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Citizen Kane

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3:44

Citizen Kane

PG

Released May 1, 1941

1h 59m

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

99%

Tomatometer

134 Reviews

90%

Popcornmeter

100,000+ Ratings

When a reporter is assigned to decipher newspaper magnate Charles Foster Kane's (Orson Welles) dying words, his investigation gradually reveals the fascinating portrait of a complex man who rose from obscurity to staggering heights. Though Kane's friend and colleague Jedediah Leland (Joseph Cotten), and his mistress, Susan Alexander (Dorothy Comingore), shed fragments of light on Kane's life, the reporter fears he may never penetrate the mystery of the elusive man's final word, "Rosebud."

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Critics Consensus

Orson Welles's epic tale of a publishing tycoon's rise and fall is entertaining, poignant, and inventive in its storytelling, earning its reputation as a landmark achievement in film.

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Tom Huddleston

Time Out

It remains as witty, tragic, unlikely, unique and fascinating as ever.

Rated: 5/5

Dec 12, 2024

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Wendy Ide

Times (UK)

Genuinely innovative film-making.

Jan 18, 2024

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Ida Belle Hicks

Fort Worth Star-Telegram/DFW.com

We aren't going to quibble about the genius business. Time will take care of that and if Welles goes down in history as one well be happy to have been among those who enjoyed the results of his great talent.

Mar 2, 2021

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David Parkinson

Radio Times

Utterly unmissable.

Rated: 5/5

Jul 1, 2024

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Noah Gittell

Washington City Paper

Kane innovated several filmmaking techniques. The film pioneered a genre.

Sep 14, 2023

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Manuel São Bento

MSB Reviews

Everything about this movie's production and origin, the precedent-setting technical aspects, and the innovative storytelling all prove that Orson Welles was a perfectionist filmmaker far ahead of its time.

Rated: A+

Jul 24, 2023

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Bobby B

Overall, this is a good film. As good as people say? No. Its pacing is slightly off. But aside from this and a few other problems, it is very good. I have never seen a film that used such interesting camera work back then. If you had told me that this was a period piece that came out last year, I would believe you. Well, I wouldn't because I know some of the actors and stuff, but you get the point.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

05/23/25

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Bilal M

I was recommended this by my grandfather. we watched it together but I didn't have the heart to tell him its ABSOLUTE TRASH. 1. No Big Booty Latina - I saw no Spanish booty on my screen, thus, boring 2. Not enough Visual Stimulation - the whole film was in black and white and boring. throw in some subway surfers game play and family guy clips on the side and THEN i'll consider watching your trash 3. No Memes - they should have had them dabbing to MLG and phonk music playing in the back for 15 minutes during the boring parts. we can all agree that would make it better 4. That one tall dude should have said "Tralalero TralalaTralalero TralalaTralalero TralalaTralalero TralalaTralalero TralalaTralalero TralalaTralalero TralalaTralalero TralalaTralalero TralalaTralalero Tralala" and it would have been so good 5. no skibbidi toiulet next time you make a movie make sure these things are on it. this utter TRASH is overrated and I just made it bettetr

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

05/06/25

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Lionel H

i was looking forward to seeing it but i couldnt get through the whole movie it is boring and i just dont understand the hype around it just dont waste your time.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

04/25/25

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Audience Member

The plot is very interesting and the acting as well. Although I believe it is "dragging" after a while, the conclusion about true happiness is very moving and sincere.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

04/13/25

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Aidan S

An amazing display showcasing wealth, power, innocence and the consequences of self narcissism. An important staple to the movie industry.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

04/07/25

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Gray W

Minecraft movie was better

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

04/19/25

Full Review

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Orson Welles

Director

Orson Welles

Charles Foster Kane

Joseph Cotten

Jedediah Leland

Ruth Warrick

Emily Norton Kane

Everett Sloane

Bernstein

Agnes Moorehead

Mrs. Mary Kane

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Citizen Kane: Trailer 1

3:44

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Synopsis

When a reporter is assigned to decipher newspaper magnate Charles Foster Kane's (Orson Welles) dying words, his investigation gradually reveals the fascinating portrait of a complex man who rose from obscurity to staggering heights. Though Kane's friend and colleague Jedediah Leland (Joseph Cotten), and his mistress, Susan Alexander (Dorothy Comingore), shed fragments of light on Kane's life, the reporter fears he may never penetrate the mystery of the elusive man's final word, "Rosebud."

Director: Orson Welles
Producer: Orson Welles
Screenwriter: Herman J. Mankiewicz, Orson Welles, John Houseman
Distributor: RKO Radio Pictures
Production Co: Mercury Productions, RKO Radio Pictures Inc.
Rating: PG
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): May 1, 1941, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Jun 28, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $977.3K
Runtime: 1h 59m
Sound Mix: Mono
Aspect Ratio: Academy (1.33:1)

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