American Heart

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American Heart

R

Released Sep 17, 1992

1h 53m

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

86%

Tomatometer

14 Reviews

68%

Popcornmeter

1,000+ Ratings

This unflinching drama tells the story of recently released ex-convict Jack Kelson (Jeff Bridges) as he struggles to begin a new life outside of prison and build a relationship with his estranged teenage son Nick (Edward Furlong). With the deck stacked against them, Jack falls back on old habits as they struggle amid the vagrants and criminals of an impoverished section of Seattle. Just when it appears that they might succeed, Jack's past comes back to haunt him.

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Jonathan Rosenbaum

Chicago Reader

It's a pity that the plot culminates in a slew of melodramatic contrivances that leave a lot of strands hanging.

Jan 31, 2015

Full Review

Kevin Thomas

Los Angeles Times

Not since "Straight Time" with Dustin Hoffman has there been a film that more convincingly depicted the plight of the ex-con in his struggle to earn an honest living than the engaging "American Heart."

Jan 31, 2015

Full Review

Steve Beard

Empire Magazine

It could have been rather more honest, but it's still worth watching for Bridges' sensitive performance.

Rated: 3/5

Jan 31, 2015

Full Review

TV Guide

Never feels real for a second.

Rated: 2/5

Jan 31, 2015

Full Review

Emanuel Levy

EmanuelLevy.Com

The film begins as a gritty look at down-and-out lives in Seattle, but becomes a more conventional father-son melodrama, though the acting Jeff Bridges and Edward Furlong is good.

Rated: B-

Apr 25, 2006

Full Review

Chuck O'Leary

Fantastica Daily

Rated: 3/5

Oct 20, 2005

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georgan g

Story of children without love, support & guidance. Painful but compelling to watch.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

adam b

An amazing film dealing with some hard issues, it's one of the best films I've seen Jeff Bridges in. A must see for all film fans

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

Audience Member

A gritty, well-meaning drama about a father and son on the fringes of society. It's a pity that the plot culminates in a slew of melodramatic contrivances that leave a lot of strands hanging.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

01/25/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Some dead spots but Jeff Bridges was very good.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

02/19/23

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Audience Member

Ugly film with no redeeming values..

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

02/20/23

Full Review

Ty N

It seems that in most movies involving single parents, the mother is the single parent. American Heart gives us a different view on single parented America involving a father, a reckless one at that.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

12/08/15

Full Review

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Martin Bell

Director

Jeff Bridges

Jack Kelson

Edward Furlong

Nick Kelson

Lucinda Jenney

Charlotte

Don Harvey

Rainey

Tracey Kapinsky

Molly

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Synopsis

This unflinching drama tells the story of recently released ex-convict Jack Kelson (Jeff Bridges) as he struggles to begin a new life outside of prison and build a relationship with his estranged teenage son Nick (Edward Furlong). With the deck stacked against them, Jack falls back on old habits as they struggle amid the vagrants and criminals of an impoverished section of Seattle. Just when it appears that they might succeed, Jack's past comes back to haunt him.

Director: Martin Bell
Producer: Jeff Bridges, Rosilyn Heller
Screenwriter: Martin Bell, Peter Silverman, Mary Ellen Mark
Distributor: Laurenfilm S.A.
Production Co: Asis Films
Rating: R
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Sep 17, 1992, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Jun 1, 2007
Box Office (Gross USA): $107.9K
Runtime: 1h 53m
Sound Mix: Surround

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