User reviews

It's 1980 Vermont. Les (Ethan Hawke) is brutally honest in telling his son Jude that he's adopted. Years later, Jude Keffy-Horn (Asa Butterfield) is an emo teenager living with his adopted mother Harriet (Julianne Nicholson) and his sister. His best friend Teddy (Avan Jogia) is desperate to move to NYC and contact his older half-brother Johnny (Emile Hirsch) living there. Les' girlfriend Diane (Emily Mortimer) has a daughter named Eliza (Hailee Steinfeld). It's a dysfunctional alternative family drama and the grimy East Village gets gentrified.

It's often jarring when a lead character dies early on. It's also a little convoluted that Les and Johnny happens to live in the same area. The story would be a lot easier if the three kids go to NYC to find Johnny. Instead, the plot takes strange turns into a weird love triangle. The actors are superb but I'm not sure what to think of their characters. They make me want to stay with them... up to a point. I love these actors so much but the story doesn't live up to them.

Greetings again from the darkness. Sex, Drugs, and Rock 'n Roll – not just a bumper sticker, but also frequent and fun movie topics. Throw in 1980's New York City, some excruciatingly dysfunctional parenting, and the coming-of-age struggles of three youngsters, and you have the latest from co-writers and co-directors Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini (the real life couple behind American Splendor, 2003).

Based on the novel from Eleanor Henderson, it's a nostalgic trip with little of the positive connotations usually associated with that term. The surprisingly deep cast features Ethan Hawke and Julianne Nicholson (August: Osage County, 2013) as parents to son Jude played by Asa Butterfield (Hugo, 2011). Emily Mortimer plays Hawke's new girlfriend and mother to Eliza played by Hailee Steinfeld (True Grit, 2010). Avan Jogia plays Jude's best friend Teddy, and Emile Hirsch is Teddy's big brother Johnny. It's an unusually high number of flawed characters who come together in a story that features some familiar coming-of-age moments, yet still manages to keep our interest.

The story centers on Jude as he comes to terms with finding out he's adopted, works to overcome his less than stellar parents, and spends an inordinate amount of time finding new ways to experiment with drugs. One night changes everything as it leads to a tragic end for one character and pregnancy for Eliza. Ms. Steinfeld is extraordinary as Eliza and really makes an impressive step from child actress to young adult. Julianne Nicholson is also a standout, and Ethan Hawke provides some offbeat comic relief.

So many elements of 1980's New York are included, and no effort is made to add any touches of glamour. The Tompkins Square park riots also play a role, if only briefly as the key characters realize life is just not so simple … a consistent theme for both kids and parents. The fragility of life is always an interesting topic, and the filmmakers bring this to light through some characters that we feel like we know – and wish we could help.

Can't help but to love a movie that reminds me of old school New York. Was it really that great? That's how I remember it to be. Than again, I'm not old enough to have struggled on those streets, Squatting in houses and being semi homeless for my art, which the movie glorifies.

They did a pretty good job at recreating late 1980s NYC with tight shoots to leave out how alphabet city has change and to keep how it stayed the same, using Super composites of CBGBs, old trains and even phone booths, plus old shots of world trade. It's cool that technology allows us to do that now.

The movie's focus on that time period sometimes feels force with one liners explaining how that moment of the late 80s was about to spawn what that neighborhood next to Thompson Square park is now.

I thought it was interesting that the actual band, Army of One is showcased in the movie, though not the center focus of the movie, it's about their tour Guitar player Jude and his life, based on a book that I did not read.

Ethan Hawke as Jude's dad Les was charming and funny

It's a hardcore punk version of Juno in a lot of ways, but all together a coming-of-age story with a lot of layers to it as it Centers around Jude and his friendships with other kids. It was a great ensemble cast.

Definitely worth checking out.

"Ten Thousand Saints" is a drama movie which takes place in 1980's and shows a boy who is living with his mother in Vermont and moves to New York City to live with his father. When he arrives in New York everything change for him but also for his father. Something new starts for both of them since they did not have the opportunity to know each other better before.

I liked this movie because of the plot which I found interesting due to some twists. I also liked the combination of drama with music influence. I believe that the interpretation of Ethan Hawke who played as the father of the boy has to be mentioned because it was very good. In addition to this Asa Butterfield made a very good interpretation too. Also the title of this movie is very good because it makes you think a lot of different things about the movie but everything change when you watch it.

Finally I have to say that "Ten Thousand Saints" is a nice movie to watch and shows plenty of interesting things not only about the relationships between people but also about music and the gentrification that exploded back then.

I haven't been this disappointed by a film in a while.

10,000 Saints has a lot of problems but no action or plot movement isn't among them. The film's core message, while it won't blow your doors off, does have some substance to it. The problem lies primarily with the three young actors who are left to prop up the movie --- Butterfield, Steinfeld, and Hirsch.

