Lone Star

Lone Star (1996)

  • 93% of critics liked it
    (41 reviews)

  • 81% of users liked it
    (8,797 ratings)

Reminiscent of a fine novel in depth and complexity, writer-director John Sayles' acclaimed drama uses the investigation of a 25-year-old murder as the framework for a detailed exploration of life in a Texas border town. The nominal center of the film is Sheriff Sam Deeds (the superb, subtle… More

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R,
Directed By
Written By
John Sayles
Genres
Western, Drama, Romance, Mystery & Suspense
In Theaters
Jun 21, 1996 Wide
On DVD
Nov 9, 1999
Sony Pictures Home Entertainment

Critic Reviews

  • John Hartl, Seattle Times

    [A] complex and rewarding new Texas murder mystery.

  • Cole Smithey, ColeSmithey.com

    One of several of writer-director John Sayles's masterpieces -alongside such unforgettable films as "City of Hope," "Matewan" and "The Secret of Roan Inish" - "Lone Star" is an absorbing neo-Western mystery told in a haunting magical realist tone.

  • Rob Gonsalves, eFilmCritic.com

    The latest chapter in Sayles' ongoing great American novel.

  • Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com

    Lone Star, one of Sayles best and most popular films, explores the historical strain between the Mexican and American communities in Texas. Though a bit didactic (too many sermons), it's well acted and visually more satisfying than his other films

  • Michael Dequina, TheMovieReport.com

    Well over two hours with not a single minute wasted.

Read all 15 critic reviews

See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

  • Dan S


    A near-masterpiece of the noir genre, detailing the dirty underpinnings of a close-knit town in Texas, specifically a respected sheriff (Chris Cooper) who stumbles upon a long-buried mystery that his late father (Matthew McConaughey, played in flash-backs) might have been involved in.… More

  • Sophie B


    Far too long for what it is, I just couldn't concentrate on it and couldn't understand what was going on. Not my type of movie.

  • Jeff "


    Lone Star is an incredible crime / drama film. John Sayles directs an incredible cast of talented actors in this well plotted drama. Lonestar mixes many genres into one film, and director John Sayles manages to master every combined genre into one film. Lonestar is an incredible drama… More

  • familiar s


    The movie begins with the discovery of a skull, a ring & a badge on a deserted rifle range. This prompts Sheriff Sam Deeds to investigate the matter. But from there on, the investigation takes the back seat. What follows is the story of the legendary Buddy Deeds, how his son Sam… More

  • Randy T


    Sayles starts off with a plethora of concurrent story lines and flashbacks but manages to tie them all together quite nicely. This film deals with everything from parenting to immigration to racism to mental illness to politics to Texas history... Oh yes, almost forgot, and murder.… More

Read all 17 featured audience ratings

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Cast

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