Power

R

Released Jan 31, 1986

1 hr. 51 min.

Drama

List

50%

12 Reviews

Tomatometer

44%

1,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

Once-noble media consultant Pete St. John (Richard Gere) is now employed by a number of corrupt politicians. A potential client is Jerome Cade (J.T. Walsh), a businessman who wants to run for U.S. Senate. St. John begins to suspect that Cade may have significant dark secrets and starts investigating. This causes conflict with Arnold Billing (Denzel Washington), a ruthless member of Cade's staff. Meanwhile, St. John's former friend and partner, Wilfred (Gene Hackman), questions his motives.

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Steve D

Effective enough because of a great cast.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

03/05/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Relevant still (maybe not the technology tho)

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/17/23

Full Review

Audience Member

It's disappointing that a film about power can be so flat. Despite taking several fascinating paths, they never really come together to convey a strong, impactful message. In fact, the only thing that sings in this film is Benny Goodman's explosive music.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

01/18/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Sat through most of it. Shit film.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

02/19/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Fine acting but a dull film. Power should have been a lot better than it was. Perhaps it is a bit dated but the film just never grabbed my attention.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

01/27/23

Full Review

Audience Member

An indistinctive drama, but it has a little bit directing (Lumet), and a little bit acting (Washington, Hackman).

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

02/21/23

Full Review

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Sidney Lumet

Director

Richard Gere

Pete St. John

Julie Christie

Ellen Freeman

Gene Hackman

Wilfred Buckley

Kate Capshaw

Sydnet Betterman

Denzel Washington

Arnold Billing

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Paul Attanasio

Washington Post

Before it turns slack and sentimental, "Power," Sidney Lumet's foray into the world of political consultants, crackles with a kind of moral static.

Jan 4, 2018

Full Review

Nell Minow

Movie Mom

Rated: 2/5

Dec 24, 2002

Full Review

Roger Ebert

Chicago Sun-Times

The movie seems to be asking us to walk out of the theater shaking our heads in disillusionment, but I was more puzzled than disillusioned.

Rated: 2.5/4

Jan 1, 2000

Full Review

Dennis Schwartz

Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews

A misfire satire that preaches against slick political practices by high-powered political consultants.

Rated: C

Apr 29, 2011

Full Review

Lori Hoffman

Atlantic City Weekly

Rated: 3/5

Feb 21, 2007

Full Review

Caffeinated Clint

Film Threat

Gere is a revelation

Rated: 3/5

Feb 7, 2006

Full Review

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Synopsis

Once-noble media consultant Pete St. John (Richard Gere) is now employed by a number of corrupt politicians. A potential client is Jerome Cade (J.T. Walsh), a businessman who wants to run for U.S. Senate. St. John begins to suspect that Cade may have significant dark secrets and starts investigating. This causes conflict with Arnold Billing (Denzel Washington), a ruthless member of Cade's staff. Meanwhile, St. John's former friend and partner, Wilfred (Gene Hackman), questions his motives.

Director: Sidney Lumet
Screenwriter: David Himmelstein
Distributor: 20th Century Fox
Production Co: Lorimar Productions, Polar Entertainment Corporation
Rating: R
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jan 31, 1986, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 1, 2009
Box Office (Gross USA): $3.1M

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