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The People vs. Larry Flynt
The People vs. Larry Flynt
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The People vs. Larry Flynt

The People vs. Larry Flynt

1996
Drama, Biography
2h 10m
Woody Harrelson stars as publishing maverick Larry Flynt, who becomes the unlikely champion of the First Amendment when he takes his fight against the Rev. Jerry Falwell all the way to the Supreme Court. (Sony Pictures Entertainment)

The People vs. Larry Flynt

1996
Drama, Biography
2h 10m
Your probable score
Avg Percentile 55.55% from 3288 total ratings

Ratings & Reviews

(3311)
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Rated 09 Mar 2021
68
57th
Focuses on the issue of freedom of speech much more than it focuses on the issues of the magazines. It's a bit like the producers were only reading the articles.
Rated 16 May 2011
80
85th
Whatever you think of Larry Flynt, you must admit that he is a fascinating personality. Forman makes an equally fascinating film about him. A film that never condemns or embraces its protagonist's extravagant behavior, but includes an accurate portrayal of him, courtesy of a brilliant Woody Harrelson, some very witty writing and strong direction. Love and Norton are also solid, while the script is unafraid to tangle interesting issues often ignored by films, other art forms and media in general.
Rated 25 Jul 2009
67
48th
Another good example of why musicians, or in this instance "musicians" shouldn't be allowed to act.
Rated 29 May 2008
85
89th
it's a difficult topic, but this movie does it well, even if it is a bit unsightly at times; all around damn good acting and writing.
Rated 02 Apr 2008
85
88th
Great movie where the producer of a pornographic magazine challenge the whole system on behalf of the freedom of expression.
Rated 20 Feb 2007
65
51st
It's amazing how good Courtney Love is at playing spaced out junkie whores. Why is that I wonder? Decent flick mostly notable for Harrelson's dumb accent.
Rated 05 Jul 2012
75
67th
Courtney Love wasn't that bad, but the standout was definitely Harrelson. It's a pretty interesting movie for someone who doesn't know much about Larry Flynt. He's kind of an ass that you don't like but you agree with a lot of the stuff he has to say.
Rated 12 Apr 2012
65
42nd
I'd probably like this more if Woody became obese.
Rated 24 May 2010
68
75th
Norm MacDonald plays a normal character, which is one of the most disconcerting things I've experienced.
Rated 08 Sep 2009
85
94th
The slant of this films moralizing is right up my alley. Personal favorite. FUCK THIS COURT.
Rated 15 Jan 2009
83
71st
Interesting well acted, based on true events. Courtney Love is extremely skanky.
Rated 02 Apr 2007
80
68th
A movie that has an obvious point to make, but which is entertaining about doing so
Rated 04 Sep 2024
60
36th
An awkward biography that attempts to throw in a little more gravitas than may be warranted. Flynt rode his (inverse) popularity by claiming constitutional freedoms, which he believed in as much as religion (which is shown in the film). Unfortunately, those freedoms make for a boring narrative, which is what we get in the third act. My favorite part, though, was Little Larry's Moonshinin' Tales, which sadly felt like a shoe-horned Rosebud moment.
Rated 02 Sep 2024
63
47th
Quite compelling in parts but a bit messily told and assembled. It would benefit from a narrower focus rather than jamming in too much for its own good. The edit is pretty haphazard. They left a pivotal scene on the cutting room floor where Larry has a stroke, which is meant to explain why his voice changes halfway through the movie. Without that, it seems like Woody Harrelson just randomly decided to change his whole voice and accent spontaneously. That editing choice absolutely does not work
Rated 19 Feb 2024
55
31st
Gets some right, and gets some wrong. Clunky hybrid auteur's magnanimous biopic Hollywood style. That's a word soup. Boogie Nights of '96, and that's depressing.
Rated 17 Feb 2021
60
21st
