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Poster for A Christmas Tale

A Christmas Tale

Seen it?

2008 | 152 min | Comedy, Drama

Sunday Safe Betearly rating

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

Critics loved it (86% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had almost no lasting buzz and soft box office. 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 anyone who wants a laugh. If you loved Parenthood or Bad Santa, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Funny with heart.
The pace
Unhurried and epic, 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).
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

When their regal matriarch falls ill, the troubled Vuillard family come together for a hesitant Christmastime reunion. Among them is rebellious ne'er-do-well Henri and the uptight Elizabeth. Together under the same roof for the first time in many years, their intricate, long denied resentments and yearnings emerge again.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsVery strong

    86% on Rotten Tomatoes, 84 on Metacritic

  • AudiencesSolid

    6.8 out of 10

  • AwardsWeak

    0 wins and 1 nomination from smaller awards and festivals

  • Box office & staying powerBelow par

    $7 million worldwide; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactWeak

    About 15K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Arnaud Desplechin

  • Catherine DeneuveJunon
  • Jean-Paul RoussillonAbel
  • Anne ConsignyElisabeth
  • Mathieu AmalricHenri
  • Chiara MastroianniSylvia
  • Melvil PoupaudIvan
  • Emmanuelle DevosFaunia
  • Hippolyte GirardotClaude Dédalus
  • Laurent CapellutoSimon
  • Émile BerlingPaul Dédalus