Punch-Drunk Love

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2:25

Punch-Drunk Love

R

2002

1h 35m

Romance

Comedy

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

79%

Tomatometer

201 Reviews

78%

Popcornmeter

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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Kevin Maher

The Times (UK)

The reinvention of Sandler, of course, is the big sell and it takes a film-maker of Anderson’s vision to see in his cartoonish oeuvre the potential for softness and sympathy.

Rated: 4/5

Feb 14, 2025

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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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Rachel Wagner

Rachel's Reviews (YouTube)

I loved the cinematography in this film. One of the best Paul Thomas Anderson films I've seen

Feb 27, 2025

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Rudie Obias

Battleship Pretension

It has a pulse, while Sandler’s full array of acting chops is put on display with vulnerability and nuance.

Feb 15, 2025

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Douglas Davidson

Elements of Madness

... still packs the same punch, sending one reeling with the sense of isolation and desperation of just trying to connect with someone about anything. Connection is key to survival, as is finding your people. Do that, and you can accomplish anything.

Feb 3, 2025

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Chris

Loved the cinematic experience. Felt intimate with other viewers.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/25/25

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Jonathan O

Before Adam Sandler's uncut gems performance, punch drunk love is he's serious role and he did really remarkable. And Paul Thomas Anderson is great at filming locations in California including Claremont, Ca.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

11/23/25

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Lasse L

Punch-Drunk-Love is neither very funny nor romantic. I find it sad and unsettling. It's not a bad film, but it wasn't for me.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

10/05/25

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Kevin L

This was a tough watch for me. Took a couple of tries. Anderson ratches up the tension with Barry's general discomfort with social interaction, along with the score. The score was agitating for much of the movie, but that's the intention. Sandler's terrific as the awkward, frustrated Barry, and the always wonderful matches him as the one person who sees and embraces Barry for all his dysfunction. She sees the 'good man' and love he has to give that his own family barely seems to appreciate. Support roles are strong as well, esp. Hoffman, Rajskub, & Guzman. But those roles are not developed, so it's only Barry, and somewhat Lena, the we see much growth in or develop more of a grasp of as a character. Pacing was s/thing of an issue for me, but stick with it and let it be what it is. It comes together well in the last 'act'. 3.3 stars

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

09/28/25

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Juan O

Se nota la gran calidad de autor de Paul Thomas Anderson, y Adam Sandler nos regala una actuación excelente.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

09/20/25

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Joaquin C

Mi película favorita!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/05/25

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

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Punch-Drunk Love: Trailer 1

2:25

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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: Revolution Films, Ghoulardi Film Company
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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