Milos Forman'a Courtney Love cast ettiren karanlık. Özgür basın odaklı konusu çarpıcı ama film hiçbir yere odaklanmayı başaramadığı için etkisi hissedilmiyor. sempozyumdaki görsel önü konuşma sahnesi dışında akılda kalıcı hiçbir anı yok.
Rated 17 Aug 2020
55
29th
kuru, odaksız bir vaka aktarımı adeta.
Rated 27 Sep 2019
85
61st
mmmmm yummy
Rated 02 Apr 2018
73
78th
A foreigner defends the American constitution. Forman's last really good film is bolstered immeasurably by strong performances and just the right balance between drama and humour. Whether one buys into the idea that Flynt is an important political activist is another matter, but the message of the film is clear, even if it becomes regrettably didactic in the supreme court room sequence. Harrelson is excellent as Flynt and Norton impresses in an early role as his long suffering lawyer.
Rated 30 Nov 2017
73
46th
The kind of biopic that made me think "did all that really happen?" According to Wikipedia, yes, Larry sure has lived quite a life. I guess that kind of makes it easy to make this film enjoyable, even if at times it seems rather on-the-nose -- maybe this is why I wasn't much a fan of Norton here, but Harrelson is superb as the titular character, and this likely has the best performance you'll see from Courtney Love. It passes the time very well, though gets tiresome towards the end.
Rated 25 Sep 2017
7
73rd
Interesting and enjoyable film with some fine performances, with a very relevant central theme.
Rated 26 Feb 2017
78
57th
Forman's film is effective enough at pulling off its main trick - making the viewer repeatedly flip back and forth between feelings of sympathy/admiration, and contempt/disgust for the life and actions of Mr Larry Flynt. This gives the biopic a raison d'etre, but also makes it repetitive and drawn out. Sane scene, mad scene, courtroom scene, rinse and repeat. Flynt is never relatable, however the performances are pleasingly colourful. Harrelson and Love enjoy some raucous scenery-chewing.
Rated 20 Dec 2016
84
77th
Very engaging take on an interesting man. Flynt has flaws all over the place, and rather than minimize them the film tries to balance them with some positives, which creates a multifaceted portrait of the man and his life.
Rated 22 Aug 2016
85
69th
If you pitched this as a (very) black comedy, it would be rejected as too implausible, but this is based on a real story, By turns funny and harrowing it features excellent performances from Woody Harrelson, Edward Norton and Courtney Love.
Rated 20 Aug 2015
84
77th
Seen 2x
Rated 14 Oct 2014
91
75th
Playboy crafted a highbrow libertine brand, but Hustler trumpeted its tastelessness. I was prepared to dismiss this film, but its performances and themes demand attention. Slimeballs have the same rights as we honest citizens; start substituting for slimeballs, you understand why.
Rated 18 Aug 2014
80
69th
2014-08-18, good acting. Managed to get the point through without thriving on pornographic images.
Rated 29 Jun 2014
59
26th
Kinda interesting but it feels very long and without Woody Harrelson holding it together it would be kinda pointless. He gives a very good performance but there really isn't much else here, Forman has done better work and so has everyone else, really (except maybe Courtney Love but that's not saying much). Plays itself off as a comedy for so long when the movie takes a few dives into tragedy they feel super jarring and not at all appropriate, even when the subject matter is.
Rated 23 May 2014
80
37th
I have a weak spot for 90s biopics and this is a good one, with its breakneck, cocaine-fueled obscenities. Woody Harrelson is fantastic, Edward Norton is a lot of fun, and both Crispin Glover and Norm Macdonald are in it, so it's kinda one of those perfect 90s biopic casts. Also, makes the Mr. Show Taint sketch just that much funnier. I DON'T CARE IF HIS HEAD IS IN A FISHBOWL!!!!
Rated 01 May 2014
84
63rd
A surprisingly insightful character study of an extremely interesting man, Hustler magazine owner Larry Flynt. Woody Harrelson's portrayal is very strong, matched with some appropriately indulgent direction from Milos Forman and persuasive, snappy dialogue, particularly in the court scenes, that convincingly reassert why Larry Flynt's trials mattered. Very good stuff.
