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Marlon Brando, Johnny Depp, Faye Dunaway, Geraldine Pailhas, Bob Dishy ... see more see more... , Rachel Ticotin , Carmen Argenziano , Jo Champa , Al Corley , Nada Despotovich , Marita Geraghty , Ken Gutstein , Teresa Hughes , Gilbert Lewis , Tommy 'Tiny' Lister , Franc Luz , Tom Mardirosian , Patricia Mauceri , Sanjay , Esther Scott , Talisa Soto , Richard C. Sarafian , Santiago García , Nick LaTour , Sara Mansfield

A psychiatrist treats a most unusual patient, only to find that the doctor is the one who gains the most from their sessions in this philosophical romantic comedy. A young man in a mask and cape (play... read more read more...ed by Johnny Depp) is standing atop a billboard, threatening to jump. When the potential suicide is finally talked down, he's brought to a psychiatric facility where after one doctor washes his hands of the case, he's placed under the supervision of Dr. Jack Mickler (Marlon Brando), an aging psychiatrist soon to retire. The patient informs Mickler that he is actually the great lover Don Juan, who has seduced over 1,500 women, but has fallen into a deep depression after being unable to win the hand of the woman of his dreams. Mickler has ten days to work with "Don Juan," after which he will either be released on medication or committed to a long-term stay in a mental hospital. As Mickler talks with the young man, who speaks rapturously of the art of love, the doctor finds that his philosophies are helping to kick start his failing relationship with his wife (Faye Dunaway), and he slowly becomes convinced that his patient might really be Don Juan after all. Don Juan DeMarco's theme song, "Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman," became a major hit for singer and songwriter Bryan Adams; after working with Marlon Brando on this film, Johnny Depp cast the legendary actor in a key supporting role in his directorial debut, The Brave. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Flixster Users

69% liked it

59,914 ratings

Critics

74% liked it

23 critics

PG-13, 1 hr. 30 min.

Directed by: Jeremy Leven

Release Date: June 1, 1994

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DVD Release Date: January 1, 1998

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Stats: 2,597 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (2,597)


  • August 29, 2011
    Marlon Brando seems miscast in this film but this is compensated by a passionate Johnny Depp, who shines as an incurable, eternal romantic. A refreshing story about love and romance, and the main song will be stuck in your head for quite a while after the movie is over.
  • August 21, 2011
    This is an extremely charming, fun, and romantic film about a psychiatrist who is given ten days (his final ten days before his retirement as it turns out) to treat a young patient who believes with all of his being that he is Don Juan, the world's greatest lover. Problems arise ... read morewhen the doc, and some of the hospital staff, all start to fall under his magical spell and get swept away by his cham, passion, and presence.

    This film is mostly light, but tons of fun and very charming. Johhny Depp is excellent, and he has a field day playing Don Juan. Marlon Brando is decent, and it's fun seeing him go toe to toe with Depp, but this isn't one of his better performances. It's not terrible, but he looks like he's mostly coasting through it. Dunaway is okay, but I would have liked her role to have maybe been a little more substantial.

    The music and cinematography are both great, and, though this film feels maybe a little undercooked, it's still satisfying enough.
  • July 29, 2011
    I rarely get girly over heart-throb Actors, but if Johnny Depp wasn't tempting enough, in this film he appears as the World's greatest lover too!

