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Stage Beauty

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Stage Beauty

R

Released Oct 8, 2004

1h 50m

History

Drama

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Popcornmeter

64%

Tomatometer

126 Reviews

78%

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10,000+ Ratings

Humble Maria (Claire Danes), who outfits top London theater star Ned Kynaston (Billy Crudup), takes none of the credit for the male actor's success at playing women. And because this is the 17th century, Maria, like other females, is prohibited from pursuing her dream of acting. But when powerful people support her, King Charles II (Rupert Everett) lifts the ban on female stage performers. And just as Maria aided Ned, she needs his help to learn her new profession.

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Critics Consensus

Uneven but enjoyable, Stage Beauty uses historical events as the springboard for a well-acted romance with a charming Shakespearean spin.

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Sheila Johnston

London Evening Standard

Stage Beauty... has a lot going for it. Richard Eyre's spritely direction helps hide the holes in the plot, creating a vivid, raucous, underworld London of transvestites, whores and pickpockets, some played by a terrific supporting cast.

Jan 10, 2018

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Owen Gleiberman

Entertainment Weekly

Rated: C+

Sep 7, 2011

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David Ansen

Newsweek

It's a marvelous premise, and Crudup's serpentine performance has a venomous grace. But Jeffrey Hatcher's screenplay too often sacrifices psychological insight for bogus theatricality.

Nov 1, 2007

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Eddie Harrison

film-authority.com

...an unusually literate drama which has a cool take on the war between the sexes...'

Rated: 4/5

Aug 6, 2021

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Wesley Lovell

Cinema Sight

"Stage Beauty" has the grace and charm of a great play. It has its acts, its drama and its comedy.

Rated: 4/4

Apr 17, 2005

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Lawrence Toppman

Charlotte Observer

A vapid confection.

Rated: 2/4

Mar 11, 2005

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Mich T

A gem of a movie and even better the second time round. Very entertaining and with incredible performances from all, particularly Billy Crudup who shines throughout. Loved it!

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

06/23/23

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Steve D

Fun and well acted. Strong cast.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

02/12/23

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Audience Member

An awe-inspiring performance from Billy Crudup..This movie shows the sheer talent of this actor playing a man (Kynston) who is adored by the public for playing women's parts. Billy shines most when his character is desperately injured and abandoned by his former friends. His Othello is raging and breath-stopping as he kills his wife. Claire Danes puts in a magnificent performance as a mousey dresser turned actress, and her Desdemona is deservedly a show-stopper. But, side by side with Billy, his light outshines hers, and his mastery of the smallest details throughout this piece make his character richer and more complex than hers. Still, If I could give this movie six stars, I would.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/12/23

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Frances H

Not a flawless film, but with good acting and an engrossing story, it keeps you wanting to watch.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/14/17

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Audience Member

Somewhat predictable, even with the film's unique subject matter.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/27/23

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Audience Member

Near perfection. The chemistry between Danes and Crudup is out of this world. I could feel the odds each character was up against and the struggle they both had / felt. Outstanding movie!!

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/17/23

Full Review

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Richard Eyre

Director

Billy Crudup

Ned Kynaston

Claire Danes

Maria

Rupert Everett

King Charles II

Tom Wilkinson

Betterton

Ben Chaplin

George Villiars, Duke of Buckingham

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Synopsis

Humble Maria (Claire Danes), who outfits top London theater star Ned Kynaston (Billy Crudup), takes none of the credit for the male actor's success at playing women. And because this is the 17th century, Maria, like other females, is prohibited from pursuing her dream of acting. But when powerful people support her, King Charles II (Rupert Everett) lifts the ban on female stage performers. And just as Maria aided Ned, she needs his help to learn her new profession.

Director: Richard Eyre
Producer: Robert De Niro, Richard Eyre
Screenwriter: Jeffrey Hatcher
Distributor: Lionsgate/Artisan
Production Co: Returning Productions
Rating: R (Sexual Content|Language)
Genre: History, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Oct 8, 2004, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 14, 2012
Box Office (Gross USA): $776.7K
Runtime: 1h 50m
Sound Mix: Surround, Dolby SR
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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