
The Twentieth Century
Seen it?2019 | 90 min | Comedy
Why it’s a Saturday Special
Critics loved it (93% 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
- Made for anyone who loves backroom deals and speeches and lovers of period drama. Power and ambition drive every scene. Same wavelength as The Great Dictator or Sorry to Bother You. The costumes and settings are a feast on their own.
- The mood
- Provocative satire that goes after everyone.
- The pace
- Quick and easy-going, at 1 hr 30 min. Short enough for a weeknight.
- What might put you off
- Not the pick if you want something heavy or meaningful.
Toronto, Canada, 1899. William Lyon Mackenzie King (1874-1950) fervently believes that he is destined to become Prime Minister, but to do so he will first have to fight his personal obsessions and overcome the many obstacles he will encounter on his tortuous path to power.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
93% on Rotten Tomatoes, 77 on Metacritic
- AudiencesNot counted
Not measured yet: not enough ratings
- AwardsSolid
Won 1 Berlin award: Berlin International Film Festival: FIPRESCI Prize (Forum). Also nominated for 1 DGA Award. Plus 11 other awards.
- 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 13K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
More like this
The Great DictatorFriday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed satirical comedy.
Ali G IndahouseWeeknight WatchAnother satirical comedy, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
Sorry to Bother YouSaturday SpecialAnother satirical comedy.
The Onion MovieSunday Safe BetAnother satirical comedy, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
Black SheepWeeknight WatchAnother political comedy, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
Want more like this, picked just for you? Get my picks
Cast & crew
Directed by Matthew Rankin
- Dan BeirneMackenzie King
- Sarianne CormierNurse Lapointe
- Catherine St-LaurentRuby Elliott
- Mikhaïl AhoojaBert Harper
- Brent SkagfordArthur Meighen
- Seán CullenLord Muto
- Trevor AndersonMr. Justice Richardson
- Marie BrassardAsbestos Miner
- Kee ChanDr. Milton Wakefield
- Martin DubreuilJohn Christian Schultz