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'Round Midnight

Name: 'Round Midnight
Genre: Drama, Music
Released: 1986-09-23
Cast: Dexter Gordon, François Cluzet, Gabrielle Haker, Christine Pascal, Pierre Trabaud

1986 | 131 min | Drama, Music

Friday Night Flickearly rating

Why it’s a Friday Night Flick

Critics loved it (100% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it won an Oscar. Make plans for this one.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it: Made for anyone who loves a strong drama. If you loved A Complete Unknown or Elvis, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood: Thoughtful and character-driven.
The pace: Takes its time with its characters, at 2 hr 11 min.
What might put you off: Rated R: meant for adults.
Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

Inside the Blue Note nightclub one night in 1959 Paris, an aged, ailing jazzman coaxes an eloquent wail from his tenor sax. Outside, a young Parisian too broke to buy a glass of wine strains to hear those notes. Soon they will form a friendship that sparks a final burst of genius.

How it earned its rating

CriticsVery strong
100% on Rotten Tomatoes
AudiencesSolid
7.1 out of 10
AwardsStrong
Won 1 Oscar: Academy Awards: Best Original Score. Also nominated for 1 more Oscar, 2 Golden Globes and 1 BAFTA. Plus 9 other awards.
Box office & staying powerSolid
$10 million worldwide on a $3 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 45K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Bertrand Tavernier

Dexter GordonDale Turner
François CluzetFrancis Borler
Gabrielle HakerBérangère
Christine PascalSylvie
Pierre Trabaudle père de Francis
Frédérique Meiningerla mère de Francis
Liliane RovèreMadame Queen
Ged MarlonBeau
Benoît RégentLe psychiatre
Philippe NoiretRedon