Rambling Rose

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Rambling Rose

R

1991

1h 55m

Comedy

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

100%

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19 Reviews

58%

Popcornmeter

2,500+ Ratings

During the Great Depression, a Southern family hires the domestic services of Rose (Laura Dern), a damaged woman who hopes to avoid prostitution as a way of life. While in the employ of the household, Rose begins to develop feelings for the father of the family (Robert Duvall), who must continually rebuff her unwanted sexual advances. Meanwhile, Rose also develops a relationship with the 13-year-old son, Buddy (Lukas Haas). Eventually the father begins to reach the limits of his tolerance.

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Critics Consensus

A touching. bittersweet, and wonderfully-acted film.

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David Ansen

Newsweek

Feb 7, 2018

The intimate rhythms these two superb actors work up together capture a lifetime of marriage. Duvall and Ladd are the true heart and soul of Rambling Rose.

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Peter Travers

Rolling Stone

May 12, 2001

It's a beauty.

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Hal Hinson

Washington Post

Jan 1, 2000

[A] funny, moving, spectacularly acted little film.

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Sean Burns

WBUR’s Arts & Culture

Mar 28, 2024

A much tougher movie than it might first appear from the gauzy, nostalgic trappings, dealing frankly with matters of sexual abuse and the means by which society empowers frightened men to inflict their wills upon women they find intimidating.

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Rene Jordan

El Nuevo Herald (Miami)

Jan 4, 2023

A film of incongruous luminosity and sweetness. [Full review in Spanish]

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Emanuel Levy

EmanuelLevy.Com

Oct 31, 2006

B

Seen in a flashback through the eyes of an adolescent, this uncommon coming-of-age tale, which raises poignant questions about the mysteries of sex and love, flaunts a superb performance from Laura Dern as the promiscuous girl

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Robert P

@Superbad Sep 25, 2026

Rambling Rose = a 3.5 star Movie!

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Horror fan 4

@Horrorfan4life Jun 5, 2026

What a great film lead by a dynamic duo of a mother and daughter. Ladd and Dern both deserved the recognition they got from both the oscars and golden globes. I loved the characters and simple story about Rose who's come to work for a big family. She's a wild woman with a big heart. Robert Duvall well he's always good. Tim Treakle.

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Adiya A

@RT38824996 Aug 20, 2024

This idea of the filmmaker made the movie more accessible to more people.

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Bulgantamir B

@RT36664197 Aug 20, 2024

It was the best movie of that time

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Geke g

@RT40239519 Jul 30, 2024

Extraordinary feeling

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Munkhchimeg T

@RT64187897 Jul 30, 2024

Interesting movie. Has deep feelings

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Martha Coolidge

Director

Laura Dern

Rose

Robert Duvall

Daddy

Diane Ladd

Mother

Lukas Haas

Buddy

John Heard

Willcox Hillyer

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Synopsis

During the Great Depression, a Southern family hires the domestic services of Rose (Laura Dern), a damaged woman who hopes to avoid prostitution as a way of life. While in the employ of the household, Rose begins to develop feelings for the father of the family (Robert Duvall), who must continually rebuff her unwanted sexual advances. Meanwhile, Rose also develops a relationship with the 13-year-old son, Buddy (Lukas Haas). Eventually the father begins to reach the limits of his tolerance.

Director: Martha Coolidge
Producer: Renny Harlin
Distributor: Artisan Entertainment, Pioneer Entertainment, New Line Cinema
Production Co: Edgar J. Scherick Associates
Rating: R
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Sep 20, 1991, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Oct 20, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $6.3M
Runtime: 1h 55m
Sound Mix: Surround

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