Moonrise Kingdom | Rotten Tomatoes (2024)

93% Tomatometer 272 Reviews 86% Audience Score 100,000+ Ratings

The year is 1965, and the residents of New Penzance, an island off the coast of New England, inhabit a community that seems untouched by some of the bad things going on in the rest of the world. Twelve-year-olds Sam (Jared Gilman) and Suzy (Kara Hayward) have fallen in love and decide to run away. But a violent storm is approaching the island, forcing a group of quirky adults (Bruce Willis, Edward Norton, Bill Murray) to mobilize a search party and find the youths before calamity strikes. Read More Read Less

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Moonrise Kingdom

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Critics Consensus

Warm, whimsical, and poignant, the immaculately framed and beautifully acted Moonrise Kingdom presents writer/director Wes Anderson at his idiosyncratic best.

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Critics Reviews

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Moonrise Kingdom | Rotten Tomatoes (1) Carmen Rios Autostraddle Charming, enveloping, seriously funny, and beautiful. Jun 10, 2021 Full Review Moonrise Kingdom | Rotten Tomatoes (2) Nick James Sight & Sound Moonrise Kingdom makes a winning appeal to the precious joys of the pre-teen imagination circa 1965. Aug 30, 2017 Full Review Moonrise Kingdom | Rotten Tomatoes (3) David Thomson The New Republic The film is frequently funny, always elegant (or mock-elegant), and something that would make Humbert Humbert laugh all the way to his asylum. Jun 17, 2013 Full Review Moonrise Kingdom | Rotten Tomatoes (4) Chase Hutchinson The Stranger (Seattle, WA) Wes Anderson often gets (unfairly) pigeonholed as a one-note whimsy machine, but he proves he is so much more in the brilliant Moonrise Kingdom, where we see his habitual sweetness offset with somberness. Jul 25, 2024 Full Review Moonrise Kingdom | Rotten Tomatoes (5) Michael Leader Den of Geek Anderson finds something that has often been lost among his pitch-perfect aesthetic and clinical composition: warmth. Rated: 4/5 May 7, 2024 Full Review Moonrise Kingdom | Rotten Tomatoes (6) David Nusair Reel Film Reviews A typically quirky and erratic Wes Anderson effort... Rated: 2.5/4 Jul 13, 2023 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Blu B I can see where Hunt for the Wild People got it's inspiration from and rightfully so because this is an All Time Classic. While exceptionally made all around, the sandout element is the gorgous cinematography with all the color, quirkness, and symmetrical framing that is the hallmark of a Anderson Film. Same with the acting with is such a unique style (not to Anderson films) with a balance of quirky, clever, and slightly off kilter but never crossing into The Happening type of off which is masterful. This is a coming of age story mixed with almost a screwball like comedy elements. Even if you don't laugh out loud its very charming because of how clever, original, and zany it is. It's also a tale of not just coming of age for youth romance (which is part of the joke here how they act like grown adults) but a coming of age for this isolated peaceful little island in general. All done in that wes Anderson style that I could try to describe but wouldn't do it justice. You should see it once to understand it. Rated 5/5 Stars • Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/13/24 Full Review SkyRo P After watching "Moonrise Kingdom," I felt compelled to share my thoughts on the film. The storyline revolves around the Boy Scouts and a homeless child, focusing on a juvenile boy who is on the verge of being placed in a juvenile refuge. However, he decides to run away and elopes with a girl named Susie, leading to a series of peculiar and mundane events throughout the movie.Despite my initial expectations of the film being creative and entertaining, I found it to be a strange and lackluster experience. The plot felt disjointed and unengaging, failing to deliver the promised humor and charm. Bruce Willis' character came across as odd, and I was surprised by his involvement in the film. Similarly, Bill Murray's appearance did not elevate the movie as expected, adding to the overall disappointment.In essence, "Moonrise Kingdom" left me underwhelmed and unimpressed. While some may find it amusing as a quirky diversion, I would not recommend it unless you are in need of a movie to pass the time and alleviate boredom. Rated 2/5 Stars • Rated 2 out of 5 stars 08/11/24 Full Review Anastasia Z A masterpiece! From the music to the scenario everything is perfect. Amazing performance by the actors. Wes Anderson made a successful film again. Rated 5/5 Stars • Rated 5 out of 5 stars 04/04/24 Full Review Micky prescott P This movie was a very kind and lighthearted movie that deals with the troubles of growing up and learning about what it means to be an adult. I enjoyed the soundtrack and the cinematography and the acting was good even with the younger actors. Rated 3.5/5 Stars • Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/22/24 Full Review Heyden E I honestly like the fact that it was a romantic comedy but it could have been better overall I'm fixing it 3 and a half stars for the film also it was great quality and everything Rated 3.5/5 Stars • Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/14/24 Full Review Nathan A This is my second time viewing Moonrise Kingdom and I absolutely love it even more than when I first saw it. My favorite Wes Anderson movie was a tossup between Grand Budapest Hotel and Fantastic Mr. Fox, but now this is definitely making it even harder to decide. I loved how it utilized its religious imagery and symbolism in order to tell a heartwarming story of love. It utilizes the story of Noah's Ark in order to push all of these different characters who are constantly fighting into laying down their arms and helping each other out during this storm. The storm I felt represented many different things at the same time like all the adults acting against Sam and Suzy which they can't control, the turbulence that might come from them being together, God himself forcing these people to all band together for a common goal, etc. Rated 4.5/5 Stars • Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 02/07/24 Full Review Read all reviews

