American Beauty

The film that made Steven Spielberg cry. Mendes's sure-footed, inventive direction, a clever screenplay beating mercilessly at the hypocritical morals and warped relationships of the average American family, and phenomenal performances, including the supporting roles (the excellent Chris Cooper!!) made this unassuming film a well-deserved cinematic event of the year. The emotional ending only underscores the extraordinary and profound experience. When my friend and I walked home from the cinema, we hardly spoke a word, how deeply we were moved. MUST SEE! (04/09/2002)

American Beauty became a huge hit when it came out in the United States, captivating both audiences and critics alike. It is considered by many to be the best American film of the 90s. Despite being Sam Mendes' first major film, it is surprisingly mature, skillfully crafted, and showcases his theater experience and talent for casting and directing actors. On the other hand, I never had the feeling that I was watching a great film. I got the impression that it was gliding on the surface, without going deep into the roots of behavior or showing the causes of events. Instead, it creates somewhat stereotypical caricatures instead of fully developed characters. It doesn't present any solutions, and all the characters behave conventionally, with their rebellion being completely harmless and stemming from morally debatable positions. Despite all this, it is still one of the significantly better films created in the 90s, and it is worth seeing. Overall impression: 80%. (02/07/2007)

I've seen this film many times (and probably will many more times :)), however I'm only writing this review now. The reason is the same as with The Dark Knight (I understand that this "comparison" may seem a bit bizarre at first glance.)) – I consider American Beauty to be a perfect film that I love because of one rather significant thing, and that is that those less than two hours of storytelling by Sam Mendes and Alan Ball absolutely got me and got to me. Mendes' directorial skill is evident from the very first minutes as he gradually introduces the viewer to that advertisement for a happy marriage, and also to the fact that many things in human life are one big absurdity that will one day come to an equally absurd end... I really don't know what to single out first – Kevin Spacey's acting, Alan Ball's brilliant screenplay and Sam Mendes' equally brilliant direction, Thomas Newman's beautiful score, or the performances of the other actors involved. American Beauty is a wonderful film, even if it is actually a rather scathing critique of America itself. :) (31/10/2010)

On a first viewing, it is an original film experience that delivers a probe into the American middle class presented in an unconventional and unique way. However, I believe that with each subsequent viewing, the viewer's satisfaction is slightly undermined, and the resulting product seems weaker and weaker. Sam Mendes has a sensitive and diligent direction, emphasizing details, and the screenplay is excellently developed, especially when it comes to the characters. Nevertheless, the whole thing seems too polished and meticulously arranged to me. It's as if with this film, Mendes wanted to say “I am a true artist, look at me.” (13/11/2005)

Unique film that relies on absolutely captivating performances, as well as on a great screenplay and excellent direction. Kevin Spacey guides you through small-town life and its façade is torn off like a bandage, revealing the rotten tissue underneath. And yet, it is still entertaining, emotional, and you will be on the edge of your seat. And then there's Mena... (04/04/2016)