Uncut Gems (2019)

With his debts mounting and angry collectors closing in, a fast-talking New York City jeweler risks everything in hope of staying afloat and alive.

Directors:

Benny Safdie, Josh Safdie

Writers:

Ronald Bronstein, Josh Safdie

Stars:

Adam Sandler, Julia Fox, Idina Menzel

24 wins & 75 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Mesfin Lamengo	...	Wounded Miner
Sun Zhi Hua-Hilton	...	Mine Foreman
Liang Wei-Hui-Duncan	...	Mine Management #1
Sunny Wu Jin Zahao	...	Mine Management #2
Deneke Muhugeta	...	Lead Miner 1
Habtunu Africho	...	Lead Miner 2
Warren Finkelstein	...	Dr. Blauman
Adam Sandler	...	Howard Ratner
Keith Williams Richards	...	Phil
Tommy Kominik	...	Nico
LaKeith Stanfield	...	Demany
Maksud Agadjani	...	Yussi
Ca$h Out	...	Ca$h Out
Andrea Linsky	...	Joani
Roman Persits	...	Roman

Storyline

Howard Ratner (Adam Sandler) is a once successful New York gems dealer whose gambling addiction has left his family and career in shambles, and him hundreds of thousands in debt. Always looking for the next big bet, Howard thinks he finally hit it big when he discovers a rare uncut rock of Ethiopian gems, with a very interested high-profile buyer. But the closer Howard gets to finally winning big, the more he is forced to realize he can't keep running from the consequences of his actions.

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Plot Keywords:

neo noir | new york city | jeweler | jewelry | gem | 

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Genres:

Crime | Drama | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for pervasive strong language, violence, some sexual content and brief drug use.

Did You Know?

Trivia

Yussi is played by a real-life jeweler, Maksud Agadjani, who was embroiled in a social media spat with rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine in 2018 over a $25,000 bracelet he said he lent the performer and was never paid for. The situation was covered by several hip hop media news outlets.

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Goofs

In the club scene, "Swimming Pools (Drank)" by Kendrick Lamar is playing in the background. This should not be possible, as the movie takes place in May of 2012 and the song did not release until July of that year.

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Quotes

Dinah Ratner: You know what, Howard?
Howard Ratner: [face-to-face] Say yes. What?
Dinah Ratner: I think you are the most annoying person I have ever met. I hate *being* with you, I hate *looking* at you... And if I had my way I would never - see you - again.

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Connections

References Good Times (1974)

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Soundtracks

Amen
Written by Jeremih (as Jeremy P. Felton), Jahlil Beats (as Orlando Jahlil Tucker), Michael McDonald, Lester Abrams, Key Wane (as Dwane Weir II), Meek Mill (as Robert Williams), and Drake (as Aubrey Graham)
Performed by Meek Mill
Courtesy of Maybach Music Group / Atlantic Recording Corp.
By arrangement with Warner Music Group Film & TV Licensing

User Reviews

Sandler delivers a tour de force performance in one of the year's best films.

The Safdie brothers are a masterful dark comedy creating a film that happily has one rooting for the bad guy. Ratner is in more ways than one despicable cheat; but he's also someone who can't assist but love the crowd. As his different systems become more complicated, Ratner's hole digs deeper and deeper.With the ideal combination of arrogance and nervous insecurity, Sandler portrays Ratner's reckless descent. He's the man who believes he's covered with all the corners ; but he's really hanging on by a lucky thread.The performance of Sandler fits completely into the natural and edgy filmmaking style of the Safdie brother. The siblings patiently build a narrative that is an unpleasant and riveting experience. The more turbulent the waters Ratner is swimming in, the more difficult it is for one to look away. In fact, Uncut Gems is a rare treasure, a thrilling and darkly funny film.

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook Official Instagram

Country:

USA

Language:

English Hebrew

Release Date:

25 December 2019 (USA)

Also Known As:

Uncut Gems

Filming Locations:

Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$537,242, 15 December 2019

Gross USA:

$50,023,780

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$50,023,780

Company Credits

Production Co:

Elara Pictures, IAC Films, Scott Rudin Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

135 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital Dolby Atmos

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.39 : 1