Venus

2006, Romance/Drama, 1h 35m

154 Reviews 10,000+ Ratings

What to know

critics consensus

Audiences may attend to witness Peter O'Toole's Oscar-worthy performance, but they'll also be treated to a humane, tender exploration of maturing with both dignity and irreverence. Read critic reviews

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Venus Photos

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Movie Info

Maurice (Peter O'Toole) and Ian (Leslie Phillips) are veteran British actors who share a friendship and comfortable routines into their 70s. The arrival of Ian's grand-niece, Jessie (Jodie Whittaker), shakes things up for the two old friends. Ian has no patience with the young woman, but Maurice finds her enchanting. He wants to show Jessie the sights and teach her about life, then realizes how little he actually knows.
  • Rating:
    R (Language|Brief Nudity|Some Sexual Content)
  • Genre:
    Romance, Drama
  • Original Language:
    English
  • Director:
    Roger Michell
  • Producer:
    Kevin Loader
  • Writer:
    Hanif Kureishi
  • Release Date (Theaters):
     limited
  • Release Date (Streaming):
  • Box Office (Gross USA):
    $3.3M
  • Runtime:
  • Distributor:
    Miramax Films

Cast & Crew

Peter O'Toole
Maurice
Leslie Phillips
Ian
Jodie Whittaker
Jessie
Richard Griffiths
Donald
Vanessa Redgrave
Valerie
Julian Rhind-Tutt
Michael
Cathryn Bradshaw
Jillian
Kate Lock
Michael's Wife
Corin Redgrave
Art Collector
Liam McKenna
Man
Meg Wynn Owen
Woman
Roger Michell
Director
Hanif Kureishi
Writer
Kevin Loader
Producer
Tessa Ross
Executive Producer
Scott Rudin
Executive Producer
Miles Ketley
Executive Producer
Charles Moore
Executive Producer
Harris Zambarloukos
Cinematography
Nicolas Gaster
Film Editing
John Paul Kelly
Production Design
Emma MacDevitt
Art Director
Sophie Phillips
Set Decoration
Natalie Ward
Costume Design
Show all Cast & Crew

Critic Reviews for Venus

All Critics (154) | Top Critics (51) | Fresh (135) | Rotten (19)
Full Review… Ty Burr Boston Globe Full Review… Roger Moore Orlando Sentinel Full Review… Joshua Rothkopf Time Out Full Review… Marc Savlov Austin Chronicle Full Review… Stephanie Zacharek Salon.com Full Review… Mark Kermode BBC Radio Five Live Full Review… Yasser Medina Cinemaficionados Full Review… Joanne Laurier World Socialist Web Site Full Review… Leigh Paatsch Herald Sun (Australia) Full Review… Michael Dequina TheMovieReport.com Full Review… Heather Huntington ReelzChannel.com Full Review… Nick Rogers The Film Yap
View All Critic Reviews (154)

Audience Reviews for Venus

  • Aug 09, 2014
    A beautiful and striking meditation on aging, living and facing mortality with a superb performance by the incomparable Peter O'Toole. Exceptional performances by veteran Phillips and newcomer Whittaker. Excellent performances all around with a uniquely inspiring script. An excellent movie in every way. A film that should not be missed.
    Christian C Super Reviewer
  • Dec 24, 2012
    Ick! While the Venus of the film is great O'Toole is about ten years too old for this May December romance. The sparks are forced.
    John B Super Reviewer
  • Oct 20, 2010
    An odd but sweet and touching story.
    Sunil J Super Reviewer
  • Mar 20, 2009
    Not at all what I expected, but that's a good thing since this movie had me laughing almost nonstop. Peter O'Toole had his heart broken again by just missing out on finally winning Best Actor for his role as a dirty old man who falls in love with his best friend's daughter's niece, whom he affectionately calls Venus. Maurice is a veteran actor who is somewhat rapidly dying, though you wouldn't know it from how young Jessie makes his feel. A very good movie with a lot of funny, albeit dirty dialogue.
    Derek D Super Reviewer
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