The Descendants

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The Descendants

R

2011

1h 55m

Comedy

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

88%

Tomatometer

264 Reviews

79%

Popcornmeter

50,000+ Ratings

Native islander Matt King (George Clooney) lives with his family in Hawaii. Their world shatters when a tragic accident leaves his wife in a coma. Not only must Matt struggle with the stipulation in his wife's will that she be allowed to die with dignity, but he also faces pressure from relatives to sell their family's enormous land trust. Angry and terrified at the same time, Matt tries to be a good father to his young daughters, as they too try to cope with their mother's possible death.

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Critics Consensus

Funny, moving, and beautifully acted, The Descendants captures the unpredictable messiness of life with eloquence and uncommon grace.

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Deborah Ross

The Spectator

08/31/2018

I liked it. I enjoyed it. I did not resent the time I'd spent watching it, although that may just be because I seriously have nothing better to do.

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David Thomson

The New Republic

06/20/2013

The Descendants is humane, decent, and close to real quality.

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Sara Michelle Fetters

MovieFreak.com

01/27/2012

4/4

Few films have dealt with the concept of parental death as movingly, poetically and lovingly as this, delivering a strikingly powerful narrative that is as profound as it is honest.

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Don Shanahan

Every Movie Has a Lesson

04/07/2024

5/5

There are moments throughout the film where characters need to speak their pace, whether that peace is good news, bad news, loving support, hurtful truth, assertiveness, or even the things you shouldn't say and, therefore, leave at peace.

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Emiliano Basile

EscribiendoCine

01/02/2024

10/10

... The film stands out for exploring the human condition from the awkwardness - and at times humor - that extreme situations produce. The kind that family forces us to go through. [Full review in Spanish]

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Danilo Castro

Next Best Picture

07/07/2023

9/10

It’s the sort of resonant, mid-budget film that we see so rarely these days, and it’s a reminder that when Payne is at his peak, few directors are more skilled at depicting the paradox of human behavior.

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John V.

@JohnnyVGood 2d

One of the best adaptations from a book that I’ve seen.

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Edward L

@Lassoto Jan 5

I have watched this movie three times, and for some reason, thoroughly enjoyed it. It covers topics such as marital struggle, death, natural beauty, and stewardship. Also it taps into some distinctly Hawaiian topics. The sountrack, mostly Gabby Pahinui, is beautiful and compelling. So is the landscape, especially the estate in question. It delves into the slightly wild nature of Hawaiians and their interaction with haole, the white man. The story is sad, and examines the pain of grief within a family. It also examines the unusual topic of stewardship of land and nobility of character. It is hard to say what makes this movie great, but it is visually beautiful and thought provoking, the way a movie should be.

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Madam D

@Madam1948 Dec 14

This realistic drama was heart felt without total schmaltz. Written very well and with Clooney as his usual charming self...plus the beautiful scenery! Not for action fans, but if you enjoy a good story--this is for you.

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Troy R

@Grim16 Dec 6

Good acting, somewhat funny at rare moments, but a solid story and drama. Uniquely interesting to watch after seeing Chief of War.

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PC M

Oct 8

I had not heard anyone talk about this film, I just put it on for something to watch, not expecting much. The acting was strong and well played, the direction was one of authenticity, showing the reality of parental loss and impact it has without hamming it up for the tears. It resonated with me having been in a very similar situation in my early 40s. I found the storyline and the characters believable and engaging. If you like a story that's not overdramatised with excellent acting, then give it a watch.

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James B

Sep 14

I really enjoyed this movie. It was truly a rollercoaster of emotions as one minute you are thinking about the characters going through the inevidatble death of a loved one to the next moment laughing at the characters interactions with others. It was entertaining throughout and was a great movie.

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Alexander Payne

Director

George Clooney

Matt King

Shailene Woodley

Alexandra King

Amara Miller

Scottie King

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Synopsis

Native islander Matt King (George Clooney) lives with his family in Hawaii. Their world shatters when a tragic accident leaves his wife in a coma. Not only must Matt struggle with the stipulation in his wife's will that she be allowed to die with dignity, but he also faces pressure from relatives to sell their family's enormous land trust. Angry and terrified at the same time, Matt tries to be a good father to his young daughters, as they too try to cope with their mother's possible death.

Director: Alexander Payne
Producer: Jim Burke, Alexander Payne, Jim Taylor
Screenwriter: Alexander Payne, Nat Faxon, Jim Rash
Distributor: Fox Searchlight
Production Co: Little Blair, Dune, Ad Hominem Enterprises, Ingenious Film Partners
Rating: R (Sexual References|Language)
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Nov 23, 2011, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 25, 2015
Box Office (Gross USA): $82.6M
Runtime: 1h 55m
Sound Mix: Dolby, SDDS

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