Punch-Drunk Love

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Punch-Drunk Love

R

Released Oct 11, 2002

1h 35m

Romance

Comedy

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Popcornmeter

79%

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199 Reviews

77%

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100,000+ Ratings

Although susceptible to violent outbursts, bathroom supply business owner Barry Egan (Adam Sandler) is a timid and shy man by disposition, leading a lonely, uneventful life -- partly due to the constant berating he suffers from his seven sisters. However, several events transpire that shake up Egan's mundane existence, one of which is falling in love with one sister's co-worker, Lena Leonard (Emily Watson). But the romance is threatened when Egan falls victim to an extortionist.

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Critics Consensus

Odd, touching, and unique, Punch-Drunk Love is also delightfully funny, utilizing Adam Sandler's comic persona to explore the life of a lonely guy who finds love.

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Nell Minow

Common Sense Media

Odd romantic journey for adults and older teens.

Rated: 4/5

Dec 28, 2010

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David Ansen

Newsweek

It's a romantic comedy on the verge of a nervous breakdown.

Nov 1, 2007

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Derek Adams

Time Out

The film looks good and has its funny moments, but too often one senses Anderson straining to impress...

Jun 24, 2006

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Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

A romantic comedy that operates by the rules of its own self-contained universe.

Rated: 3/4

Jun 20, 2023

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Stephen Silver

Tilt Magazine

There’s also no overestimating how jarring it was at the time for Sandler to appear in a film like this- not only a non-comedy but something with such a weird, unconventional tone and pace (20th anniversary)

Rated: 4/5

Nov 8, 2022

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Danielle Solzman

Solzy at the Movies

Punch-Drunk Love marks an evolution in Adam Sandler's career because it showed that he was capable of more than just the typical comedy fare that he was in at the time.

Rated: 4/5

Oct 12, 2022

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Isa B

Barry Egan just might be the most lovable character ever written by Paul Thomas Anderson. Adam Sandler gives a career best performance. The entire cast is unbelievable in Punch-Drunk Love. The sound design is marvelous. The blue color scheme is beautiful. Jeremy Blake's video art is on full display. The use of the overexposed light is nice. After Barry punches the wall, you can clearly see the word "love" on his knuckles. A nice touch by the director. I absolutely love the soundtrack. The Popeye song is great! Barry Egan found love and became something of a Popeye in his own right. P.T. Anderson's eye for detail is a big part of what makes him one of the greatest filmmakers of all time. This is a masterful example of his greatness. Punch-Drunk Love is one of my favorite films and I highly recommend it. 95/100

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/06/24

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Mason M

Punch-Drunk Love has its fair number of flaws, mostly that the two plotlines can often feel disconnected from one another and that they should've spent more time developing them. But I also really enjoyed this film, Adam Sandler does a great job, it's shot beautifully, and ultimately tells a pretty compelling story.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

11/26/24

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Griffith J

No business looking this good with beautiful/subtle lighting. Strange & random but a warm tone that is just lovely. The screenplay is ridiculous but masterfully crafted. Simple yet uniquely profound with a great score & cast.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

09/25/24

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julie b

Phillip Seymour Hoffman screaming shut up is sensational. Perioooood. Another interesting story by PTA, this is quirky, eerie, romantic, and intense. The movie quickly oscillates between chaos and calm as if you’re right inside Barry’s head, and you never truly know what to expect next.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

09/23/24

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Faiz D

A dark, unique, surreal and uncommon film with Adam Sandler.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

08/29/24

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helder f

The first part of the movie is just plainly unpleasant. A headache from so many perspectives… to give it some credit, we are somewhat thrown into the chaotic state of this novelty’s salesman. Right among his fears, worries and beliefs. We have a glimpse into the sorts of pressure he gets mostly out his equally chaotic sisters. But again it’s just too unpleasant. The second half has its good moments, but it still doesn’t make up for the unpleasantness of the first part.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

08/10/24

Full Review

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Paul Thomas Anderson

Director

Adam Sandler

Barry Egan

Emily Watson

Lena Leonard

Philip Seymour Hoffman

Dean Trumbull

Luis Guzmán

Lance

Mary Lynn Rajskub

Elizabeth

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Punch-Drunk Love: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

Although susceptible to violent outbursts, bathroom supply business owner Barry Egan (Adam Sandler) is a timid and shy man by disposition, leading a lonely, uneventful life -- partly due to the constant berating he suffers from his seven sisters. However, several events transpire that shake up Egan's mundane existence, one of which is falling in love with one sister's co-worker, Lena Leonard (Emily Watson). But the romance is threatened when Egan falls victim to an extortionist.

Director: Paul Thomas Anderson
Producer: Paul Thomas Anderson, Daniel Lupi, JoAnne Sellar
Screenwriter: Paul Thomas Anderson
Distributor: Columbia Pictures
Production Co: Ghoulardi Film Company, Revolution Films
Rating: R (Strong Language|Scene of Sexual Dialogue)
Genre: Romance, Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Oct 11, 2002, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Dec 15, 2010
Box Office (Gross USA): $17.8M
Runtime: 1h 35m
Sound Mix: Dolby SR, DTS, Dolby Stereo, Surround, SDDS, Dolby A, Dolby EX, Dolby Digital
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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