Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Mild
- witty
- nostalgic
- irreverent
- music film night
- nostalgic weekend
What critics said
Critics generally found Ang Lee's affectionate Woodstock portrait visually lively and warmly performed, though its episodic script and uneven tone limited its impact.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Elliot's family motel becomes the accidental meeting point for conservative local life and the Woodstock generation.
Elliot's emerging sexual identity is intertwined with his growing independence during the festival's arrival.
The story follows motel workers, family members, organizers, and local residents surrounding the concert.
The Catskills festival environment is presented with colorful, energetic imagery reflecting late-1960s counterculture.
Films like Taking Woodstock, and why
Festival Express
shared music-festival setting, countercultural period atmosphere, comedy drama, and ensemble humanism
Across the Universe
shared 1960s counterculture, music-centered storytelling, irreverent humor, and coming-of-age energy
The Last Picture Show
shared period nostalgia, ensemble comedy drama, family tension, and generational change
Movie Details
- Director
- Ang Lee
- Release Date
- 2009-08-26
- Runtime
- 120 min
- Rating
- 6.2 / 10 (489)
Cast
- Demetri Martin
- Imelda Staunton
- Henry Goodman
- Jonathan Groff
- Eugene Levy
- Emile Hirsch
- Dan Fogler
- Liev Schreiber
- Mamie Gummer
- Jeffrey Dean Morgan
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Taking Woodstock about?
- A reluctant motel caretaker finds personal freedom amid the chaotic birth of Woodstock.
- What is Taking Woodstock like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Taking Woodstock as brisk, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Taking Woodstock violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in Taking Woodstock as mild.
- What did critics think of Taking Woodstock?
- Critics generally found Ang Lee's affectionate Woodstock portrait visually lively and warmly performed, though its episodic script and uneven tone limited its impact.
- Which films are like Taking Woodstock?
- Films with a similar feel include Festival Express, Across the Universe, and The Last Picture Show.
- How long is Taking Woodstock?
- Taking Woodstock runs 120 minutes.
- Where can I watch Taking Woodstock?
- In United States, Taking Woodstock is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
