The Place Beyond the Pines

Released Mar 29, 2013

2h 20m

Crime

Drama

Mystery & Thriller

List

78%

Tomatometer

227 Reviews

75%

Popcornmeter

50,000+ Ratings

In upstate New York, two men (Ryan Gosling, Bradley Cooper), and later, their sons (Dane DeHaan, Emory Cohen) must deal with the unforeseen consequences of their actions.

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Critics Consensus

Ambitious to a fault, The Place Beyond the Pines finds writer/director Derek Cianfrance reaching for -- and often grasping -- thorny themes of family, fatherhood, and fate.

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Gayle Sequeira

Little White Lies

The film points out how tough it can be to escape from cycles of violence, how misguided attempts to speed ahead only set someone on the road to ruin, and how the compulsion to ride like the wind is inextricable from the fear that you’re getting nowhere.

Jul 29, 2023

Full Review

Deborah Ross

The Spectator

Its themes are familiar - guilt; redemption; manliness; those fraternal sins - but Cianfrance's artistry and the actors' riveting performances hook you in, and may even bring depth.

Sep 4, 2018

Full Review

Jason Bailey

Flavorwire

Its narrative riskiness and emotional avidity don't always make for the smoothest viewing experience. But Cianfrance seems less interested in a tidy chronicle than in exploring some threads, in creating a feeling and seeing where it goes.

Jun 21, 2016

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Christopher Lloyd

The Film Yap

An uneven, evocative drama that generated strong opinions a decade ago but then disappeared from the public consciousness is deserving of another look.

Rated: 4/5

May 15, 2023

Full Review

James Croot

Stuff.co.nz

Despite Ryan Gosling's prominence on the poster and other associated promotional materials, this lo-fi twisting, turning drama actually features more of another Hollywood heart-throb – Bradley Cooper.

Rated: 4/5

Mar 9, 2023

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Brian Eggert

Deep Focus Review

Cianfrance never allows his viewers to escape the heartbreak of his film, consuming us with a resounding feeling of sorrow over these characters and the way their lives set paths for one another.

Rated: 3.5/4

Sep 6, 2022

Full Review

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Sara F

This film has stuck with me since I first saw it 10 years ago. I rewatch it every few years. Despite an outstanding cast, it's not a title many people know. It's an exploration of father-son trauma, beautifully directed, acted and shot. There is something about the sad, yet hopeful tone and tempo that draws you in. I love this film.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/02/24

Full Review

N X

Very depressing for no good reason. Gosling character acting all random just so that he can be disposed of for the sake of a movie that requires drama where none is due and that likes to show tragedy by manipulating emotions with a baby and caring father a young family etc all set up just to make it all tragic. Depressing. BS.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

08/27/24

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Bronwyn D

I'd never heard of this movie but the plot sounded good (+ great cast) so I checked it out from the library. I really enjoyed it. Didn't feel too long for me because the three different stories all intrigued me. Ryan Gosling, Bradley Cooper, & Dane Dehaan all really stood out for me. Great acting. Good storytelling & characters. It's probably not a movie I'd care about seeing again, but I do recommend it.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

08/14/24

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Cidal K

Soul-touchingly gorgeous set of tales. The most beautiful score I may have ever heard.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/26/24

Full Review

Lori B

This was a terrible disappointing waste of time. It was three storylines, and the main actor is gone after one hour, so you still have to sit through another hour and half with two other stories. Terrible movie

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

04/07/24

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BarÄ±Å Ä

This movie has fairly simple writing and an eventful yet tame story. It's probably my favorite completely linear movie. It's not the type of movie to watch lots of times and it feels really boring until the story actually starts developing at its first watch but the second half of the movie is quite riveting. I love the interwoven narrative technique and this movie is a prime example for it. About the cast, (spoilers) Ryan Gosling does an okay job with his lifeless acting (because the scenes call for it, I know. Still doesn't change the fact that any other actor could have played it the same) right up until he fucking dies, but have no fear because Dane DeHaan shows up and starts carrying the movie so hard I imagine his back was hurting. The ending is really meaningful too, I liked it.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

04/05/24

Full Review

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Derek Cianfrance

Director

Ryan Gosling

Luke

Bradley Cooper

Avery

Eva Mendes

Romina

Rose Byrne

Jennifer

Ben Mendelsohn

Robin

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The Place Beyond the Pines: Official Clip - They're Gonna Tear You in Half