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About this movie

Genres:
Documentary, Drama
Language:
English
Running time:
2:16:49
Partner rating:
R
Released:
Quality:
480 (DVD equivalent)

Cast & Crew

Cast

  1. Leonardo Dicaprio
  2. Naomi Watts
  3. Armie Hammer
  4. Josh Lucas
  5. Judi Dench

Directors

  1. Clint Eastwood

Producers

  1. Clint Eastwood
  2. Brian Grazer
  3. Robert Lorenz

Writers

  1. Dustin Lance Black

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J. Edgar

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Trailer for J. Edgar

During his lifetime, J. Edgar Hoover would rise to be the most powerful man in America. As head of the Federal Bureau of Investigation for nearly 50 years, he would stop at nothing to protect his country. Through eight presidents and three wars, Hoover waged battle against threats both real and perceived, often bending the rules to keep his countrymen safe. His methods were at once ruthless and heroic, with the admiration of the world his most... During his lifetime, J. Edgar Hoover would rise to be the most powerful man in America. As head of the Federal Bureau of Investigation for nearly 50 years, he would stop at nothing to protect his country. Through eight presidents and three wars, Hoover waged battle against threats both real and perceived, often bending the rules to keep his countrymen safe. His methods were at once ruthless and heroic, with the admiration of the world his most coveted, if ever elusive, prize. Hoover was a man who placed great value on secrets—particularly those of others—and was not afraid to use that information to exert authority over the leading figures in the nation. Understanding that knowledge is power and fear poses opportunity, he used both to gain unprecedented influence and to build a reputation that was both formidable and untouchable. MPAA Rating: R Rated R for brief strong language. © 2011 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.

Reviews by Rotten Tomatoes

Scored 'rotten' by Rotten Tomatoes

43%Tomatometer score: 43% positive reviews from professional critics.

percent positive reviews

  1. Negative review
    Andrew L. Urban, Urban Cinefile DiCaprio's boyish looks don't age well, no matter how talented the make up team. For those familiar with Hoover's appearance, this is accentuated to a serious degree. Full review External link
  2. Positive review
    Louise Keller, Urban Cinefile An elegant film from a classy filmmaker that will satisfy a discerning, intelligent audience Full review External link
  3. Negative review
    David Sexton, This is London Hoover was one of the darkest figures in US history but Eastwood and his scriptwriter have forgiven all in a hazy resignation to old age coming to everyone and love being what matters. Full review External link
  4. Negative review
    Robbie Collin, Daily Telegraph One part Charles Foster Kane to three parts Elmer Fudd. Full review External link
  5. Negative review
    Peter Bradshaw, Guardian [UK] The effect of Hoover on America itself is largely ignored, its speculations are cramped, and its actors hampered with plastic, padding and wigs. Full review External link
  6. Positive review
    Dave Calhoun, Time Out A pleasing, intelligent film happy to describe Hoover's behaviour as monstrous but too balanced and searching to damn him as a monster. Full review External link
  7. Positive review
    CJ Johnson, ABC Radio (Australia) J. Edgar is a love story. The fact that one of the lovers is someone you wouldn't want at your dinner table means that the film is handsome, well crafted, but not nearly as involving as it might have been. Full review External link
  8. Negative review
    Andrew Pulver, Guardian [UK] A laboured, morally questionable portrait of the would-be power broker that, moreover, is badly undermined by some dubious special-effects decisions. Full review External link
  9. Positive review
    Tom Brennan, Dark Horizons A fascinating portrayal of a truly complicated and often unlikeable man. Full review External link
  10. Negative review
    Tom Long, Detroit News Somehow J. Edgar manages to be both epic and empty. Full review External link
  11. Negative review
    Rick Groen, Globe and Mail Usually the tautest of directors, Clint Eastwood has gone all slack here, allowing his subject to get completely away from him. Full review External link

Read more reviews on Rotten Tomatoes

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