Rated 06 Apr 2014
70
44th
Not exactly what I'd call a well-executed film. "The people" may wind up confused about Larry Flynt, but I don't understand why I'd want to be against him... or for him. I'm not sure whether this film touched upon everything Larry Flynt did, or why we should care, I feel it was a messy messy experience. Incidentally this movie actually becomes about the documentary footage of Courtney Love's personal life, 'cause that ain't acting.
Rated 22 Oct 2013
80
64th
80.000
Rated 28 Aug 2013
71
75th
Flawed and sometimes compromised by its antsy editing -- Forman wants so much to move forward that moves fastly from scene to scene, leaving behind many underdeveloped segments --, Larry Flynt stands out for Harrelson and Courtney (yes, Courtney) confident performances as a couple of characters that are hard to like, but seem both clumsy and respectable in their causes (or lack of them). Like in most of Forman's pics, this is about a hysterical will to speak. And it's a joy to listen.
Rated 03 Jul 2012
70
31st
Melancholic and uneven semi-documentary about the trendsetting pornographer. Excellent first two acts give way to a much weaker courtroom sequence, but the acting shines through out.
Rated 24 Jun 2012
80
66th
80.250
Rated 09 Apr 2012
81
90th
Larry Flynt, whatever you think of him, has to be one of the most interesting guys around. Harrelson completely does him justice, too. Even Courtney Love is good in this!
Rated 30 Jan 2012
75
77th
7+ highly recommended
Rated 22 Oct 2011
20
41st
"Whitewashing the truth is a forgivable sin in the world of biopics, but to demean ideologies by remaining "balanced" is cowardly." - Eric Henderson
Rated 01 Aug 2011
70
71st
A great cast and a great story, but it suffers from being to long and focusing way to much on all the lawsuits against Larry and Hustler Magazine. Forman is a master in portraying gifted, weird characters, but this is one of his weakest attempts. Still definately worthwile though.
Rated 26 Nov 2010
85
95th
Woody harrelson is awesome !! he so should have gotten the Oscar. the only useful contribution made to this planet, ever, by courtney love. Great directing from Forman. And a very young ed norton!
Rated 11 Nov 2010
75
84th
Very interesting and occasionally hilarious film. What a great story.
Rated 17 Oct 2010
75
74th
Very good acting by Woody Harrelson, young Edward Norton and Courtney Love (not so much by the other acters). This true story shows the amazing ('crazy beautiful') life of Larry Flynt and his (sometimes unwanted) sacrifice for the good of the American constitution and it's laws.
Rated 20 Sep 2010
69
73rd
Some great performances help get past the fact that there aren't many redeeming characters in this film. Harrelson, Norton and even Love turn in some good ones.
Rated 17 Aug 2010
85
72nd
this movie is great I watched it when I was 9 or 10
Rated 12 May 2010
70
21st
funny as hell. gotta love woody
Rated 31 Mar 2010
95
99th
One of the best films i've ever seen, there's only 2 downsides, firstly, it's very long. and secondly, i saw Courtney Love's boobies, scarred 4 life
Rated 09 Jan 2010
60
42nd
An OK story, made better by very good performances by Harrelson, Love and Norton. Do nuns really make orphans do that?
Rated 28 Sep 2009
40
54th
Loved Harrelson and Love in this but I felt the final product was pretty uneven. Too bad.
Rated 09 Sep 2009
6
68th
Despite being fairly unremarkable in the scope of biopics, this is still very well made and highly enjoyable.
Rated 27 Jul 2009
88
85th
Such a great film. Woody Harrelson absolutely should have won an Oscar for his portrayal of the mogul.
Rated 08 Jul 2009
90
74th
Woody Harrelson pulls it off and gives us quite a performance as the infamous Larry Flynt. The movie has a great cast and tells the story beautifully of a truly American rags-to-riches story. The casting is what makes the movie so good and the fact that the actors are so good at mesmerizing you while you watch. It is sad to see the life of this man who was merely following the American Dream and getting shunned by everyone including some of his closest friends.
