Whiplash (2014) | Rotten Tomatoes (original) (raw)

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Critics Consensus

Intense, inspiring, and well-acted, Whiplash is a brilliant sophomore effort from director Damien Chazelle and a riveting vehicle for stars J.K. Simmons and Miles Teller.

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Candice Frederick Reel Talk Online The film has potential, but ultimately there's more bark than bite. Rated: C+ Sep 1, 2017 Full Review Emma Myers indieWire Revealing both the dangers and payoffs of artistic ambition, Whiplash is sure to establish Chazelle as a directorial force to be reckoned with. Rated: A- Aug 16, 2016 Full Review Jason Bailey Flavorwire It's a thorny, thoughtful movie that asks provocative questions and isn't cocky enough to boast of knowing the answers. Jun 18, 2016 Full Review Brendan Cassidy InSession Film Whiplash is a monster of a film, paced with a kinetic energy that moves like its own jazz piece. Jun 17, 2024 Full Review Wael Khairy The Cinephile Fix Here the classroom is the battlefield and dropping a drumstick feels just as devastating and crucial a moment as a grenade falling between your feet. Nov 6, 2023 Full Review Sean Axmaker Stream on Demand This is as much psychological thriller as musical drama and it turns on the increasingly toxic chemistry between two clearly damaged people, to the exclusion of pretty much anyone else in the film Aug 19, 2023 Full Review Read all reviews

Bret This movie is my tempo Rated 5 out of 5 stars 10/09/24 Full Review Danny Unbelievable film. Such a treat to see it in the theater!! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/30/24 Full Review Matt McFarland Best movie I've ever seen. Saw it in the theaters with my 15 year old kid when it first came out. I've seen so many times and it's always wonderful. Just left the theater to watch the 10th anniversary showing with my now 25 year old boy! Go watch it!! It's incredible!!! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/27/24 Full Review Max never get tired of this movie Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/26/24 Full Review Kemp C One of my favorite movies. So freaking intense and immersive. Every second of this movie hits you like a ton of bricks....and yet there are so many unspoken moments that you don't realize the importance of until you see it a second time or third or fourth... Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/26/24 Full Review Fletcher I barely kno her I think this movie is thrilling and worth a watch by most. The music takes a backseat to the main story, which is unfortunate given that better jazz could’ve probably elevated the film to elite status. I’m still not quite sure if Chazelle’s message in the film is that greatness requires tremendous discomfort or if he lends a more critical view toward Fletcher’s approach. I do think that the extensive focus on the technicality and discipline does a disservice towards the passion and artistry that drives musicians as well. Ultimately, though I may disagree with Chazelle’s message I do believe this to be an awesome movie that is worth seeing. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 09/26/24 Full Review Read all reviews

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Whiplash: 10th Anniversary Re-Release Trailer Whiplash: 10th Anniversary Re-Release Trailer 1:35 View more videos

Synopsis Andrew Neiman (Miles Teller) is an ambitious young jazz drummer, in pursuit of rising to the top of his elite music conservatory. Terence Fletcher (J.K. Simmons), an instructor known for his terrifying teaching methods, discovers Andrew and transfers the aspiring drummer into the top jazz ensemble, forever changing the young man's life. But Andrew's passion to achieve perfection quickly spirals into obsession, as his ruthless teacher pushes him to the brink of his ability and his sanity.

Director

Damien Chazelle

Producer

Helen Estabrook, Jason Blum, Michel Litvak, David Lancaster

Screenwriter

Damien Chazelle

Distributor

Sony Pictures Classics

Production Co

Blumhouse, Bold Films, Right of Way Films

Rating

R (Strong Language|Some Sexual References)

Genre

Drama, Music

Original Language

English

Release Date (Theaters)

Oct 10, 2014, Limited

Release Date (Streaming)

Sep 8, 2016

Box Office (Gross USA)

$911.4K

Runtime

1h 46m

Sound Mix

Datasat, SDDS, Dolby Digital

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