Of the three, I've only been semi-impressed with Hirsch's work. Steinfeld and Butterfield flail madly (though in oddly inexpressive ways) trying to unsuccessfully ape more talented actors (Steinfeld - Natalie Portman, Butterfield --- too numerous to mention).

It doesn't help that the screenwriters (who are quite engaging writers usually) give them a hackneyed cross between an after-school special and a lifetime movie in terms of story development.

This movie's most intriguing messages lie under the plot and in the emotional depth of field of its characters --- what they're NOT saying and doing, since they're all dealing with intolerable situations set-up by their miscreant "parents". But they have neither the tools or road maps to find such jewels, so instead we get the usual floundering youth story (teen pregnancies, friendships betrayed, etc.). Hawke and Mortimer are okay but even the lack of energy finally drains them as it does us. If these pseudo "punks" are this boring now, imagine how quick they'll fade into suburbia as adults. Frightening.

And of course, it's all bookended by a flashback monologue that makes you wonder exactly what the Butterfield character is even trying to tell us in terms of what this whole experience meant to him. It's all too nebulous and meaningless for anyone over 17 to care about.

The soundtrack is decent, other than that it's an absolute misfire.

I wound up liking this a lot more than I thought I would. For the first 20 minutes or so I felt it dragged but then picked up. Overall I thought the acting was excellent, especially Ethan Hawke who played his somewhat complex character splendidly. What I really liked was that most of the characters stepped outside of stereotypical bounds. Hawke's character was a stoner, but in some ways level-headed and responsible. Johnny, the punk singer and tattoo artist, was trying to stay straight and walk the spiritual path and succeeded reasonably well. I read other comments which complained that "nothing happened" in the film. This is not an action film; it's a relationship movie, and given that, I believe it worked well. Plus, the characters all showed some degree of evolution. The scenery, with 1980's East Village was done really well too, very realistic, Twin Towers and all.

This movie is in heavy rotation on tv right now. Don't fall for it. 2 hours lost.

I really enjoyed this movie, yes pretty much everyone in it is screwed up but it's also very realistic. Their depiction of bored boys in Vermont in the 1980s is dead on. What happens after is very interesting with the East Village, CBGBs and the relationships and how they progress. I recommend this movie and had no problem "figuring out" who was adopted etc. Then again, I like movies that don't spoon feed everything.

I'm suppose to write 10 lines of text but don't want to include any spoilers. All the actors did a great job, especially Ethan Hawke and I love seeing Julianne Nicholson again in a movie. She is such a natural actress. I wasn't big on the actress who played the rich New York mother, however.

"The women? They make their decisions and men? We just do our best not to be men. The whole system needs a looking over."

I don't know how I missed this film in 2015, but I am happy that I've finally come across it. Better late than never.

As a film, it's really well-done. It's shot beautifully and the acting is very good. But, come on! Look at the talent they got for this: Ethan Hawke, Emily Mortimer, Hailee Steinfeld, Asa Butterfield, Julianne Nicholson... It's a great cast, and they do a great job here.

The terrain traveled by this story is nothing new, but the fact that all of these people seem so devoted to the telling of it that it makes it special and new. It's an incredibly realistic exploration of young adults and older(ish) adults trying to navigate the consequences of past actions and create a better future for those little people who they will bring into this world.

Review: I'm in two minds about this movie, because it starts off well and the witty script was quite intriguing but once the pregnancy element came into play, it just became a right mess. The acting was great from the whole cast, especially Ethan Hawke (Les), who plays the teenagers father and Emile Hirsch (Johnny) who is a homeless punk but they all seem to wonder through life with any structure or morals. I didn't know who was adopted or not after a while and the whole "selling of babies" subject was a bit weird. You can't really tell that it's an 80's backdrop because there isn't any relevant scenes to that period. Also Eliza (Hailee Seinfeld), seemed to be getting off with everyone, so it wasn't surprising when she became pregnant. The main character, Jude (Asa Butterfeld) was stuck in the middle of all of the drama, suffering with severe father and son issues which started when he was a child. So basically it's a coming of age movie about teenagers growing up without any guidance from there parents, which is quite messy at times but still worth a watch. Watchable!

Round-Up: This movie was directed by Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini, who have brought you Girl Most Likely, which I didn't really enjoy, the Extra Man, the Nanny Diaries and American Splendor with Paul Giamatti. This is definitely one of those movies which would have been much better if it was made simpler. It just seemed like the directors were introducing too many elements at once, without finishing the one that they had just introduced. With so many movies about teenagers growing up in America nowadays, like Boyhood, which also starred Ethan Hawke, this is not one of the best in that genre but I have seen worse.

