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Waking Life Review

Other Critics provided by Metacritic.com

Critics scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating more favorable reviews.

  • 5.0
    82

    out of 100

    Metascore®
    Universal acclaim
    based on a weighted average of all
    critic review scores.

  • 100

    out of 100

    Entertainment Weekly Lisa Schwarzbaum

    An amazing thing -- a work of cinematic art in which form and structure pursues the logic-defying (parallel) subjects of dreaming and moviegoing.

    Read Full Review

  • 100

    out of 100

    Chicago Sun-Times Roger Ebert

    I have seen Waking Life three times now. I want to see it again -- not to master it, or even to remember it better, -- but simply to experience all of these ideas, all of this passion, the very act of trying to figure things out.

    Read Full Review

  • 100

    out of 100

    Chicago Tribune Michael Wilmington

    The film is truly special, truly different -- a wondrous talky roundelay about and for people who love life.

    Read Full Review

  • 70

    out of 100

    Variety Todd McCarthy

    Audiences looking for something fresh and different, not to mention a head trip, will find it in Waking Life.

    Read Full Review

  • 80

    out of 100

    Los Angeles Times Kevin Thomas

    The effect is dazzlingly beautiful and surreal.

    Read Full Review

  • 90

    out of 100

    The New York Times Stephen Holden

    So verbally dexterous and visually innovative that you can't absorb it unless you have all your wits about you. And even then, you may want to see it again to enjoy its subtle humor and warm humanity.

    Read Full Review

  • See all Waking Life reviews at Metacritic.com

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For Families provided by Common Sense Media

Iffy for 16+

Love-it-or-hate-it film best for older teens.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that this movie has some very strong language and scenes of cartoon violence, including a shoot-out and a self-immolation. Some teens may be upset by the discussions of death.

  • Families can talk about their own views on the meaning of life and which, if any, of the characters are closest to their own thoughts about dreams and reality. Is it possible to create "lucid dreams?" Is there a reason that a film-maker might be particularly attracted to this idea – could film be a kind of generalized lucid dream? When you are dreaming, are you aware that you are dreaming? How do you know? What does it mean to say that there's only one moment or to talk about the eternal yes? Does this movie make you want to know more about any of the authors or ideas it raises?

The good stuff
  • message true0

    Messages: Not an issue

What to watch for
  • violence false3

    Violence: Suicide, gunfight, characters killed.

  • sex false1

    Sex: Mild.

  • language false3

    Language: Some strong language.

  • consumerism false0

    Consumerism: Not an issue

  • drugsalcoholtobacco false3

    Drinking, drugs and smoking: Drinking, scene in a bar, drug references.

An independent nonprofit dedicated to providing families the information they need to help kids thrive in a world of media and technology.

© Common Sense Media Inc. 2010. All rights reserved.

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Fan Reviews provided by

Average Rating: 3.05
Read all reviews Write a review at Fandango
1

one violent scene prompted weeks of PTSD flashbacks by sunteriorflag
My life would be better if I had never seen this movie. In one scene the character 'Jailbird' describes an extremely violent action. Since watching this movie I have had frequent PTSD flashbacks. This scene has no redeeming value, and is not useful in the movie. Although a few other scenes are also violent, most of the movie is boring dialog and philosophy. I would not recommend this movie to anyone of any age.

5

by cinephile81

Read all Waking Life reviews at Fandango
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