SmugKitZine Tied for the best movie I have ever seen

Fairaher The film makes a home in your brain and the only cure is to see it again.

Lollivan It's the kind of movie you'll want to see a second time with someone who hasn't seen it yet, to remember what it was like to watch it for the first time.

Quiet Muffin This movie tries so hard to be funny, yet it falls flat every time. Just another example of recycled ideas repackaged with women in an attempt to appeal to a certain audience.

masterblaster1975 An upgright guy working for a political campaign makes a few mistakes under stress and sacrifices his integrity to keep his career. Everybody has to pay for his decision. Gut wrenching drama. First class acting all around. A treat to watch, though hard towards the end.

The Movie Diorama Democrats vs Republicans. Honestly surprised we don't have more films about political debates! The reason why I compared this to chess was due to the intelligent methodology that these campaigns used against each other. A glimpse into the inner workings of a political campaign and how simply one mistake could cost a senator the presidential seat. Acknowledging every move your opponent makes and having to predict what they will do. Most importantly though, this is a film about loyalty and how it is the most important trait to acquire in the world of politics. Believing in an idealism even if the man representing that ideology is not entirely innocent or perfect. This is George Clooney's baby; he directed, wrote, produced and starred in the film...I was mightily impressed. The political sub-genre is a guilty pleasure of mine and really showcases some excellent concise screenplays. It's no different here, I was captivated from start to end. A talented and likeable cast certainly helped, particularly Ryan Gosling who just keeps on excelling in every role he gets. Hoffman, Clooney, Giamatti, Tomei...the list goes on and every one of them gives a cold stern performance. Politics is harsh and the screenplay really hones in on campaigns doing anything they can to win. Corruption, persuasion, blackmailing...the brutal reality of politics have negative effects on campaigners, so much so that their lives could potentially be destroyed. Absolutely fascinating, although slightly hyperbolic. I did find the ending slightly underwhelming and frustrating, probably because it's the ending I didn't want. However, this is utterly enthralling with a tight script and excellent cast. I would like to live in a world where George Clooney runs for president. Make it happen.

zkonedog Some politically-inclined films focus on the individual politicians themselves. Others deal more with the issues embedded within the rhetoric. "The Ides of March", however, takes a bit of a new approach to the genre by focusing almost solely on the machinations taking place "behind the scenes" of a political campaign for office.For a basic plot summary, "Ides" deals primarily with Stephen Myers (Ryan Gosling), who is working on the campaign of presidential-hopeful Mike Morris (George Clooney). With the campaign seemingly headed in the right direction, Myers suddenly finds himself involved with a girl (Evan Rachel Wood), at odds with his boss (Philip Seymour Hoffman), and even being recruited by the opposing candidate's top campaign man (Paul Giamatti). Much emotion and many moral quandaries ensue.The hallmark of this film is that it is always one step ahead of the viewer. You might think you know what the plot and characters are heading towards, but it never quite turns out that way. I can't even categorize this film style as "twists & turns", but rather just out-thinking the audience. "Ides" seems to know exactly what you will be thinking, and then challenges that notion.The pacing is very good as well. Never, while viewing, did I feel bored or want things to "pick up". "Ides" did a remarkable job of telling a story not especially inherent with action, yet making it an explosive film nonetheless. Director Clooney likely deserves a good share of the credit for this.Of course, it only helps that the cast is star-studded, to say the least. Gosling keeps proving (time and again in 2011!) that he is every bit a leading man, while Clooney and the rest are all at their best. Each cast member adds a little something different to the overall puzzle.Overall, I consider "The Ides of March" to be a great political film. Admittedly, I am a sucker for such cinema, but about the only negative thing I can say about the experience was that I wished it were longer...the film ends so abruptly that you really never see it coming! Other than that, though, this movie will keep you engaged and make you think about its topics.

songjiang2000 Even though promo material says "pulse-racing thriller," I didn't believe it and sat down to watch a potentially interesting political drama. I enjoyed the twists and turns that happened as the tension mounted, and just when I thought the movie would end on a down note as an okay morality tale about corruption in politics, I was jolted out of my seat. It was just at that moment that I remembered what "Ides of March" connotes. OMG. I've been waiting for a thriller like this! One that keeps your interest until the very last frame and then, bam! Except that in most thrillers there is a question that has to be answered and it doesn't get answered until the end. In this one, you're not even sure what the question is and bam! you get blindsided. Double the fun.I think some of the reviewers who rated this low didn't get the ending. And for those who think it is utterly cynical--I think they didn't get the ending either. Isn't Gosling's character a hero? Decide for yourself.For those who were expecting deep political ideas, or a statement about politics today, no doubt they were disappointed. This is a thriller, but unlike most thrillers where there is one protagonist who confronts danger and comes out on top, this one is all about the motives and decisions of the main players. Every twist is unexpected but makes perfect sense in retrospect. I think I'll watch it again tomorrow.