Ripley's Game

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Ripley's Game

R

2002

1h 50m

Mystery & Thriller

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Popcornmeter

92%

Tomatometer

26 Reviews

67%

Popcornmeter

5,000+ Ratings

The third book in Patricia Highsmith's Ripley series, "Ripley's Ball" is set in present day Italy, where art connoisseur, harpsichord aficionado, master of soufflés and genius of improvisational murder, Ripley (John Malkovich) finds his complacency shaken when he is scorned at a local party. While any ordinary sociopath might repay the insult with some mild act of retribution, the game Ripley has in mind is far subtler, and infinitely more sinister.

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Critics Consensus

Led by a suitably slimy performance from John Malkovich, Ripley's Game brings Patricia Highsmith's bestselling sociopath brilliantly to life.

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Alan Morrison

Empire Magazine

Malkovich is perhaps the best, most chillingly precise Ripley to date.

Rated: 4/5

Dec 30, 2006

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Peter Travers

Rolling Stone

As slithery and seductive a thriller as you'll find.

Rated: 3.5/4

Mar 11, 2004

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Andrew Sarris

Observer

Arguably the most satisfying distillation of Highsmith's nastiness, ingenuity and humor, with the added dividend of Mr. Malkovich's diabolical charm and insouciance.

Feb 26, 2004

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Dave Giannini

InSession Film

It is mostly mediocre fare. There are wasted quality actors, drifting plotting, and less than impressive directorial choices. But any movie with Malkovich in a lead role is not likely to be completely forgettable.

Feb 23, 2024

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Felix Vasquez Jr.

Cinema Crazed

A surprising film with so much going for it including a lot of intrigue in Hitchcockian proportions...

Apr 29, 2009

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Jennie Kermode

Eye for Film

Rated: 4.5/5

Dec 7, 2007

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Kevin L

Oh that Ripley. That pesky conscience can get in the way, eh Pet? Malkovich, Winstone, and Dougray Scott are all great. Heady and Caselli are as well; and could be half-sisters, at least. Credit to casting for this lineup of talent. Made for some fine chemsitry on the screen. I'm not familiar with director/co-writer Cavani, but she pulled this off well. The right tone is set and maintained very well. The pacing is very good. And any plot hole issues are very minor at best. Most of all there is a strong sense of tension and dread when needed, to go with the convincing sense of care-free conscience for dear Mr. Ripley. 3.8 stars

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

06/05/25

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Alan Joseph H

Highly recommended. The role is just right for Malkovich; diesarmingly amoral and utterly self-confident. as he was in Dangerous Liaisons.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

08/25/24

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Douglas P

I liked this movie, good scenes from Europe and, a good storyline and John Malkovich is always good. Be sure to watch it to the end, it may get a little slow in the middle but follow it to the end

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

10/08/23

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Colin M

Interesting well-worked movie.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

05/20/23

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steve d

The acting is good, but I just don't get the appeal of this series.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

03/30/23

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Audience Member

Expected more. Malkovich was great, but felt slow and not engaging.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

12/11/22

Full Review

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Liliana Cavani

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Tom Ripley

Dougray Scott

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Synopsis

The third book in Patricia Highsmith's Ripley series, "Ripley's Ball" is set in present day Italy, where art connoisseur, harpsichord aficionado, master of soufflés and genius of improvisational murder, Ripley (John Malkovich) finds his complacency shaken when he is scorned at a local party. While any ordinary sociopath might repay the insult with some mild act of retribution, the game Ripley has in mind is far subtler, and infinitely more sinister.

Director: Liliana Cavani
Producer: Simon Bosanquet, Ileen Maisel
Screenwriter: Patricia Highsmith
Production Co: Cattleya, Mr. Mudd
Rating: R (Strong Violence|Strong Language|Some Sexuality)
Genre: Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Jul 1, 2011
Runtime: 1h 50m
Sound Mix: Surround

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