Moonrise Kingdom

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Cast & Crew

Wes Anderson Director Bruce Willis Captain Sharp Ed Norton Scout Master Ward Bill Murray Mr. Bishop Frances McDormand Mrs. Bishop Tilda Swinton Social Services
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Movie Clips

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Moonrise Kingdom

Moonrise Kingdom: Official Clip - Camp Ivanhoe Moonrise Kingdom: Official Clip - Camp Ivanhoe 2:54 Moonrise Kingdom: Official Clip - Social Services Moonrise Kingdom: Official Clip - Social Services 1:59 Moonrise Kingdom: Official Clip - What Kind of Bird Are You? Moonrise Kingdom: Official Clip - What Kind of Bird Are You? 2:01 Moonrise Kingdom: Official Clip - I Love You Moonrise Kingdom: Official Clip - I Love You 2:47 Moonrise Kingdom: Official Clip - Was He a Good Dog? Moonrise Kingdom: Official Clip - Was He a Good Dog? 2:37 Moonrise Kingdom: Official Clip - Dear Suzy, Dear Sam Moonrise Kingdom: Official Clip - Dear Suzy, Dear Sam 1:47 Moonrise Kingdom: Official Clip - This is Our Land! Moonrise Kingdom: Official Clip - This is Our Land! 2:14 Moonrise Kingdom: Official Clip - I'm On Your Side Moonrise Kingdom: Official Clip - I'm On Your Side 2:23 Moonrise Kingdom: Official Clip - Married by Cousin Ben Moonrise Kingdom: Official Clip - Married by Cousin Ben 2:25 Moonrise Kingdom: Official Clip - Running Away Together Moonrise Kingdom: Official Clip - Running Away Together 2:20 View more videos

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Moonrise Kingdom

Moonrise Kingdom: Trailer 1 Moonrise Kingdom: Trailer 1 1:54 Top 5 Freshest Wes Anderson Movies Top 5 Freshest Wes Anderson Movies 1:33 View more videos

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Synopsis The year is 1965, and the residents of New Penzance, an island off the coast of New England, inhabit a community that seems untouched by some of the bad things going on in the rest of the world. Twelve-year-olds Sam (Jared Gilman) and Suzy (Kara Hayward) have fallen in love and decide to run away. But a violent storm is approaching the island, forcing a group of quirky adults (Bruce Willis, Edward Norton, Bill Murray) to mobilize a search party and find the youths before calamity strikes.

Director
Wes Anderson

Producer
Wes Anderson, Scott Rudin, Steven Rales, Jeremy Dawson

Screenwriter
Wes Anderson, Roman Coppola

Distributor
Focus Features

Production Co
Indian Paintbrush, American Empirical Pictures

Rating
PG-13 (Smoking|Sexual Content)

Genre
Comedy, Drama, Romance

Original Language
English

Release Date (Theaters)
Jun 29, 2012, Wide

Release Date (Streaming)
Dec 10, 2015

Box Office (Gross USA)
$45.5M

Runtime
1h 34m
Most Popular at Home Now
Moonrise Kingdom | Rotten Tomatoes (2024)

FAQs

Why is there so much yellow in Moonrise Kingdom? ›

Moonrise Kingdom • I'm on Your Side

And yellow is an appropriate color to paint his film. It has a more playful nature and is often associated with childhood. Considering how the film is about first love, yellow adequately emphasizes the naivety of the characters, both children and adults.

