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The Contender

Play trailer Poster for The Contender R Released Oct 13, 2000 2h 6m Mystery & Thriller Play Trailer Watchlist
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77% Tomatometer 132 Reviews 73% Popcornmeter 5,000+ Ratings
When the sitting Vice President dies, Senator Laine Hanson is chosen by the President to be the first woman to hold the office. The selection meets with opposition from members of both parties, in particular a powerful political adversary who will seemingly stop at nothing to discredit her. Her confirmation hearings set off a firestorm of controversy as shocking secrets from Hanson's past are revealed, threatening her personal life as well as her political future.
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The Contender

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Critics Consensus

The Contender wears its political heart on its sleeve, but strong performances and a solid screenplay help the end result add up to a gripping drama from either side of the aisle.

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Critics Reviews

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David Germain Associated Press The movie has plenty going for it: a terrific cast led by Joan Allen, Jeff Bridges and Gary Oldman, a captivating story line, a sharp script. Most important, The Contender has timing. Jan 18, 2018 Full Review Nell Minow Common Sense Media Thoughtful, enjoyable film for older teens. Rated: 4/5 Dec 28, 2010 Full Review Globe and Mail Rated: 3/4 Mar 22, 2002 Full Review Matt Brunson Film Frenzy The film’s political posturing is frequently simplistic, but the dialogue is exceptional, and the big-name cast delivers. Rated: 3/4 Apr 2, 2024 Full Review David Nusair Reel Film Reviews ...a slightly overlong yet mostly compelling drama... Rated: 3/4 May 11, 2021 Full Review Ted Murphy Hollywood.com Rated: 2/5 Sep 8, 2009 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Jelisije J A well acted political film that kept me entertained with so many well written characters that I wish this movie was a show instead because I wanted more. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 07/23/25 Full Review Alain E Very well done and I am surprised is not better known. The psychology of the main characters is believable. Ends in a positive note that unfortunately was not proven true in political events of our times. Has even a credible action scene which subsequently is revealed to be something different. There are no exaggerations. Cinematography is serviceable. Acting is superb. Kudos to Gary Oldman for impersonating a true a-hole. The end reminded that I have also run among the Arlington graves around the time that the movie was shot. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 07/02/25 Full Review Yasar K Brilliant performances by Joan Allen, Bridges, Oldman and Elliot. Mariel Hemmingway has a brilliant cameo. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/17/23 Full Review Audience Member Overall, considering I'm not normally one for political dramas, this one had my engagement early on, and I found myself highly entertained by the story and concept.  It's a powerful film that asks whether a leader can still be reliable and perform their duty accurately even if they carry a dark and mysterious past.  Performances here are highly pleasing, with actors including Jeff Bridges and Gary Oldman as the major standouts.  Pacing is a delight, and elements that include a few surprising twists and turns only further heightened my enjoyment.  This is certainly a film to add to your watchlist if you're unfamiliar with it. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 01/11/23 Full Review a.l.jude p Got everything to like this. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Audience Member A great political drama. The acting is great and it is a smart, tense drama. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/08/23 Full Review Read all reviews
The Contender

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Movie Info

Synopsis When the sitting Vice President dies, Senator Laine Hanson is chosen by the President to be the first woman to hold the office. The selection meets with opposition from members of both parties, in particular a powerful political adversary who will seemingly stop at nothing to discredit her. Her confirmation hearings set off a firestorm of controversy as shocking secrets from Hanson's past are revealed, threatening her personal life as well as her political future.
Director
Rod Lurie
Producer
Willi Bär, Marc Frydman, James Spies, Douglas Urbanski
Screenwriter
Rod Lurie
Distributor
DreamWorks SKG
Production Co
Battleground Productions, Cinerenta, Cinecontender, SE8 Group
Rating
R (Strong Sexual Content|Language)
Genre
Mystery & Thriller
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Oct 13, 2000, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
May 8, 2015
Box Office (Gross USA)
$17.8M
Runtime
2h 6m
Sound Mix
SDDS, Dolby SR, Dolby Digital, DTS, Dolby Stereo
Aspect Ratio
Flat (1.85:1)
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