    A romanticised Drama, with a phychological touch, enjoyable and easy watching.
  • June 6, 2011
    So, Depp plays a Don Juan, a womanizer, who's overly romantic, just what every one of his fans wishes he was like... And that's it, there's nothing more to it, really. Not being a big fan of his, I was just really annoyed by this.
  • December 9, 2009
    Long ago I saw this Movie. I just remember the Sea Shore scene.
  • November 20, 2009
    An abysmal script and weak performances from the entire cast. It was a complete waste of screen time between Marlon Brando and Johnny Depp, two extremely gifted actors. The story is corny and just idiotic, a complete waste of time.
  • September 3, 2007
    The movie is OK, but the real prize here of course is Depp.
  • June 18, 2007
    This is instantly one of my favourites: I can't believe I never saw it before. I can only knock it for the ending: it could've ended at the word "Queens" and made a much more powerful point about therapy. It would appear, rather, that the point is related to romanticism... I gues... read mores that's okay. Beautifully done film, Depp had me eating out of his hand the whole way.
  • April 7, 2009
    A strange, whimsical movie whose flaws seem minor enough considering how entertaining it is. Unfortunately, a lot of people only remember the late work of Marlon Brando for his weight. They seem to forget that he was stll a vibrant and immensely talented actor. He does a great jo... read moreb in this, as does Johnny Depp.
  • July 5, 2011
    Starring Johnny Depp as John Arnold DeMarco, a man who believes himself to be Don Juan, the greatest lover in the world. Clad in a cape and domino mask, DeMarco undergoes psychiatric treatment with Marlon Brando's character, Dr. Jack Mickler, to cure him of his apparent delusion.... read more But the psychiatric sessions have an unexpected effect on the psychiatric staff, some of whom find themselves inspired by DeMarco's delusion; the most profoundly affected is Dr. Mickler himself, who rekindles the romance in his complacent marriage.
    The movie is based on two different sources; the modern-day story is based on director/screenwriter Jeremy Leven's short story Don Juan DeMarco and the Centerfold (the movie's original title before the studio changed it shortly before release), while the flashbacks depicting DeMarco's back-story are based on the more familiar legend of Don Juan, especially as told by Lord Byron in his version of the legend.Very romantic movie with great performance by Marlon Brando and exquisit theme music.Really a surprise for me.

Critic Reviews


Emanuel Levy
June 13, 2006
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com

Iconoclastic acting by Marlon Brando, Johnny Depp and Faye Dunaway elevate this likable comedy about love, illusion and delusion way above its inconsequential text. Full Review

Rob Vaux
August 29, 2005
Rob Vaux, Flipside Movie Emporium

Buoyant and lightweight... except for Brando, who is, in fact, rather heavy.

Dennis Schwartz
July 28, 2004
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews

This thin comedy is seductive despite not living up to its potential. Full Review

Ken Hanke
November 24, 2003
Ken Hanke, Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)

Strong cast don't entirely save this movie from itself.

Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat
August 30, 2002
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice

Affirms romantic love as a candle that must constantly be relit by wonder, devotion and creativity. Full Review

Steve Rhodes
January 1, 2000
Steve Rhodes, Internet Reviews

A light hearted, fairy tale of a romance, there is not much in it, but what there is is a delight and will reaffirm your belief in life and especially in romance. Full Review

Emanuel Levy
February 23, 2012
Emanuel Levy, Variety

Click to read the article Full Review

Lisa Schwarzbaum
September 7, 2011
Lisa Schwarzbaum, Entertainment Weekly

Click to read the article Full Review

Peter M. Nichols
May 20, 2003
Peter M. Nichols, New York Times

Click to read the article Full Review

April 12, 2002
Globe and Mail

Click to read the article Full Review

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Facts


  • Johnny Depp (Don Juan): There are only four questions of value in life, Don Octavio. What is sacred? Of what is the spirit made? What is worth living for, and what is worth dying for? The answer to each is the same: only love

Don Juan DeMarco : Watch Free on TV


Don Juan DeMarco Trivia


  • Name the movie this tagline is from, "The story of a man who thought he was the greatest lover in the world... and the people who tried to cure him of it".  Answer »
  • What actor has been in the following movies: Don Juan Demarco, Blow, Ed Wood and Benny and Joon?   Answer »
  • In which movies does Johhny Depp dress up as a woman?  Answer »
  • Which two people can you see in Don Juan DeMarco (1995)?  Answer »

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