Twelve Monkeys
Twelve Monkeys

Twelve Monkeys

1995Movie129 minEnglish

In the year 2035, convict James Cole reluctantly volunteers to be sent back in time to discover the origin of a deadly virus that wiped out nearly all of the earth's population and forced the survivors into underground communities. But when Cole is mistakenly sent to 1990 instead of 1996, he's arrested and locked up in a mental hospital. There he meets psychiatrist Dr. Kathryn Railly and the son of a famous virus expert who may hold the key to the Army of the 12 Monkeys; thought to be responsible for unleashing the killer disease.

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IMDb8.0/10
Rotten Tomatoes54%
Metacritic74/100
Google Users86%
Director: Terry GilliamGenres: Science Fiction, Mystery, Thriller

Plot Summary

In a dystopian future ravaged by a deadly virus, a convict named James Cole is sent back in time to gather information about the plague that wiped out most of humanity. He arrives in the past with a mission to find the origin of the virus and identify the mysterious organization known as the "Army of the 12 Monkeys," believed to be responsible. As Cole navigates the confusing and often hostile past, he grapples with his sanity and the potential paradoxes of his mission, all while forming an unlikely bond with a psychiatrist.

Critical Reception

Twelve Monkeys was critically acclaimed upon its release, praised for its complex narrative, Gilliam's distinctive visual style, and strong performances, particularly from Brad Pitt and Bruce Willis. Audiences were captivated by its mind-bending plot and dark, post-apocalyptic atmosphere, leading to strong box office returns and a dedicated cult following.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its inventive and mind-bending plot.
  • Brad Pitt's performance as the eccentric Jeffrey Goines was a standout.
  • Terry Gilliam's unique visual direction created a compelling dystopian world.

Google audience: Viewers frequently praise the film's unique concept, intricate plot, and the standout performances of the cast, especially Brad Pitt. Many find it a thought-provoking and memorable science fiction thriller.

Awards & Accolades

Brad Pitt was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role. Madeleine Stowe was nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Actress.

Fun Fact

The distinctive, stuttering speech pattern of Brad Pitt's character, Jeffrey Goines, was improvised by Pitt himself and not in the original script.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

4 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

Bruce Willis is at the height of his game here as his "Cole" character is sent back in time to find out just how the world came to suffer from a virus that all but wiped out humanity. He is promised early release from his extended prison se...
Filipe Manuel Neto

Filipe Manuel Ne...

**An excellent sci-fi film that deserves our attention.** I didn't really know what to expect when this movie was on TV very recently, but I was really glued to the set until the end thanks to a truly absorbing story and a collection of ...
Wuchak

Wuchak

**_A-man-comes-back-from-the-future Sci-Fi with Bruce Willis and Brad Pitt_** In 2035 survivors are living underground after a viral outbreak has wiped out most of the populace. A prisoner (Bruce Willis) is sent back in time to obtain th...
JPV852

JPV852

Really good sci-fi thriller with wonderful performances by Bruce Willis, Madeline Stowe and Brad Pitt. Really well done by director Terry Gilliam that has great pacing through the two hour running time. **4.0/5**