Citizen Ruth (1996) (original) (raw)
Plugin not supported.
where to watch
Original title
Citizen Ruth
Year
1996
Running time
102 min.
Country
United States
Director
Screenwriter
Cast
Music
Cinematography
Producer
Genre
Comedy | Satire. Independent Film (US)
Synopsis
Ruth Stoops is a poor indigent drug-user (a huffer - inhaling glue and paint for a high) whose down and out existence is complicated once more by becoming pregnant (she has had and lost four children already). When a judge orders that she gets an abortion or face a felony charge, she is befriended by Gail Stoney, a pro-lifer whose husband is president of the local "Babysavers" group. Suddenly Ruth is thrust into the middle of the pro-choice/pro-life struggle, with each side wanting her to take their side as a "message" to others - and the situation escalates.
Awards
1996: Sundance Film Festival: Nominated for Grand Jury Prize
1996: Montréal World Film Festival: Best Actress (Laura Dern)
1999: Los Angeles Film Critics Association: New Generation Award
Critics' reviews
- "Is it really possible to make a comedy about abortion? Alexander Payne, who cowrote and directed this mischievous bit of sociological screwball, has brought it off."
- "Brave, funny and thoroughly irreverent."
- "A satire with the reckless courage to take on both sides in the abortion debate."
- "Payne cops out, and the result is off-putting, despite a sparkling cast headed by a fearless Laura Dern in the title role."
- "Has its share of bitingly funny moments, and some of the comedy is quite inventive."
- "An equitably rude comedy about abortion, brazen by definition but also fairly droll. It's probably too schematic to reward more than a single viewing"
- Show 2 more reviews
Movie Soulmates' ratings
Register so you can access movie recommendations tailored to your movie taste.
Friends' ratings
Register so you can check out ratings by your friends, family members, and like-minded members of the FA community.
Is the synopsis/plot summary missing? Do you want to report a spoiler, error or omission? Please send us a message.
If you are not a registered user please send us an email to [email protected]
All copyrighted material (movie posters, DVD covers, stills, trailers) and trademarks belong to their respective producers and/or distributors.
For US ratings information please visit: www.mpaa.org www.filmratings.com www.parentalguide.org