I recommend this movie to people who are into their drama/music/comedies starring Ethan Hawke, Julianne Nicholson, Hailee Steinfeld, Nadia Alexander, Emily Mortimer, Emile Hirsch, Asa Butterfield and Avan Jogia. 4/10

10,000 Saints is a decent little film that has its moments but is also a little underwhelming at times. The film follows Jude (Asa Butterfield) and Eliza (Hailee Steinfeld), who are step-siblings. Jude was adopted by Eliza's father, Les. After a one-night stand, Eliza finds herself pregnant. Jude and Eliza turn to the lead singer (Emile Hirsch) of a punk-rock band for help. I won't spoil anything else about the film as I feel that there were a few good surprises I didn't see coming. With that said, I will say that this film is a bit of a mixed bag. What worked well was how it illustrates how complicated family relationships can be, especially when the family is a mix of different families. Also, I thought Hailee Steinfeld's performance was terrific. She conveys a wide range of emotions with really adds to Eliza's depth as a character. Also, Eliza is different from a lot of the other characters Hailee has played in the past, and it really shows just how talented she is as an actor. Plus, it was interesting to see her as a teen mom.

With that said, there are also a few cons. For one, the main character was a little dry. I would've liked to see him show more emotion and to have his character have a little clearer character arc. Also, there are a lot of storylines that never really go anywhere or are just underdeveloped. For example, there is Jude being adopted, and him never looking for his parents, despite Les letting him know they are somewhere in New York. The film is a slew of other stories, which really makes it seem that this movie had more ideas than it had time. Lastly, the film is supposedly set in late-1980s New York, but I didn't know that until after I watched it and read the other reviews. All in all, it was a good film. It just could have used a few tune-ups.

Based on the novel from Eleanor Henderson, 10,000 SAINTS is a classic styled drama set in New York where we follow some young and confused teenagers growing up and their crazed dysfunctional parents during the sex, drugs, and rock 'n roll era of the eighties. The first part of the film is really explosive and gripping but the further on the story goes it seems to get a bit stuck but keeps it curiosity until the end. This nostalgic trip through life gives you both smiles and tears while touching your heart and is a reminder of how fragile and short life is. A well-directed and written story by Sundance winners Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini (American Splendor) with impressive performances from this odd mixed but great cast featuring Ethan Hawke, Asa Butterfield, Hailee Steinfield, Avan Jogia, Emilie Kirsch and Emily Mortimer.

Another movie that makes you think humanity has no hope. Broken kids, broken parents, broken ideals. The movie takes place in the eighties and I remember the time well. So, yes, a lot of us were screwed up but this is just hopelessness incarnate. I did not like any of the characters as dysfunction seemed to be the running theme with everyone. I would suggest finding a better coming of age movie to watch as there are many good ones out there. I gave this an extra star for the very brief inclusion of CBGB's, it was the highlight of the movie. The rest was just so depressing it made me want to embrace traditional conservative values for the sake of humanity. Maybe I am getting wiser in my old age. . who knows?

Reviewers keep complaining about the drug use, sex, and irresponsible parents. Umm, that HAPPENS. In real life. More than you realize. I found the acting very well done, yet, the characters, or writing, was... uneven. On one hand, neither the characters nor the plot goes in any direction you think it is going, which most viewers tend to love. However, the setups, swerves and everything we learn is all for nothing, since.. neither the characters nor the plot goes in any direction even hinted at. Characters can spend the first 2/3 of the film complaining about the same thing (adults pushing what they want instead of what the teen wants), make multiple huge dramatic deals about it, then inexplicably change mind to agree with them, from no motivation whatsoever. There are also a couple subtle hints concerning one particular relationship, but everything else heard and done contradicts what happens or what we assume is happening. I really liked most of this film, and WANTED to like the rest but maybe it tried too hard to defy our expectations without earning it or trying. {It would be like watching a film about an interesting Christian Kansas farmer who takes classes in law school then decides to become an Atheist surfer with no reason for any of those out of nowhere decisions other than "just because the character decides to out of the blue".} Instead of "surprising" by being different, it was confusingly frustrating to watch this pointless journey. Still not sure if that's a good thing or bad thing in this mostly unoriginal Hollywood blockbuster era.

The basic synopsis of this film is that we get to follow the lives of three mal adjusted kids and their equally messed up parents from Vermont to New York and back again, – sort of. This is one of those films where if you actually say any more you will ruin some of the plot; so I must demur – despite itching to say more.

The main character is Jude played by Asa Butterfield who is really very good and Ethan Hawke plays his narcotic loving father. I have to say the more I see Ethan Hawke act the better he seems to get. We also have the wonderful Emile Hirsch playing the lead singer to a hardcore punk type band. It is set in the eighties and they do manage to get a lot of details spot on – even CBGB's makes an appearance.

