Titanic
Synopsis
84 years later, a 100 year-old woman named Rose DeWitt Bukater tells the story to her granddaughter Lizzy Calvert, Brock Lovett, Lewis Bodine, Bobby Buell and Anatoly Mikailavich on the Keldysh about her life set in April 10th 1912, on a ship called Titanic when young Rose boards the departing ship with the upper-class passengers and her mother, Ruth DeWitt Bukater, and her fiancé, Caledon Hockley. Meanwhile, a drifter and artist named Jack Dawson and his best friend Fabrizio De Rossi win third-class tickets to the ship in a game. And she explains the whole story from departure until the death of Titanic on its first and last voyage April 15th, 1912 at 2:20 in the morning.
Critical Acclaim
The 1997 release of Titanic marked a monumental event in cinematic history, both for its ambitious scope and its reception. Critics praised James Cameron's ability to combine a historically rooted narrative with a compelling romance, creating an epic that appealed to a wide audience. The film's visual effects, set design, and attention to period detail were lauded, with many reviewers highlighting the seamless integration of CGI with practical effects. At the time, Titanic set new standards for production design and special effects, underscoring Cameron's reputation as a visionary director.
Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times awarded the film four stars, calling it "an epic, thrilling, and most of all, spellbinding" experience. Janet Maslin of The New York Times noted the film's "spectacular craft" and the emotional depth brought by its lead actors, Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet. In the years since its release, Titanic has maintained a robust 88% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, reflecting its enduring ability to captivate audiences and critics alike. Modern reviewers continue to praise its technical achievements and the timeless appeal of its central love story.
The film's critical acclaim was mirrored by its unprecedented commercial success, as it became the first film to gross over $1 billion worldwide. Titanic won 11 Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director, tying the record for the most Oscars won by a single film. Its impact on popular culture is undeniable, with its iconic lines and scenes remaining ingrained in the public consciousness. The American Film Institute consistently ranks it among the top romantic films of all time, cementing its legacy as a landmark in cinematic storytelling and technical innovation.
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