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Sigourney Weaver, Ben Kingsley, Stuart Wilson, Carlos Moreno, Krystia Mova ... see more see more... , Jonathan Vega , Eduardo Valenzuela , Jorge Cruz , Rodolphe Vega , Sergio Ortega Alvarado , Gilberto Cortés

Ariel Dorfman's acclaimed play of the same name serves as the basis for Roman Polanski's drama, which depicts a politically and psychological complex battle of wills amongst three characters in an unn... read more read more...amed South American country. The trio in question is made up of Paulina Sigourney Weaver, her husband Gerardo Stuart Wilson, and Dr. Miranda Ben Kingsley, a seemingly friendly stranger who provided Gerardo with a ride home after a car breakdown. The trouble begins when Paulina claims to recognize Miranda's voice, and accuses him of being the unseen doctor who had subjected her to horrific torture during her days as a prisoner of the country's former government. Miranda, flabbergasted, denies any knowledge of such events, but Paulina is determined to have her revenge. The uncertain Gerardo finds himself caught in the middle, forced to decide if his wife is telling the truth or reacting irrationally due to her past trauma. The confrontation and shifts in power between the three inevitably raises issues of justice and revenge, especially in relationship to the punishment of war criminals. ~ Judd Blaise, Rovi

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76% liked it

7,070 ratings

Critics

84% liked it

49 critics

R, 1 hr. 43 min.

Directed by: Roman Polanski

Release Date: June 1, 1995

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DVD Release Date: June 3, 2003

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Stats: 295 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (295)

  • pier007
    February 4, 2009
    pier007
    During a dictatorship in an unnamed latin american country, Paulina (Sigourney Weaver) was a dissident activist who was tortured in horrible ways and kept alive in order to confess the names of her comrades. Many years later, her husband arrives with a new friend, and she seems t... read moreo recognize the stranger's voice as the man who inflicted her all that suffering.

    Gripping stage bound psychological thriller that grows in intensity with each passing minute and conveys all the agony, anxiety, fear and thirst for revenge of a martyr who's now having her turn on the reins.

    Excellent triad of actor.
  • harrycaul
    November 7, 2007
    harrycaul
    An excellent drama. Sigourney Weaver plays a disturbed, paranoid ex-political prisoner in an unnamed South American country, married to a lawyer (Stuart Wilson) heading an investigation into allegations of torture under the old regime. She believes she recognises a chance visitor... read more to their home (Ben Kingsley) as a man who raped and tortured her during her incarceration. A fascinating game with constantly shifting alliances ensues as she attempts to extract a confession of guilt from her captive 'guest'. All three lead performances are superb but Stuart Wilson excels, oozing flawed dignity as the idealistic but cowardly husband.
  • YosemiteSamFan
    August 15, 2007
    YosemiteSamFan
    A raw and rough character-driven piece. Sigourney Weaver is wonderfully powerful as the woman turning the tables by taking hostage the man who raped and tortured her (Ben Kingsley). It doesn't get too nasty. The situation is very interesting.
  • jimbotender
    March 9, 2010
    jimbotender
    The truth is out there for anyone willing to persecute the guilty in charge.These crowds of people won't be accused of crimes and whatnot but of the utmost penalty,that of pleasure during the criminal process.Polanski reveals personalities under the skin and all three performance... read mores reflect a thunderous approach to a well-proportioned stage play.This adaptation did work up to a point,flawed as it so happens due to the theatricality of the original material.
  • binxwalker
    November 25, 2011
    binxwalker
    Hard to describe how compelling and shattering this movie is to watch. You will find no easy answers in this movie.
  • PinkMinkPrincess
    June 21, 2011
    PinkMinkPrincess
    I saw this in 1994.Whenever, for whatever reason, the subject of Torture comes up, this Movie comes to my mind.I have never forgotten the Tortured & Scared, Physically, as well as Emotionally, Sigourney Weavers Character in this Movie.This was well Written & Acted
  • tgraves12
    June 30, 2008
    tgraves12
    One of the best films I've ever seen. Sigourney Weaver gives the performance of her career. Her anger is remarkable and completely believable.
  • msvertigo
    September 2, 2007
    msvertigo
    with a cast of three players, this is a psychological thriller that pulls you in deep. Polanski is a great director.
  • cinder1973
    March 31, 2007
    cinder1973
    a brilliant and haunting film. definitely the fact that it is a play does not deter from the intensity. one of weaver's best roles.
  • flynnparadox
    December 6, 2006
    flynnparadox
    Polanski's thrilling and gritty torture drama has a few great performances although it's a rather muddled version of the original play.

View All Death and the Maiden Reviews

Critic Reviews

Jonathan Rosenbaum
February 19, 2010
Jonathan Rosenbaum, Chicago Reader

Polanski certainly gets the maximum voltage and precision out of his story and actors, keeping us preternaturally alert to shifting power relationships and delayed revelations. Full Review

Todd McCarthy
May 26, 2008
Todd McCarthy, Variety

Kingsley shrewdly tantalizes the viewer about his identity, and gets to deliver the text's most riveting monologue at the end. The lesser-known Wilson may be the first among equals, impressing strongl... Full Review

Caryn James
May 20, 2003
Caryn James, New York Times

Mr. Polanski treads lightly on the clumsier lines, and sustains tension by creating an elegant, unobtrusive dance with the camera. Full Review

Mick LaSalle
June 18, 2002
Mick LaSalle, San Francisco Chronicle

Death and the Maiden forces the audience to confront questions about torture and punishment. Full Review

Peter Travers
May 12, 2001
Peter Travers, Rolling Stone

Polanski keeps the situation ambiguous to provoke questions of guilt and responsibility.

James Berardinelli
January 1, 2000
James Berardinelli, ReelViews

Any degree of tension cultivated by Polanski is frequently undermined by Rafael Yglesias and Ariel Dorfman's sputtering script. Full Review

Roger Ebert
January 1, 2000
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

Richer than its materials might promise. Full Review

Desson Thomson
January 1, 2000
Desson Thomson, Washington Post

The Polanski touch -- apart from a little suspense here and there -- is limited. Full Review

Hal Hinson
January 1, 2000
Hal Hinson, Washington Post

The fundamental strength of Weaver's personality doesn't work here. Nor does her particular style of rage and sorrow. Full Review

Dennis Schwartz
July 10, 2011
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews

It's based on the gripping three-character play by Ariel Dorfman. Full Review

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Death and the Maiden Trivia

  • He directed Rosemary's Baby, starring his wife, and Death and the Maiden, just to name a couple, but can not come back to the U.S. as he will be arrested.  Answer »
  • In this movie Sigourney Weaver plays a woman who was tortured and became free, then later met the man who did it to her and got her revenge.  Answer »
  • Who does Sigourney Weaver terrorize in "Death and the Maiden"?   Answer »
  • Who does Sigourney Weaver terrorize in "Death and the Maiden"?   Answer »
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