Uncut Gems
Uncut Gems

Uncut Gems

2019Movie136 minEnglish

A charismatic New York City jeweler always on the lookout for the next big score makes a series of high-stakes bets that could lead to the windfall of a lifetime. Howard must perform a precarious high-wire act, balancing business, family, and encroaching adversaries on all sides in his relentless pursuit of the ultimate win.

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Insights

IMDb7.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes91%
Metacritic75/100
Google Users86%
Director: Josh Safdie, Benny SafdieGenres: Crime, Drama, Thriller, Black Comedy

Plot Summary

Howard Ratner, a charismatic but deeply troubled New York City jeweler, makes a high-stakes bet in an attempt to pay off his gambling debts. As his life spirals further out of control, he must navigate a dangerous labyrinth of loan sharks, family drama, and his own reckless impulses. The film follows his frantic pursuit of the ultimate score, which could either redeem him or destroy everything he holds dear.

Critical Reception

Uncut Gems received widespread critical acclaim, particularly for its intense pacing, visceral atmosphere, and Adam Sandler's performance. Critics lauded the Safdie brothers' signature frenetic directing style and the film's relentless suspense. While some found the constant tension overwhelming, the majority praised it as a masterclass in anxiety-inducing filmmaking and a standout performance from Sandler.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its unrelenting tension and visceral filmmaking.
  • Adam Sandler delivers a career-defining performance.
  • The chaotic narrative and frenetic pacing create an anxiety-inducing yet captivating experience.

Google audience: Audiences largely applauded the film's intense and anxiety-inducing atmosphere, with many highlighting Adam Sandler's surprisingly powerful performance. Some viewers found the constant stress and frantic pace to be overwhelming, but the majority appreciated the unique and gripping cinematic experience.

Awards & Accolades

Adam Sandler received numerous award nominations for his performance, including from the Independent Spirit Awards (Best Male Lead) and the National Board of Review. The film was also recognized for its screenplay and direction.

Fun Fact

The distinctive, glowing orange color that permeates much of the film was achieved through a combination of specific lighting choices and post-production color grading, aiming to create a sense of heat, anxiety, and the omnipresent glow of New York City.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

9 reviews
Dean

Dean

I never seen so much profanity in any movie. Whole movie was like "f*ck, f*ck, F*ck" or "n**ga, n**ga, n**ga"... What makes this movie worst besides profanity is that it's very chaotic. A lot of people talking the same time which creates ch...
r96sk

r96sk

Quality! <em>'Uncut Gems'</em> is an absolutely thoroughly thrilling watch, the plot is so chaotic and high paced that it's practically impossible to not have a fun time with it. The cast do terrific work, typified by the tremendous Adam...
itsogs

itsogs

Sorry, I am sure this movie had it's share of good ratings, but for me the movie was confusing coupled with a barrage of unnecessary profanity. I have always been an Adam fan of Sandler, but I couldn't get past the confusion.
JPV852

JPV852

Decent enough drama with Adam Sandler, though really found his character a bit too obnoxious to really care about though the ending was well done and surprisingly thrilling, but I have no problem with Sandler not getting a nod, I have seen ...
Louisa Moore - Screen Zealots

Louisa Moore - S...

Brothers and co-directors Josh and Benny Safdie are two of the most exciting names working in modern independent cinema, so their film “Uncut Gems” debuted alongside a shadow of grandiose expectations. The bottom line is that the film is go...
Manuel São Bento

Manuel São Bento

If you enjoy reading my Spoiler-Free reviews, please follow my blog @ https://www.msbreviews.com The Safdie brothers are known for their anxiety-inducing films, and Uncut Gems follows that tradition. It’s definitely a movie meant to be d...
Matthew Brady

Matthew Brady

“This is how *I* win.” One of the most stressful movie experiences I’ve had in awhile. This whole movie runs entirely on acid and how the series of events unfold was particularly stressful. People constantly talking or yelling over ea...
Stephen Campbell

Stephen Campbell

**_Watching a guy screw up for two frantic hours may not sound very compelling, but this is a fine piece of work_** >_If you hold this_ >_Dazzling emerald_ >_Up to the sky,_ >_It will shine a billion_ >_Beautiful miracles_ ...
Luis_989

Luis_989

Adam Sandler's best performance? No. But it's indeed his best since Punch-Drunk Love, which continues to be the pinnacle of his talent. While the film isn't the best talking about technique, it seems to me that its style is totally focus...