Featured Audience Ratings

• Mark W

  
  Three years previous to this, director Tony Kaye and star Edward Norton addressed white supremicist racism in "American History X". This shares similiar themes but focuses more on the hatred toward Jews. The real similarity between the films though are blisteringly powerful… More
  Three years previous to this, director Tony Kaye and star Edward Norton addressed white supremicist racism in "American History X". This shares similiar themes but focuses more on the hatred toward Jews. The real similarity between the films though are blisteringly powerful performances from both lead actors. Daniel Balint (Ryan Gosling) is a yeshiva-educated young Jewish man in New York who rejects his heritage and chooses to become a neo-Nazi skinhead. His passion is frighteningly real which leads to looming dangers for himself and his community. The comparisons are inevitable and although both powerful and controversial films in their own right, with "American History X" and "The Believer" it's the tour-de-force performances from Edward Norton and Ryan Gosling that really take centre stage. Gosling is no less effective than Norton's Oscar nominated turn and after seeing this, it's getting to the stage that it seems there's no limits to his acting range. He is this film. Don't get me wrong, writer/director Henry Bean crafts some strong and intelligent dialogue, but it's Gosling's delivery of anti-semitic vitriol that packs the real power. The problems it faces are having a less than par supporting cast and a made for television budget. The flaws show but it's still a savage examination of anti-semitism and one worthy of attention. A brave film anchored by a bold and brave performance. It's easy to see why this put Ryan Gosling on the map, he delivers a ferocious piece of work.

• Thomas J

  
  Ryan shines as an actor. Without the cliches like the tight jawed, no make up wearing woman with the pulled back hair trying to control an activist movement and the whore that is capable of love; this movie had more potential that was lost. This was one of Ryan Gosling's… More
  Ryan shines as an actor. Without the cliches like the tight jawed, no make up wearing woman with the pulled back hair trying to control an activist movement and the whore that is capable of love; this movie had more potential that was lost. This was one of Ryan Gosling's earliest standout roles and knowing he started on "The Mickey Mouse Club" and has not had formal acting training shows an actor that chooses jobs that challenge him verses makes him money (although I am sure he has plenty money also).

• Lady D

  
  The Believer is a tale of hypocrocy and confusion. Whilst Gosling plays his role well, the storyline (although worthy of telling) isn?t told in the best way possible. As there are many neo/nazi style films that have been told quite powerfully and realistically this doesn?t quite… More
  The Believer is a tale of hypocrocy and confusion. Whilst Gosling plays his role well, the storyline (although worthy of telling) isn?t told in the best way possible. As there are many neo/nazi style films that have been told quite powerfully and realistically this doesn?t quite measure up for me, but still makes an eye-opening watch.

• ♥˩ƳИИ &

  
  I really didn't want to watch this film. I am not a big fan of racist movies. But I watched it for the simple fact that Ryan Gosling is in it and I am an avid fan. So I wanted to see him become this role, and that he did.. There were deffinetly moments I cringed and found myself… More
  I really didn't want to watch this film. I am not a big fan of racist movies. But I watched it for the simple fact that Ryan Gosling is in it and I am an avid fan. So I wanted to see him become this role, and that he did.. There were deffinetly moments I cringed and found myself wanting to stop the movie. Ryan seems to throw himself into any and every character he is. I thought his performance was another outstanding one. I think his character is struggling to comes to terms with his relationship with God and the more he fights his Jewish beliefs the closer it brings him to them. I find his character to be very confused on who he wants to be. I am glad I decided to watch this movie and glad I didn't press stop. I think Ryan is such an amazing actor and really doesn't get enough credit. Watch this film..

• Pierluigi P

  
  Ryan Gosling does a surprisingly good job here. The film is a little odd, especially the ending, but that doesn't hurt it too much. aggressively direct and thought provoking.

• A B

  
  Nonesense about jews - Give it a miss unless you are Jewish.

• Jose Z

  
  what a movie, so well made, very very interesting.

• Emily A

  
  A really dark movie, but Young Hercules is great in this movie. Interesting on so many levels, this flick is real brain food.

• John B

  
  I enjoyed this film far more than American History X because we have the unique depiction of a Jew who ends up hating himself. A sometimes difficult film..the trip is worth the journey.

• Danny R

  
  Ryan Gosling's searing star-making breakout performance dominates this truly disturbing drama, it concerns a young Jewish man, named Danny Balint whose reasoning is warped by his own self-hated, he has chosen to become a neo-Nazi skinhead who has no qualms about beating the hell… More
  Ryan Gosling's searing star-making breakout performance dominates this truly disturbing drama, it concerns a young Jewish man, named Danny Balint whose reasoning is warped by his own self-hated, he has chosen to become a neo-Nazi skinhead who has no qualms about beating the hell out of a Jewish kid or planting a bomb in a synagogue, Balint is increasingly becoming more and more twisted, his behavior comes from his own religious education, and his rebellion again the Torah, which has him caught in a web of moral contradictions. Gosling is nothing short of phenomenal, his conflicted antihero will have you absolutely riveted, his character's self-loathing and rage jumps right at you from the screen, it is a unforgettable acting tour-de-force. Astute direction by Harry Bean in his feature debut, and superlative supporting performances by Summer Phoenix, Theresa Russell, Billy Zane, A.D. Miles, Glenn Fitzgerald and Garret Dillahunt. A brilliant original screenplay by Harry Bean & Mark Jacobson, filmed on location in New York City, superbly photographed by cinematographer Jim Denault. This remarkably emotional and hard-hitting motion picture won the 2001 jury prize at the Sundance Film Festival. Highly Recommended.

• Mike T

  
  I'm disappointed. Ryan Gosling's explosively transfixing performance is the only great thing in this film. Its script is defined by consistent mediocrity interrupted by one or two scenes of genuine power. The dialogue is unconvincing and all of the actors surrounding Gosling… More
  I'm disappointed. Ryan Gosling's explosively transfixing performance is the only great thing in this film. Its script is defined by consistent mediocrity interrupted by one or two scenes of genuine power. The dialogue is unconvincing and all of the actors surrounding Gosling feel like they belong in daytime TV.

• Erin C

  
  I guess the acting was good, but I didn't care for this at all.

• Sarah P

  
  I thought it was really interesting, Ryan Gosling was great as usual. It raises many questions about religion and I liked the ending a lot.

• Leanna E

  
  I watched this movie when it was first released, and found it tough going. Its very good, but difficult to watch. A powerful performance from Ryan Gosling made me check out most of his movies since then.

• FanGirl B

  
  Very powerful film with a powerhouse performance by Gosling. This is not an easy film to watch but it's a great film. If you liked American History X you have to see this film.

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