Laura Dern,
Swoosie Kurtz,
Kurtwood Smith,
Mary Kay Place,
Kelly Preston
... see more 
The divisive issue of abortion is at the center of Citizen Ruth, a political satire that attempts to subject both pro-choice and pro-life forces to equal ridicule. Laura Dern portrays Ruth Stoops, an ... read more
DVD Release Date: April 8, 2003
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Stats: 232 reviews
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Flixster Reviews (232)
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September 11, 2009fb20312798Number one its ballsy, I mean really a comedy about abortion is just not the type of film that is made too often. Number two, Laura Dern is one of the bet actors alive and here she is given a really great character. Ruth is a woman who really only cares about herself and she beco... read more
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December 11, 2006Sketchy satire with loser as unwitting bargaining chip in war on abortion.
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April 8, 2012"Citizen Ruth" is the most blatant satire I have ever seen, and it's one of the funniest as well. Alexander Payne is such a gifted writer and his execution is usually spot-on as well. "Citizen Ruth" is not his best film, but a darn good one regardless. It's eccentric and a little... read more
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July 31, 2008Brilliant! Laura Dern gives an outstanding performance, though the excellent supporting cast shine as beautifully. The film is as unbiased as it is hilarious.
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December 24, 2007"Ruth, you listen to me! Don't you do it! What if I'd aborted you? Well at least I wouldn't have had to suck your boyfriends cock! Don't you bring that up again! That's ancient history! I've been saved! Fuck you!
A brilliant dark comedy about abortion. Laura Dern gives the p... read more -
May 22, 2012Successfully satirizes both sides of the abortion debate (at least circa 1996). Still conflicted about the ending (though I love how both sides end up fighting over literally no one), but this is a film that needs to be seen and discussed more.
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September 7, 2008So this film is funny in some parts but mostly sad...but true. the portiat painted is one of irresponsiblity, cycle of ignorance and the idea of brainwashing. Everyone has an opinion on abortion and people want the babies to be born but what happens after. (ON my soapbox) advocat... read more
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April 6, 2008it was stupid of them to trust her with free access to so many chemicals, booze, & cash. they fully knew she was an addict and did nothing to take that into account and so got what they deserved. although the baby didn't...
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March 2, 2008It was like a train wreck, I couldn't stop watching. This movie is so off the wall, kind of like the stepford wives.
Critic Reviews
January 1, 2000
Mike Clark, USA Today
June 1, 2006
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
Uncharacteristically of Payne, the film lacks a sharp point of view, unfloding as a series of gigs (some quite funny), trying to be too fair--for a satire--to both sides of the abortion issue. Full Review
April 1, 2005
Brandon Judell, PopcornQ
Wicked comedy about abortion conflict. Dern is terrific.
June 7, 2004
Alex Sandell, Juicy Cerebellum
Payne didn't hit his stride until Election, but this is a good film.
June 4, 2003
Frank Ochieng, TheWorldJournal.com
Payne's biting social satire about the abortion issue is shrewd and raucously entertaining. A smart and subversive comedy
April 4, 2003
Christopher Null, Filmcritic.com
Worst of all is Dern, who is so gratingly offensive that by the end of the movie you really just want her to shut up more than anything else. Full Review
January 16, 2003
Luke Y. Thompson, New Times
An auspicious debut for director Payne that did more than hint at teh great things to come.
August 28, 2002
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
Bold drama about the dangers of zealotry. Full Review
January 1, 2000
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
Its weak position on the issues allowed it to throw stones at everyone and seem like it was hip to what was going on. Full Review
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Citizen Ruth
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