Figgis' film, one of the few to show the sleazy flip-side of the glossy city of Las Vega, offers an unblinking portrayal of alcoholism.
Comment
09/19/08
Leaving Las Vegas (1995)
89
%
Tomatometer
How does the Tomatometer work 
Reviews Counted:44
Fresh:39
Rotten:5
Average Rating:7.6/10
Runtime: 1 hr 55 mins
Genre: Dramas
Synopsis: With LEAVING LAS VEGAS, director Mike Figgis spun critical gold out of what would appear to be a maudlin and hackneyed premise--a down-and-out drunk meets a hooker with a heart of gold. The reason... [More]
Starring: Nicolas Cage, Elisabeth Shue, Julian Sands, Richard Lewis
Director: Mike Figgis
Reviews for Leaving Las Vegas
Top CriticIt certainly has the courage of its convictions.
06/24/06
Top CriticThe plot goes nowhere, but under the pornographic circumstances Figgis, Cage, and Shue all do fine jobs.
02/11/08
Figgis presents disintegration as a state of grace.
09/24/07
Excellent, dark and disturbing romance. The acting is top-notch.
03/05/03
No review available.
06/19/04
A powerful movie about self-destruction and emotional neediness.
01/01/00
Exceedingly well acted, skillfully crafted, and even, at times, a joy.
01/01/00
No review available.
11/07/03
The film shifts from being morose to mean-spirited and brutal.
01/01/00
While it's sad and spooky enough to send shivers down your spine, it is surprisingly able to avoid melodramatics and still leave us with a powerful message.
01/01/00
An uncompromising, surprisingly poignant skid-row love story.
01/23/06
Playing an alcoholic is traditionally a route to critical acclaim, and Cage delivers beautifully.
01/01/00
No review available.
02/03/05
Unfortunately, the movie as a whole isn't as good as its stars. In fact, it's a bit of a drunk itself, given to self-indulgent poses and poetic pretentiousness.
04/17/02
Grim yet compelling, downbeat but not really depressing, Mike Figgis' multi-nuanced portrait of an alcoholic, splendidly played by Oscar winner Nicholas Cage, is easily is most accomplished and haunting picture.
07/01/05
No review available.
06/12/04
It's a relief when so dark a film refuses to preach, trusting the viewer to draw his own conclusions about the roots of America's self-destructive funk.
02/11/08
Nicolas Cage, who has a track record of immersing himself in parts, gives one of the year's most powerful acting turns.
01/01/00
A great film, one of the best of the year. If you can stomach it, it is a moving experience that says something about humanity and human experience.
02/27/01
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