Rated 19 May 2009
70
24th
Very unimpressed. It feels too over the top despite it being a true story and watching Harrelson becomes rather annoying.
Rated 19 Feb 2009
72
61st
Been awhile
Rated 12 Feb 2009
90
39th
I detested the man before I saw this film..made me at least with admiration for his journey.
Rated 23 Jan 2009
58
27th
A good story, but doesn't reflect the truth. Flynt wasn't a champion of free speach, he used it like a shield.
Rated 27 Dec 2008
60
19th
wasn't very entertaining
Rated 11 Dec 2008
70
48th
Porn is wrong on many levels but that didn't prevent me from enjoying this movie.
Rated 03 Dec 2008
85
63rd
Great performances all round. A must-see.
Rated 15 Nov 2008
80
16th
Very informative, but Larry Flynt is very hard to like
Rated 07 Aug 2008
70
61st
Who knew Courtney Love could act?
Rated 28 Jul 2008
88
70th
Very good film. Great acting.
Rated 21 Jun 2008
95
89th
This incredible movie by Milos Forman stars Woody Harrelson and Edward Norton, with co-star Courtney Love in a wonderful, titillating, and somewhat tragic biography of free-thinking, free-spirited porn king Larry Flynt.
Rated 14 Jun 2008
84
94th
Very Nice
Rated 15 May 2008
50
19th
kind of rides on the coat tails of Natural Born Killers. Not as exciting or edgy as it pretends
Rated 26 Mar 2008
78
52nd
Didn't care for the whole movie, but I must say I was surprised at the acting.
Rated 10 Dec 2007
86
77th
It's very good movie, hence 86. But if I can give score to Larry Flynt, it would be 101!
Rated 07 Dec 2007
56
51st
A bit overblown. But really, I don't care about the character Flynt in real life, and I didn't really care about a movie about him.
Rated 17 Sep 2007
60
39th
well made and acted, but I wasn't very interested in these people
Rated 22 Aug 2007
55
51st
Good
Rated 15 Aug 2007
76
67th
Meh. It was alright. Woody Harrelson is awesome as always, I'm just not that interested in Larry Flynt.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
85
50th
A strong biography by any standard - even evoking a little empathy for Mr Wide Open Beaver.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
58
49th
An alright movie.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
78
79th
Woody Harrelson is one of the underrated actors of the 1990s. Sadly, he loves marijuana more than acting.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
25
29th
A good way to learn about Larry Flynt.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
69
45th
This movie lives up to it's score in more ways then one...Who would have thought that courtney love could play a stripper addict....truly amazing
Rated 14 Aug 2007
70
22nd
Good performances from Harrelson and Love are what made this a better than average biography movie.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
70
78th
My recollection is that there was nothing remarkable about it, but that it was generally well-done and willing to go a certain distance beyond conventionality in the name of the subject matter.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
82
90th
Great preformances from all, especially Love, make for a startlingly good film about pornography.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
83
75th
I was entertained. Harrelson, though he looks nothing like Flynt, has the mannerisms and attitude down pat, and Ed Norton shines as always. An interesting biopic.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
76
37th
I did not, for a single moment, care about Harrelson's character. I don't think Larry Flynt is a very interesting person in the first place. And I really don't know what was it Forman was trying to tell me. I'm sorry.
Rated 24 Jul 2007
90
81st
As important as this movie is, it is that painful to watch but for all of the right reasons.
Rated 26 May 2007
75
79th
Great flick.
Rated 22 Mar 2007
64
31st
Considering it's a Forman film you'd expect it to be incredible, but hey, it's not bad.
Rated 02 Mar 2007
70
82nd
Great story.
Rated 30 Nov 2006
86
66th
Not as great as Forman's later film "Man on the Moon", but still an original movie about a controversial character. Worth seeing.

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