The Childhood of a Leader

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The Childhood of a Leader

Released Jul 22, 2016

1h 55m

Mystery & Thriller

History

Drama

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90%

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67 Reviews

54%

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1,000+ Ratings

The childhood of a post-World War I leader.

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Critics Consensus

The Childhood of a Leader mirrors the rise of fascism in post-WWI Europe with a well-acted, confidently crafted look at one young man's unsettling coming of age.

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Alexandra Heller-Nicholas

The Blue Lenses

While a more allegorical approach may have provided a shallower sense of satisfaction, it is the deliberate ambiguities of Childhood of a Leader that house its lasting, more enduring and inescapably disturbing impact.

Aug 25, 2018

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David Stratton

The Australian

The problem with the film is that it promises more than it delivers.

Rated: 2.5/5

Mar 17, 2017

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Kate Muir

Times (UK)

The Childhood of a Leader signals a fascinating new talent in art cinema: the actor Brady Corbet.

Rated: 4/5

Oct 10, 2016

Full Review

Q.V. Hough

Vague Visages

The Childhood of a Leader may not behold a traditional narrative, yet Corbet's auterist style creates a memorable visceral effect.

Feb 20, 2022

Full Review

Tony Black

Cultural Conversation

One almost senses after watching Brady Corbet's film that to ignore its warnings could be to our peril.

Rated: 3/5

Jan 31, 2021

Full Review

Dustin Chang

ScreenAnarchy

The Childhood of a Leader owes big to its young star Tom Sweet. As a wide eyed, bratty kid, his brave performance alone will cause a string of nature vs nurture debates...

Jul 17, 2020

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Dani G

Classic example of a movie with good production design and good production values in general, but a very little engaging story.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

03/24/24

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Gareth v

The story of how an entitled boy turns into a facist. Despite having a number of flat spots the story is compelling enough.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

06/22/23

Full Review

Audience Member

This kid's childhood sucks - but the movie sucks even worse. I get it, its a deep dive drama into the psyche of a fascist leader. Also doubles as a sleeping pill.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

01/12/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Irritating bad bullshit !!! unwatchable !!!

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

02/01/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Filme podre, recomendo não assisti-lo de jeito nenhum. Ele tem 2h de duração de puro nada, cenas aleatórias, dramas aleatórios. Um desenvolvimento arrastado, historia nada envolvente e um final que te faz arrepender de ter visto esse filme.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

02/15/23

Full Review

Audience Member

The cinematography got in the way of the plot. Making it absolutely mind numbing. And the constant "intense" music only gives you a headache and does nothing for the atmosphere of the film. The historical significance is important sure. Although there is no way I'd want to sit through this movie ever again.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

01/26/23

Full Review

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Brady Corbet

Director

Robert Pattinson

Charles Marker

Liam Cunningham

The Father

Stacy Martin

Ada

Bérénice Bejo

The Mother

Sophie Lane Curtis

Actor

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The Childhood of a Leader: Trailer 1

2:04

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Synopsis

The childhood of a post-World War I leader.

Director: Brady Corbet
Producer: Chris Coen, Brady Corbet, Helena Danielsson, Antoine de Clermont-Tonnerre
Screenwriter: Brady Corbet
Distributor: IFC Films
Production Co: Bow and Arrow Entertainment, Hepp Film, Filmteam
Genre: Mystery & Thriller, History, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jul 22, 2016, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 22, 2016
Runtime: 1h 55m
Sound Mix: Dolby Digital

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