
Carmen
Seen it?1984 | 152 min | Music, Drama
Why it’s a Saturday Special
It earned strong reviews (88% on Rotten Tomatoes), despite almost no lasting buzz. 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
- A natural pick for people who'll be humming afterwards and music lovers. The music is woven into the story, not just laid on top. A good follow-up to Tommy or High Society.
- The mood
- Thoughtful and character-driven.
- The pace
- Long and immersive, at 2 hr 32 min.
- What might put you off
- It's long: 2 hr 32 min.
- It's in French, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
- Not the one if you want explosions or easy laughs.
In the early 19th century, in Seville and the surrounding area, Carmen seduces the sergeant Don José, who deserts the army to be with her. But the beautiful gypsy falls in love with the bullfighter Escamillo, much to Don José’s despair.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
88% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesNot counted
Not measured yet: not enough ratings
- AwardsSolid
Nominated for 1 Golden Globe and 2 BAFTAs.
- Reach & staying powerBelow par
Streaming release that reached a small audience so far; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactWeak
About 9K people sought it out in the past year
More like this
TommySaturday SpecialAnother musical drama, and a Saturday Special.
Let It ShineWeeknight WatchAnother musical music film, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
Teen SpiritWeeknight WatchAnother music film, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
High SocietySaturday SpecialAnother musical music film, and a Saturday Special.
DalidaWeeknight WatchAnother music film, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
Want more like this, picked just for you? Get my picks
Cast & crew
Directed by Francesco Rosi
- Julia MigenesCarmen
- Plácido DomingoDon José
- Ruggero RaimondiEscamillo
- Faith EshamMicaëla
- Lillian WatsonFrasquita
- Susan DanielMercédès
- John-Paul BogartZuniga
- Jean-Philippe LafontLe Dancaïre
- Gérard GarinoLe Remendado
- François Le RouxMoralès