T Super Reviewer
Time Bandits Quotes
Supreme Being: | Dead? No excuse for laying off work. |
Fidgit: | What happened? |
Wally: | I'm sorry I killed you, Fidgit. |
Supreme Being: | Do be careful. Don't lose any of that stuff. That's concentrated evil. |
Kevin: | Mom! Dad! It's evil! Don't touch it! |
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