Citizen X
Seen it?1995 | 105 min | Crime, Drama, TV Movie
Saturday SpecialWhy it’s a Saturday Special
It earned strong reviews (86% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it won an Emmy. A strong pick for the weekend.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for crime-drama fans. If you loved Mississippi Burning, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Dark and gritty.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 45 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated R: expect violence.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
Based on the true story of a Russian serial killer who, over many years, claimed victim to over 50 people. His victims were mostly under the age of 17. In what was then a communists state, the police investigations were hampered by bureaucracy, incompetence and those in power. The story is told from the viewpoint of the detective in charge of the case.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
86% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesSolid
7.2 out of 10
- AwardsStrong
Won 1 Emmy: Primetime Emmy Awards: Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or a Special. Won 1 Golden Globe: Golden Globe Awards: Best Supporting Actor in a Series, Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television. Won 1 WGA Award: Writers Guild of America Awards: Best Supporting Actor in a Series, Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television. Also nominated for 5 more Emmys and 1 more Golden Globe. Plus 6 other awards.
- Reach & staying powerSolid
Streaming release that reached a modest audience; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 98K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
More like this
Snowtown
Sunday Safe BetAnother serial killer crime drama, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
Mississippi Burning
Friday Night FlickAnother true-story crime drama, and a Friday Night Flick.
The Boston Strangler Sunday Safe BetAnother serial killer crime drama, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
Out for Justice
Weeknight WatchAnother detective crime drama, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
Hannibal Weeknight WatchAnother serial killer crime drama, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
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Cast & crew
Directed by Chris Gerolmo
- Stephen ReaLt. Viktor Burakov
- Donald SutherlandCol. Mikhail Fetisov
- Max von SydowDr. Alexandr Bukhanovsky
- Jeffrey DeMunnAndrei Chikatilo
- Joss AcklandBondarchuk
- John WoodGorbunov
- Radu AmzulescuFederenko
- Imelda StauntonMrs. Burakov
- András BálintIgnatiev
- Géza BalkayProcurator