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Amadeus

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Amadeus

PG

Released Nov 13, 1984

2h 38m

Biography

History

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

90%

Tomatometer

156 Reviews

95%

Popcornmeter

100,000+ Ratings

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (Tom Hulce) is a remarkably talented young Viennese composer who unwittingly finds a fierce rival in the disciplined and determined Antonio Salieri (F. Murray Abraham). Resenting Mozart for both his hedonistic lifestyle and his undeniable talent, the highly religious Salieri is gradually consumed by his jealousy and becomes obsessed with Mozart's downfall, leading to a devious scheme that has dire consequences for both men.

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Critics Consensus

Amadeus' liberties with history may rankle some, but the creative marriage of Miloš Forman and Peter Shaffer yields a divinely diabolical myth of genius and mediocrity, buoyed by inspired casting and Mozart's rapturous music.

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Jake Cole

Slant Magazine

Amadeus is one of the greatest film portraits of an artist for capturing the essence of their work.

Feb 23, 2025

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Jay Scott

Globe and Mail

Decorated with a powdered-sugar sweetness and creamy lavishness unseen since the days of Josef von Sternberg, and performed by an eager to please, rootin'-tootin' American cast that would be comfortable in Oklahoma!, Amadeus is junk food par excellence.

Aug 8, 2022

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Gene Siskel

Chicago Tribune

The subject of artistic creation is typically handled badly in the movies... [Amadeus] treats the subject of creativity in a fresh way.

Rated: 3.5/4

Jul 11, 2022

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Michelle Swope

Elements of Madness

Forman’s Amadeus is a breathtaking, divine tragedy. Amadeus is a beautifully exhilarating, outrageous feast for the eyes and ears. The 4K restoration perfectly preserves the gorgeous look and sound of the theatrical cut of a timeless masterpiece.

Rated: 5/5

Feb 28, 2025

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Allison Rose

FlickDirect

The Oscar-nominated performances and powerful script make Amadeus a must-watch, bringing Mozart's genius and Salieri's rivalry to life in stunning 4K.

Rated: 4.5/5

Feb 25, 2025

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Stephen Silver

The SS Ben Hecht

Found an irresistible angle in telling the story of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart by routing it through the bitter jealousy and hatred of his less-talented rival, Antonio Salieri (40th anniversary)

Rated: 4.5/5

Sep 20, 2024

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Jonah V

Amadeus is a masterful cinematic piece that beautifully captures the brilliance of classical music and the complex genius of Mozart. It stands as a compelling tribute of creative rivalry.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/13/25

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Shioka O

Undoubtedly it's a masterpiece. Fine balance between dramatic, comedic and ironic.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

04/13/25

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cesar c

Heavy themes on how a man question gods plans with a set on opera.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/29/25

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Roberto T

If you watch one movie about a classical musician, let it be this one

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

03/26/25

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Bruce K

Antonio Salieri and Tom Hulce are brilliant and hilarious. One of the few movies that I rewind instead of fast forwarding.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/26/25

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Jon G

An absolute masterpiece

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/16/25

Full Review

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Milos Forman

Director

F. Murray Abraham

Antonio Salieri

Tom Hulce

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Jeffrey Jones

Emperor Joseph II

Elizabeth Berridge

Constanze Mozart

Simon Callow

Emanuel Schikaneder

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Synopsis

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (Tom Hulce) is a remarkably talented young Viennese composer who unwittingly finds a fierce rival in the disciplined and determined Antonio Salieri (F. Murray Abraham). Resenting Mozart for both his hedonistic lifestyle and his undeniable talent, the highly religious Salieri is gradually consumed by his jealousy and becomes obsessed with Mozart's downfall, leading to a devious scheme that has dire consequences for both men.

Director: Milos Forman
Producer: Saul Zaentz
Screenwriter: Peter Shaffer
Distributor: Orion Pictures, Warner Home Vídeo
Production Co: AMLF
Rating: PG
Genre: Biography, History, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Nov 13, 1984, Original
Release Date (Streaming): May 18, 2016
Runtime: 2h 38m
Sound Mix: Magnetic Stereo 6 Track, Surround, Dolby
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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