Strange Days

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Strange Days

R

Released Oct 13, 1995

2h 25m

Mystery & Thriller

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Popcornmeter

70%

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56 Reviews

73%

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25,000+ Ratings

Former policeman Lenny Nero (Ralph Fiennes) has moved into a more lucrative trade: the illegal sale of virtual reality-like recordings that allow users to experience the emotions and past experiences of others. While the bootlegs typically contain tawdry incidents, Nero is shocked when he receives one showing a murder. He enlists a friend, bodyguard Mace (Angela Bassett), to help find the killer -- and the two soon stumble upon a vast conspiracy involving the police force Nero once worked for.

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Critics Consensus

Strange Days struggles to make the most of its futuristic premise, but what's left remains a well-directed, reasonably enjoyable sci-fi fantasy.

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Anthony Lane

The New Yorker

Fiennes holds steady; his moody, lonely performance, especially in the beguiling first half hour, lends the story an air of calm despair.

Mar 10, 2023

Full Review

Jonathan Rosenbaum

Chicago Reader

What this movie is ultimately saying is, don't think at all.

Rated: 2/4

Jun 7, 2022

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Juan M. Mendez

New York Daily News

Strange Days is not a simple film, but a profound sensory experience, where the filmmaker is the prophet of a reality just around the corner.

Rated: 4/4

Aug 18, 2021

Full Review

David Nusair

Reel Film Reviews

...a progressively erratic endeavor that fares best within its novel and often electrifying first half...

Rated: 2.5/4

Jul 27, 2025

Full Review

Zach Pope

Zach Pope Reviews

One of the most fascinating films I’ve ever watched

Jul 25, 2023

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Alan French

Sunshine State Cineplex

This flick is one of Bigelow's very best efforts. Hopefully, the world can finally acknowledge it as the subversive, brilliant work of a master.

Rated: 9/10

Feb 6, 2023

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Paul S

This movie was absolutely astounding! It is without a doubt one of the best cerebral sci-fis I've ever watched. The story was gripping, and the bleak, crime-ridden atmosphere wrapped in the hysteria of Y2K added so much intensity to the story. I definitely recommend it for sci-fi, crime, and thriller fans!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/15/25

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Ollie W

Good cinematography, direction and setting. A period piece when minidiscs seemed futuristic. Some great songs on the soundtrack. The film is ruined by the politically correct nature of the storyline. We’re meant to believe that the existence of footage of a black gang-banger being shot by police is the most important thing imaginable. The drama of the film rests on that. The film was clearly influenced by the LA riots of 1992. It’s too long. There are some pacing issues near the beginning. The dialog is far from perfect.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

07/14/25

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Nick E

More than anything, Strange Days is original.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

07/07/25

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Andy B

A heavy handed, overlong, grubby and rather dated 'sci-fi' that hasn't aged too well.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

07/06/25

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Stephen C

Success in 2 hours and 25 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The USA grossed over $7,300,000.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/01/25

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Ricardo E

Obra maestra y película de culto

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/08/24

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Kathryn Bigelow

Director

Ralph Fiennes

Lenny Nero

Angela Bassett

Lornette "Mace" Mason

Juliette Lewis

Faith Justin

Tom Sizemore

Max Peltier

Michael Wincott

Philo Gant

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Synopsis

Former policeman Lenny Nero (Ralph Fiennes) has moved into a more lucrative trade: the illegal sale of virtual reality-like recordings that allow users to experience the emotions and past experiences of others. While the bootlegs typically contain tawdry incidents, Nero is shocked when he receives one showing a murder. He enlists a friend, bodyguard Mace (Angela Bassett), to help find the killer -- and the two soon stumble upon a vast conspiracy involving the police force Nero once worked for.

Director: Kathryn Bigelow
Producer: Steven-Charles Jaffe, James Cameron
Screenwriter: James Cameron, Jay Cocks
Distributor: Fox, 20th Century Fox
Production Co: Lightstorm Entertainment
Rating: R
Genre: Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Oct 13, 1995, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 30, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $7.3M
Runtime: 2h 25m
Sound Mix: Surround, Stereo

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