Genre: Romance, Drama, Comedy, Coming Of Age, Drugs, Love, Suspense
Plot: Andrew Largeman (Zach Braff) shuffled through life in a lithium-induced coma until his mother's death inspired a vacation from the pills to see what might happen. Returning to his hometown in the GARDEN STATE, "Large" finds old acquaintances around every corner living quite unique lives as grave diggers (Peter Sarsgaard), fast food knights and the panderers of pyramid schemes. By a twist of fate, Large meets Sam (Natalie Portman), a girl who is everything he isn't. A blast of color, hope and quirks, Sam becomes a sidekick who refuses to ride in his sidecar. Her warmth and fearlessness give Large the courage to open his heart to the joy and pain of the infinite abyss that is
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Behind the Scenes:
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 Discussion forum for this movie
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 Garden State is one of those movies that fails to stay with the viewer for an extended period of time. It's a forgettable film featuring a throw-away story with unmemorable characters and unremarkable performances.  --James Berardinelli (ReelViews)
Casting yourself in the first movie you've ever directed is pretty ballsy, especially when you've written the film yourself. How does Zach Braff pull it off without looking like a blowhard?--Stephanie Zacharek (Salon)
This is not a perfect movie; it meanders and ambles and makes puzzling detours. But it's smart and unconventional, with a good eye for the perfect detail...  --Roger Ebert (Chicago Sun-Times)
Leaves you wondering just what this talented young triple threat will do next. A--Craig Younkin (Lee's Movie Info)
One of my favorite films of the year, Garden State makes you aware of the possible potential within other young names out there. B+--Lee Tistaert (Lee's Movie Info)
Garden State is the poetic encapsulation of that singular human experience, and on the short list of the best films of the year. A--Rob Vaux (Flipsidemovies.com)
Garden State is more than just melodrama about a man-child who is disconnected from his parents, it's actually a very quirky comedy. Sometimes the balence between comedy and drama seems a bit awkward, but that's okay, because it seems to work for the film's benefit. 8/10--'Cinema Guru Boy' (JackassCritics.com)
If “Garden State” is imperfect is a multitude of ways, it’s so with a heart and desire for individualism that is completely endearing. Braff has exorcized his filmmaking demons here, and now, hopefully settling down, we could be seeing the birth of a great filmmaker. B--Brian Orndorf (FilmJerk.com)
'Garden State' is entertaining, introspective and enlightening - pretty good for a first time writer/director. And don’t forget the smokin’ soundtrack.  --Greg Ursic (Movie-Gurus.com)
Garden State could have been a much better film. There's plenty to like, such as the innovative, creative direction, the hip soundtrack, and the moving premise, but plenty to hate too, like the scattered, fragmented narrative, and a horrid ending, which I won't go into for obvious reasons. 6/10--Aaron West (Movie-Vault.com)
This is the sort of movie one waits for while suffering through the seemingly endless barrage of mindless dreck week after week. Garden State is a real treasure, an instant classic that will still be remembered years from now.  --David Nusair (Reel Film Reviews)
Nothing short of stunning. A mind-blowing debut that provides an existential insight into tragedy and aimlessness while never taking itself so seriously that it can’t offer up an original and timely belly-laugh.  --Derek May (MovieWeb)
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| Directed by |
Zach Braff
Andrew Henry's Meadow, Manhattan Murder Mystery, Chicken Little |
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| Written by |
Zach Braff
8 Track, Manhattan Murder Mystery, Chicken Little |
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| Cast |
Zach Braff
Manhattan Murder Mystery, Chicken Little, The Broken Hearts Club: A Romantic Comedy |
| Ian Holm
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, The Fifth Element |
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 | Jean Smart
Sweet Home Alabama, Bringing Down the House, The Kid |
 | Natalie Portman
Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith, Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace, Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones |
 | | George C. Wolfe
Elaine Stritch: At Liberty, Elaine Stritch at Liberty, Lackawanna Blues | |
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| Music By |
Chad Fisher
Little Manhattan, The Making of 'Garden State' | |
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I’m not sure what the hell I’d call Garden State, besides effective. It’s certainly a one-of-a-kind motion picture, beautifully pacing itself with a poignant intrepidness, full of subtle quirks, but also deeply resonant and relatable material.  --Danny Baldwin (BucketReviews.com)
The thing I loved most about this movie was its distinctive style, particularly in terms of its shot compositions, its use of camera and its abundant and pertinent application of soundtrack. The mood of the film is also just right, and for anyone from that generation, a likely connection is sure to be made. 8/10--'JoBlo' (JoBlo.com)
'GARDEN State," a fanciful little indie brimming with emo music and curious little vignettes, marks a self-conscious but very promising debut for "Scrubs" star Zach Braff. --Megan Lehmann (New York Post)
Garden State is a beaming, unforgettable little masterpiece, creatively alive and emotionally intimate at the same time. --Dustin Putman (The Movie Insider)
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