Magnolia

Neun Instrumente, von denen jedes zunächst seine eigene Melodie spielt. Neun Strahlen konvergieren... Und die Kamera, die scheinbar ziellos durch die Geschichten der verschiedenen Menschen wandert, hier zuhört und dort hinschaut... Und plötzlich fügen sich die Trümmer von Melodien und Lichtern zusammen, Schicksale verbinden sich, verflechten sich, Geschichten nehmen Gestalt an. Schuld, Strafe, Vergebung an der Schwelle zum Tod. Es ist erstaunlich, mit welcher Sensibilität Anderson es geschafft hat, die neun großen Katharsen des Lebens einzufangen, wie er es geschafft hat, Magnolia von der unzüchtigen und flüchtigen Kakophonie des Anfangs bis zu der Wendung aufzubauen, wenn alle Figuren zusammenkommen und "Wise Up“ singen. Drei Stunden einer außerordentlich persönlichen und seltsamen Geschichte, die schon im Prolog ihr Prinzip demonstriert - manche Dinge sind einfach kein Zufall. Die Bedeutung von Magnolia besteht nicht nur in der passiven Beobachtung; durch die ständigen Anspielungen wird der Betrachter dazu angeregt, nach einer Bedeutung zu suchen, die gut versteckt ist (siehe z. B. den Froschregen). Erstaunliche schauspielerische Leistungen wirken wie ein Magnet, dessen Höhepunkt für mich der unfassbar starke Cruise als Jack alias Frank ist. Ich hätte nicht geglaubt, dass er so gefühlvoll spielen kann. Außerdem war die tschechische Synchronisation hervorragend... Der einzige Makel des Films ist, dass er sich zu sehr in die Länge zieht und durch taube Stellen beeinträchtigt wird. Doch inmitten der Flut von unglaublichem Blödsinn ist es wie ein Froschregen. Es passiert einfach! (13.02.2004)

As an objector of excessive duration, I’m frankly surprised with how much fun I had with this long film without a consistent plot. When I read in the synopsis that it was about “nine stories”, I thought that it’d be very complicated, that I would get lost, that I wouldn’t enjoy it, etc… But those nine stories are quite simple and straightforward and could be described in a couple of lines. The script switches among them without forcing it, consciously, clearly, and without ever confusing or cheating the viewer. It’s one of those films that, despite the not very straightforward plot, doesn’t demand you squeeze your brain for the whole three hours, it demands your empathy. If you manage to relate to the stories of those characters, you’ll love Magnolia. Otherwise, the film has four highlights: the very beginning, a long and incredibly well escalated scene right in the middle, the scene with the song and the final story about a frog. These four moments make it deserving of five stars. 90 % (09.09.2010)

Anderson has confirmed his reputation as the most talented director of the young generation and, as with Boogie Nights, has made a three-hour spectacle that flows by like water. The seemingly disparate patchwork of different human destinies would have crumbled under the hands of another director, but under Anderson's baton it feels extremely cohesive and the viewer doesn't feel lost in the plot. Plus, Anderson managed to make Cruise look a proper actor, which is remarkable. Cruise's portrayal of the successful hyper-macho is magnificent and rightfully awarded an Oscar nomination. The cathartic ending is unforgettable. Long live the frogs. (13.04.2003)

Eight seemingly unconnected main storylines and a couple more subordinate storylines that cut through them all? Three hours long? With Tom Cruise actually acting? Impossible to rein in from the director’s chair? Evidently you haven’t seen Magnolia yet. It has its flies in the ointment, but overall it is very powerful and supported here and there with a scene that gives the impression “as if frogs were falling from the skies". The atmosphere is as engrossing as it is unusual. I thought up a working title for it: Magnolioid. (21.01.2005)

If I were to review Magnolia objectively, I wouldn't be able to give it any lower rating than the highest one. Fortunately, I can evaluate it purely based on my own opinion, and despite Anderson's flawless direction, I couldn't help but feel that three hours is too long and somewhat unnecessary. Of course, all the storylines are interconnected, and individual characters couldn't be removed, but the whole competition, the host, and the genius young man around it all felt terribly boring to me, and I was looking forward to when the story would switch to someone else, which unfortunately applies to former contestant Macy as well. On the other hand, Cruise, Hoffman, and Reilly are amazing, and whenever any of them had the opportunity to showcase their acting skills, I was consistently moved. (16.09.2006)