Jeff Bridges, John Goodman, Julianne Moore

The Coen brothers and their agreeable cast make more fun than sense with this scattered farce about a pothead bowler who is mistaken for a deadbeat philanthropist and drawn into a cluster of kidnapper...( read more  read more... )s, nihilists, porn mobsters and Busby Berkeley beauties.

Flixster Users

93% liked it

305,096 ratings

Critics

78% liked it

72 critics

R, 1 hr. 57 min.

Directed by: Joel Coen

Release Date: March 6, 1998

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DVD Release Date: October 27, 1998

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Stats: 28,823 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (28,823)


  • October 31, 2009
    It was funny and crazy. I liked it... Jeff's hair was gorgeous, I just wanted to run my fingers through it. And the ferret in the tub. HA HA HA!!!
  • October 1, 2009
    A few really funny parts, but pretty dumb otherwise. Good cast though.
  • September 3, 2009
    Only the Coen brothers (and Bridges of coarse) could make an unemployed, scruffy, old hippie type of 'dude', the coolest film character of all time, whom every man on this planet aspires to be like. Another great comedy from the Brother Coen, possibly their funniest and definitel...( read more)y their coolest! Brilliant!
  • June 11, 2009
    Infused with a screwball energy like no other, this scatological fable says little but has great fun doing it.
  • June 9, 2009
    My favourite Coen brothers movie changes over the years as I watch and rewatch their amazingly original and consistently surprising oeuvre. When I first saw 'The Big Lebowski' on its original release I enjoyed it but thought it was a bit of a slight "fun" movie with less depth th...( read more)an many of their previous works. Now, a few years and several viewing later, I have come to realise just how accomplished a movie it is, and it has become one of my all time favourite movies. Other film makers have attempted to weave together various genres, styles and images in a similarly eclectic, postmodern fashion, but few do it as seamlessly and with such wit as Ethan and Joel Coen. 'The Big Lewboski' is an extremely smart film, but it doesn't shout "look at me! Aren't I clever?". It sucks you in from the get go, and bottom line it is FUNNY, and as it is a comedy that's what counts the most! Everything about the movie is perfect, the script, the direction, set design, costumes, and the wonderful soundtrack (one of the most brilliant ever assembled, it includes lesser known Dylan and Elvis Costello numbers, Creedence classics, and songs from cult favourites like Yma Sumac, Captain Beefheart, Moondog, Esquivel and garage gods The Monks). Plus of course the actors, who are well cast and virtually flawless. Jeff Bridges ('Fat City', 'Starman') IS The Dude, and it's impossible to think of anyone else acting the role. Coen regulars John Goodman, Steve Buscemi, John Turturro, Peter Stomare, and Jon Polito are all on board, as well as Julianne Moore ('Boogie Nights'), David Huddleston ('Capricorn One'), Philip Seymour Hoffman ('Magnolia') and Sam Elliot ('Mask'), even surprise cameos from Ben Gazzara ('The Killing Of A Chinese Bookie') and singer Jimmie Ray Gilmore. I can't fault 'The Big Lebowski', it is one of the most original and entertaining comedies ever made and a genuine modern classic. It's movies like this that keep me watching despite the endless mountain of mindless garbage that Hollywood continually spews out. If only every movie in the box office Top Ten was as inspired and amusing as this one!
  • November 15, 2009
    If I am Romeo, this movie is my Juliet. From the beginning narration from Sam Elliot through the twists and turns to "The Dude Abides" this movie is a delight. The unique characters, sharp dialogue, the soundtrack and the well acted roles just makes it perfect. Much better tha...( read more)n Fargo, this is the Coens at their peak.
  • November 13, 2009
    Cacchio, The Dude è uno dei personaggi migliori di sempre, penso sia umanamente impossibile non amarlo, si arriva quasi a volergli bene =D
    Pensare che all'inizio è stato un semi-flop.
    *risate registrate*
  • November 11, 2009
    What the fuck are you talking about? I'm talking about the best fucking comedy I've ever seen in my life. No matter how many times I watch this movie, I'll laugh at them all. Anyway, the chinaman is not the issue. Mark it zero, Dude.
    ...( read more)483/urlax.jpg" height="114" width="194">
  • November 9, 2009
    "Donnie, you're out of your element!" Best movie ever, full stop.
  • November 7, 2009
    Is there another film like The Big Lebowski? The Coens continue their "war on cliche's" with this zaniest of screwball comedies. Think Preston Sturges on acid. Did you know that Schrader voted it one of the top 40 films of all time? In typical Coens fashion, there's a layer of su...( read more)btext relating to The Dude as a Christ-like figure. No joke! His unconditional love of even the most idiotic friends, is admirable. Even the narrator says he's somewhat of a savior. After all, this film has inspired a pseudo-religion in real life. In the end, what makes Big Lebowski so appealing, is how it continues to get better with each viewing. Like a dear good friend, the more you get to know them, the fonder you become.

Critic Reviews


January 1, 2000
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

It's weirdly engaging, like its hero. full review

View more The Big Lebowski reviews at RottenTomatoes.com

Comments


  • youthagainstfascism1
    November 2, 2009
    "I told those fucks down at the league office a thousand times that I don't roll on Shabbos!"
  • jdlightning69
    September 13, 2008
    I still jerk off manually.
  • broadwaymo
    August 26, 2008
    The Dude: "Oh boy. How ya gonna keep 'em down on the farm once they've seen Karl Hungus."
  • maruschk
    July 10, 2008
    Donny, shut the fuck up.
  • kflorence
    July 3, 2008
    ... apparently you're not a golfer.
  • brad
    February 11, 2008


    maude?
  • onephatnelly
    January 7, 2008
    Did you ever hear of the Seattle Seven?
    Mmm.
    That was me... and six other guys.
  • Waldheri
    August 19, 2007
    Hilarious movie. Brilliant performance by Jeff Bridges. Dude.
  • votepsi
    June 21, 2006
    just watched this movie, thought it was great, really loved the diversity of all the characters!

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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Facts


  • Fun Fact:
    The house where the Dude meets with Jackie Treehorn was designed by renowned architect John Lautner.

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The Big Lebowski Trivia


  • Who has starred in the following movies? - Resevoir Dogs - Con Air - Armageddon - The Big Lebowski - Fargo  Answer »
  • In The Big Lebowski, what classic rock group does the Dude hate?  Answer »
  • What Character was played by Tara Ried in The Big Lebowski?  Answer »
  • From which film is the following quote taken from? "You want a toe? I can get you a toe, believe me. There are ways"  Answer »

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