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Birthday Girl

Be careful what you wish for.

2001 · 1h 33m · R Comedy, Crime, Thriller
Directed by Jez Butterworth

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Overview

John is a mild-mannered banker who has never been lucky in love. Fed up with waiting for the right girl to come along, John takes a chance on a Russian mail-order bride arranged via the Internet, where he is introduced to Nadia. John's fondness for Nadia grows... until the sudden arrival of Nadia's gregarious cousins makes John realize that he's in over his head.

Director and cast

Critics on Rotten Tomatoes

Top critics, in their words

All reviews
59%
Tomatometer
Rotten

'Butterfingered' is the word for the big-fisted direction of Jez Butterworth, who manages to blast even the smallest sensitivities from the romance with his clamorous approach.

Duane Byrge, Hollywood Reporter
Fresh

A deceptively clever romantic comedy that is also part caper, part thriller and a perfect vehicle for both Ms. Kidman and her talented co-star, Ben Chaplin.

Rex Reed, New York Observer
Rotten

As I watched the film struggle with all its switches and turnabouts, I wondered why it wasn't funnier, more charming or more exciting.

Andrew Sarris, New York Observer
Rotten

It's all over the road -- sometimes farce, sometimes horror, sometimes thriller, sometimes police procedural. And the truth is, no one in it is particularly sympathetic.

Stephen Hunter, Washington Post
Fresh

It may not be particularly innovative, but the film's crisp, unaffected style and air of gentle longing make it unexpectedly rewarding.

Mark Holcomb, Village Voice

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