What makes Moonrise Kingdom so good? ›

The two young leads are superb and the brave move by Anderson to place unknown actors front and centre pays off beautifully. The rest of the cast is on paper even more star-studded than The Royal Tenenbaums and yet Anderson never steers into unnecessary character development just to accommodate his stars.

Is Moonrise Kingdom appropriate for kids? ›

Moonrise Kingdom, rated PG, is a comedy romance that targets adolescents and adults and is not recommended for children under 13. The film, directed by Wes Anderson, has a slightly surreal feel about it and some quirky characters and may not appeal to younger teens, who may be disturbed by some scenes and themes.

What is the plot of Moonrise Kingdom? ›

What does blue represent in Moonrise Kingdom? ›

For example, Moonrise Kingdom's representative from Social Services—the film's primary antagonist—is defined by her matching royal blue hat and coat. Her dominant color is one that exudes trust and security, but Anderson has associated it with a character that represents authority, danger, and division.

What is the message of Moonrise Kingdom? ›

Moonrise Kingdom premiered at the 2012 Cannes Film Festival and received critical acclaim, with its themes of young love, child sexuality, juvenile mental health, and the Genesis flood narrative being praised.

Why does Suzy use binoculars in Moonrise Kingdom? ›

We remember that Suzy uses those binoculars to see Sam at the start of their adventure when they meet in the field. We remember the conversation in which he asks her why she uses them so much and she replies, 'It helps me see things closer, even if they're not far away. I pretend it's my magic power'.

Why was it called Moonrise Kingdom? ›

"The title references the cove that the two kids run away to. It has the technical name of Mile 3.25 Tidal Inlet on the map - but for them it's a secret, magical place, so they re-name it: Moonrise Kingdom."

How old are they supposed to be in Moonrise Kingdom? ›

Two 12-year-olds, who live on an island, fall in love with each other and elope into the wilderness.

How old was the girl in Moonrise Kingdom? ›

Kara Hayward was born on November 17, 1998 in Massachusetts. She was discovered at an open call, landing her first movie role in Wes Anderson's Moonrise Kingdom (2012), and received critical acclaim and numerous award nominations for her performance as Suzy Bishop. At this point, she was 12 years old.

Is Moonrise Kingdom Legal? ›

According to federal law, the scene in Moonrise Kingdom falls squarely under child p*rnography.

How old is the boy in Moonrise Kingdom? ›

Career. Gilman got his first professional acting role as Sam Shakusky in Moonrise Kingdom at age 12.

Why is Moonrise Kingdom so good? ›

Critics Reviews

Moonrise Kingdom makes a winning appeal to the precious joys of the pre-teen imagination circa 1965. Content collapsed. The film is frequently funny, always elegant (or mock-elegant), and something that would make Humbert Humbert laugh all the way to his asylum.

What was the point of Moonrise Kingdom? ›

Moonrise Kingdom is a delight. It's the story of first love between two troubled kids, of grand gestures to break free of a world that seems to be against them, and of the adult ensemble that fears for their future and does their best to guide them in spite of—or more likely because of—their own many failings.

Does Moonrise Kingdom have a happy ending? ›

After everything they've been through, Sam and Suzy earn a much-deserved happy ending. Captain Sharp adopts Sam, Suzy returns home, and they get the one thing they wanted all along: to be together.

What is the color theory in Moonrise Kingdom? ›

The “moonrise kingdom” is the refuge for which Sam and Suzy, both adolescents, are looking. Yellow is often a color of optimism in the films of Anderson, which is apparent in the uniforms of the scouts in this film. Yellow is also symbolized in many of his films as a color of peace.

Why is moonrise yellow? ›

The Moon DOES look more yellow near the horizon

This happens because the Moon's light travels a longer distance through the atmosphere. As it travels a longer path, more of the shorter, bluer wavelengths of light are scattered away, leaving more of the longer, redder wavelengths.

Why is the color of the moon yellow? ›

Depending on the amount of pollutants and air particles in the sky —and how close the moon is to the horizon — it appears white, yellow, blue or orange. The more dust in the air, or pollutants in general, make it appear more yellow/orange/blue.

Why does Wes Anderson use color? ›

In serious scenes, he uses comforting “happy” colors like red or light blue, while happier scenes have significantly darker hues. With such a vivid and unique perspective, it differentiates Anderson's films from other directors.

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