Lizzie Borden Took an Ax

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Lizzie Borden Took an Ax

TV-14

2014

1h 30m

Drama

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Popcornmeter

40%

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15 Reviews

36%

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250+ Ratings

In 1892, Lizzie Borden (Christina Ricci) stands trial for the brutal murder of her father and stepmother.

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Chelsea Steiner

Autostraddle

Whenever any of the characters in this movie talk about the murder, we see the same quick shots of bloody axes and bodies.

Jun 12, 2018

Full Review

David Hinckley

New York Daily News

The movie itself apparently isn't sure the murders themselves are lurid enough. So it adds a few things that didn't happen, plus some 21st-century music.

Rated: 2/5

Jan 27, 2014

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Mary McNamara

Los Angeles Times

The movie ends on such a note as to cause the audience to wonder how long it will take before "A," of Pretty Little Liars fame, starts leaving Lizzie Borden an incriminating text or two.

Jan 27, 2014

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Marisa LaScala

PopMatters

Lifetime's made-for-TV movie Lizzie Borden Took an Axe covers the events of the murder and ensuing trial, but doesn't really get any deeper into the crime than the schoolyard chant does.

Rated: 3/10

May 5, 2014

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Paul Chambers

Movie Chambers

Included are the trial and all the trimmings. What's missing is the horror of the event. Except for a few shots of dear old daddy's caved-in face, there's not much gore, even for a TV movie.

Rated: C

May 4, 2014

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Rebecca Murray

Showbiz Junkies

There's a too-quick and convenient wrap-up to the film, but that's the only real sour note Lizzie Borden Took an Ax hits.

Rated: B

Apr 8, 2014

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The S

This version is embarrassing to even watch. It’s not Ricci’s fault…the acting is Ok, it’s just that the music is absolutely horrible. I mean just totally insufferable. Whoever was hired to do the music and ruined this production should be run out of Hollywood for good. It’s that bad. All in, the 70s version of the story in the made-for-tv version with Elizabeth Montgomery is way, way better than this one. Imagine that…they did a better job telling the story back in the 70s and this version can’t hold a candle to it. Maybe that says something about remakes. As it stands, this version is unwatchable due to the music which was bad enough when it came out but has not aged well since. Enough with the remakes already. This story has been told 100 times and none so well as the earliest versions.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

06/25/24

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Giorgio G

After her excellent flawless performance in this movie, the miniseries tops it all up, coming to an unexpected, but well thought of end; naturally after many more gruesome murders. I loved the movie as well as the miniseries, especially as I consider her acting in this role one the best of her career.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/25/23

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steve d

A great version with strong preformances and some interesting theories.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/30/23

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jorge g

Tells the fascinating story of Lizzie Borden. Ricci does an adequate job but looks miscast for the role (considering the real Borden's looks and demeanour). Duvall on the other hand is excellent. There are definitely cons, like the horribly out of place 21st century music, or the repetitive clips of axe-swinging, but overall it's a quite watchable film with significant historical accuracy.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

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Audience Member

Well made and pretty authentic, but the music was an odd choice.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/23/23

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Audience Member

I think the writing is pretty good, and the costumes and aesthetic are incredible. They completely removed Lizzie's uncle from the narrative. My major gripe with it is the music. Their music choice is odd. They ise all these rock n roll songs and it just doesnt fit.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

01/14/23

Full Review

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Nick Gomez

Director

Christina Ricci

Lizzie Borden

Billy Campbell

Andrew Jennings

Clea Duvall

Emma

Stephen McHattie

Mr. Borden

Sara Botsford

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Synopsis

In 1892, Lizzie Borden (Christina Ricci) stands trial for the brutal murder of her father and stepmother.

Director: Nick Gomez
Producer: Michael Mahoney
Screenwriter: Stephen Kay, David Coggeshall
Production Co: Sony Pictures Television
Rating: TV-14
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 8, 2014
Runtime: 1h 30m

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