The story is original, the direction great and the actors all seem to live their roles. It is billed as a comedy but I did not see a lot to laugh at here, I did really enjoy it though so as a drama withy light hearted moments it really did work for me.

"Ten Thousand Saints," is an enjoyable coming of age film about complicated and dysfunctional families and characters in the late 1980's. The film, based on the novel by Eleanor Henderson, begins in rural Vermont where we meet two best-friend stoner teens from broken hippy families. One boy dies of a drug overdose, the other bolts for New York City where he moves in with his stoner father. A pregnant girl enters his life and his rage turns to confusion, and then eases as he begins to grow-up. The film is mostly set in New York's East Village, with hard-core and straight-edge music giving the story contrasting anti-establishment and clean living structures, as well as a rough edge and soft core. The narrative culminates at the 1988 Tompkins Square Park Riots, which becomes an explosive coming of age moment for the young couple, as well as the city. All the characters are deeply flawed but likeable, and the New York period setting (complete with CBGB's) drips with authenticity. It was a fun time to be growing up, but also a dangerous time. This low budget independent film captures that dynamic well. The first 20 minutes start out slow, but if you lived through that period and don't mind course language and a background of 1980's drug culture, it's well worth two hours of screen time.

Stumbled on this movie through Netflix, which, to be honest, does usually not offer a lot of movies for me I have not heard of or seen before. This is one was new to me. It has some great actors including Ethan Hawk and Emile Hirsch. The story line develops as a teenager, who struggles growing up with his dad, is a bit of a misfit and when thing turn bad moves to NYC. The film is set in the eighties and also focuses on the hardcore scene at the time, which is woven well into the story. It's not a big movie but well made with small details that will be familiar to those who know the scene at that time. It sort of grows on you and definitely worth the watch. For sure then most reviews for sure, which was a surprise for me too.

Hailee Steinfeld is very good as Eliza. In her early scenes she starts out as confident, sarcastic and likeable. Then she gets serious, then she is terrified. Eliza goes through many emotions through the course of the movie, and she has many decisions to make about her life.

Teddy is a likable character but we don't get to see much of him. Avian Jogia does a good job.

Les is a cool dad, which means he doesn't always do things the way good parents should. He's not a good influence but he and his son get along really well. It's a fine performance by Ethan Hawke.

Most of the major actors do a good job.

At one point, Eliza moves in with Harriet, which is surprisingly pleasant. Harriet also has a better than expected relationship with Diane, though when they first meet, it is quite satisfying for those who recall how the movie began.

Religion is a topic mentioned several times. Eliza had a bat mitzvah but she and her mother don't seem all that religious. There is a funeral where the scripture reading mentions "10,000 saints". There is also a scene with dancers in beautifully colored costumes where the music seems Middle Eastern or South Asian; Hare Krishnas are mentioned.

There are many questions of morality, and disputes with yuppies who want to move into the rundown neighborhood where most of the characters live. Mostly we see the protesters; if there were yuppies I don't recall them. And there are effective otherworldly scenes where one or more characters used something and we kind of see things as they would have.

Every mention of a word for any drug has been removed in the edited-for-TV version of the movie, with the sound going out and the character's mouth is blurred, and every drug is blurry. The same thing happens with numerous words, some of which might normally be allowed on broadcast TV, but someone must have been overly cautious.

The listings showed this as "comedy, drama, music". I really don't understand this. There are a few funny scenes but comedy shouldn't be listed first.

As for music, there's not much for someone with my musical taste. Most of the music is some form of rock, including softer artists that sound like Sting that don't appeal to me personally. There is also "music" that sounds like 90s grunge except it's just noise and not whatever appealed to those who liked the music in Seattle. My perception is that a lot of the softer music is good quality, but just not what I care for. I liked one song, "I Can't Wait" by Nu Shooz, which isn't typical of my taste but has some sort of appeal for me.

It's a really good movie if it's your taste. It's just not mine.

Follows three screwed up young people and their equally screwed up parents in the age of CBGB's, yuppies and the tinderbox of gentrification that exploded into the Tompkins Square Park Riots in New York's East Village in the 1980s. The story revolves a young lady and her young friends who end up pregnant. Confusion happens when the girl is separated and disenfranchised from her family after getting pregnant. And being a pregnant teenager makes her life even more confusing. She cannot find peace or safety as she struggles who really cares and loves her. Juxtaposed against homeless people and squatters getting tossed out by the police makes it interesting and good comparison of how people can end up this way regardless of their circumstances. Ethan Hawke is great as a freestyling douchebag of a father, Hailey Steinberg is absolutely great as the young pregnant girl and you can feel her angst and confusion. The strongest figures are the women in the movie and they are real foundation of the story that gives hope. It starts really bad as a movie and but grows stronger on the great acting of Ethan Hawke. I think you'll like if you focus on the great acting.