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Orpheus

Name: Orpheus
Genre: Romance, Fantasy, Drama
Released: 1950-09-29
Cast: Jean Marais, François Périer, María Casares, Marie Déa, Henri Crémieux

1950 | 95 min | Romance, Fantasy, Drama

Sunday Safe Bet

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

Critics loved it (97% on Rotten Tomatoes). A safe bet when you want something reliable.

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

Is it for you?

Who'll love it: Made for romantics and fantasy fans. If you loved Moulin Rouge!, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood: Warm and romantic.
The pace: Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 35 min.
What might put you off: It's in French, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
Made in 1950: an older pace and style.
Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

A famous poet in postwar Paris, scorned by the Left Bank youth, is in love with both his wife Eurydice and a mysterious princess. Seeking inspiration, the poet becomes obsessed and follows the princess from the world of the living to the land of the dead.

How it earned its rating

CriticsVery strong
97% on Rotten Tomatoes
AudiencesSolid
7.7 out of 10
AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
Reach & staying powerSolid
Streaming release that reached a modest audience; still draws a steady audience long after release
Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 54K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Jean Cocteau

Jean MaraisOrphée
François PérierHeurtebise
María CasaresDeath
Marie DéaEurydice
Henri CrémieuxEditor
Juliette GrécoAglaonice
Roger BlinThe Poet
Édouard DermitheJacques Cégeste
André CarnègeJudge
René WormsJudge