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Ratings

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IMDb rating Visit page
IMDb rating 7.3
Critic rating Average critic rating
Critic rating 7.6

Reviews

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Critic Glenn Kenny
rated 5

...is impressive on a number of levels … most of them technical.

Read full review at Roger Ebert
Critic Steve Davis
rated 7

...is theatre of cruelty at its most literal.

Read full review at The Austin Chronicle
Critic Peter Bradshaw
rated 8

This had audiences groping blindly for the exits at last year’s Venice film festival...

Read full review at The Guardian
Critic Roger Moore
rated 6

Marhoul set out to make an “unblinking” adaptation of the novel, and he succeeded.

Read full review at Movie Nation
Critic Alex Godfrey
rated 8

There is little mercy in this unspooling odyssey of debasement and degradation, a beautifully shot nightmare presenting the very worst of mankind.

Read full review at Empire
Critic Sandie Angulo Chen
rated 8

The boy's odyssey is mythically, biblically miserable and disturbing.

Read full review at Common Sense Media
Critic Nanna Frank Rasmussen
rated 7

Der er så meget ondskab i storfilmen om en jødisk drengs overlevelsesrejse under Anden Verdenskrig, at man må spørge sig selv, om det er sadisme pakket ind som kunst.

Read full review at Politiken
Critic Frederik Asschenfeldt Vandrup
rated 8

Filmæstetik i ypperste kvalitet, men (...) uophørligt fokuseret på menneskehedens værste og mest primitive instinkter...

Read full review at Jyllands-Posten

Cast & Crew

Václav Marhoul
Director
Udo Kier
As Miller
Harvey Keitel
As Priest
Julian Sands
As Garbos
Barry Pepper
As Mitka

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Painted Bird about? Toggle content

The Painted Bird is a powerful and harrowing film that follows the journey of a young Jewish boy during World War II. After his parents are persecuted, he is left in the care of an elderly aunt, but when she dies, he is forced to navigate the dangerous and unpredictable world alone. He encounter's various people along the way, some kind and others cruel, but all share a common humanity that has been lost in the midst of war. The film takes us on a raw and unflinching journey through the eyes of this young boy, as he witnesses and experiences firsthand the horrors of war. From the brutal treatment by superstitious peasants to the violent acts committed by soldiers, we see how war can strip away our humanity and leave us with nothing but fear, anger, and despair. Despite this bleak backdrop, there are moments of hope and resilience that shine through. The boy's determination to survive against all odds is inspiring, as he continues to push forward even in the face of overwhelming adversity. And in small moments of kindness from strangers along the way, we see glimpses of humanity still present in this war-torn world. The Painted Bird is not an easy watch; it's a difficult and emotional journey that demands much from its audience. But it's also a necessary reminder about the atrocities committed during World War II and how they have shaped our world today. It's a powerful testament to those who lived through these times – those who survived against all odds –and serves as an important reminder for future generations about what must never be forgotten or repeated again in history

Where can I stream The Painted Bird? Toggle content

You can stream The Painted Bird on:

What movies are similar to The Painted Bird? Toggle content

Some movies that have similar genres and were produced around the same time as The Painted Bird include The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, The Covenant, The Imitation Game, Gold Run, Escape From Sobibor, Kilo Two Bravo.

When was The Painted Bird released for streaming? Toggle content

The Painted Bird was released for streaming on July 17, 2020.