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The Public

Play trailer 2:31 Poster for The Public PG-13 Released Apr 5, 2019 1h 59m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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65% Tomatometer 96 Reviews 39% Popcornmeter 250+ Ratings
An act of civil disobedience turns into a standoff with police when homeless people in Cincinnati take over the public library to seek shelter from the bitter cold.
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The Public

The Public

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Critics Consensus

Its intentions are sometimes easier to appreciate than its execution, but The Public remains an earnest and reasonably engaging social advocacy drama.

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Critics Reviews

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Peter Rainer FilmWeek (KPCC - NPR Los Angeles) It's heart is in the right place in many ways, but it just outlines everything so clearly in red marker that it doesn't let you discovers things for yourself. Still, it's an estimable effort in some ways. Sep 15, 2020 Full Review Kevin Maher Times (UK) That everything ends on a weird happy-clappy high is indicative of a scattershot project that could have done with less ambition, more focus. Rated: 2/5 Feb 24, 2020 Full Review Linda Marric The Jewish Chronicle The Public presents a heartening story of triumph of good over evil, but sadly lacks the gravitas one would usually expect from these types of stories. Rated: 2/5 Feb 21, 2020 Full Review JD Duran InSession Film It's filled with strong, relevant messages while still being fun and watchable. Rated: A Aug 19, 2024 Full Review M.N. Miller Ready Steady Cut When you combine The Public’s penchant for cheap sentiment and its social advocacy message, you get the equivalent of cinematic social conscience fluffernutter that is spread too thin. Rated: 2.5/5 Aug 18, 2022 Full Review Greg Wetherall NME (New Musical Express) Emilio Estevez tackles blinkered bureaucrats in this high-minded social advocacy drama. Rated: 3/5 Jun 14, 2021 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

View All (98) audience reviews
Alex S an honest film about unhoused gentlemen who need a place to go besides outside of a 7/eleven Rated 1 out of 5 stars 05/22/24 Full Review Brave S Emilio Estevez? More like Emilio Should Stop Directing. Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars 05/22/24 Full Review Andy B Love this movie so much on so many levels... a truly 'feel good' i have watched more than once. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/05/23 Full Review deke p "MESSage" movie guilt trips reluctance to open public buildings, libraries, to 'house the homeless". The final scenes is emblematic of the side that thinks that makes sense and would be good for anyone. Saw it in theater when it came out. It's on the TV set again Tues 4.5.22 on ch34.3. The 'BOUNCE Channel' Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars 03/30/23 Full Review Audience Member It's a good story played out everyday in different forms. The plight of the homeless and disadvantaged is eternal. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/01/23 Full Review Audience Member This was an excellent representation of the homeless community, and the fact that they are people who are worthy to be loved and heard. It was also nice to see Estevez and Slater in a movie again. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/17/23 Full Review Read all reviews
The Public

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Cast & Crew

The Sisterhood of Night 81% 65% The Sisterhood of Night Watchlist Rosie 94% 77% Rosie Watchlist TRAILER for Rosie The Vessel 67% 44% The Vessel Watchlist Aardvark 8% 33% Aardvark Watchlist TRAILER for Aardvark Wildlife 94% 72% Wildlife Watchlist TRAILER for Wildlife Discover more movies and TV shows. View More

Movie Info

Synopsis An act of civil disobedience turns into a standoff with police when homeless people in Cincinnati take over the public library to seek shelter from the bitter cold.
Director
Emilio Estevez
Producer
Lisa Niedenthal, Alex Lebovici, Steve Ponce, Emilio Estevez
Screenwriter
Emilio Estevez
Distributor
Greenwich Entertainment
Production Co
Hammerstone Studios, Cedarvale Pictures, E2 Films
Rating
PG-13 (Nudity|Language|Some Suggestive Content|Thematic Material)
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Apr 5, 2019, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
Jul 2, 2019
Box Office (Gross USA)
$571.2K
Runtime
1h 59m
Aspect Ratio
Scope (2.35:1)
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