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Poster for Mystery Train

Mystery Train

1989 · 1h 46m · R Comedy
Directed by Jim Jarmusch

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Overview

In Memphis, Tennessee, over the course of a single night, the Arcade Hotel, run by an eccentric night clerk and a clueless bellboy, is visited by a young Japanese couple traveling in search of the roots of rock; an Italian woman in mourning who stumbles upon a fleeing charlatan girl; and a comical trio of accidental thieves looking for a place to hide.

Director and cast

Critics on Rotten Tomatoes

Top critics, in their words

All reviews
89%
Tomatometer
Fresh

The three-part structure of Mystery Train is still a bit shambling and slight, but there's an undeniable air of deadpan cool that permeates the film and gives it a haunting sense of place.

Chris Nashawaty, Entertainment Weekly
Fresh

Happily, Jarmusch's formal inventiveness is framed by a rare flair for zany entertainment ...

Geoff Andrew, Time Out
Fresh

It's the best thing Mr. Jarmusch has done to date.

Vincent Canby, New York Times
Rotten

If there is a rationale for what takes place on-screen, it's not evident. Things happen, and nothing means anything.

Hal Hinson, Washington Post
Fresh

The best thing about "Mystery Train" is that it takes you to an America you feel you ought to be able to find for yourself, if you only knew where to look.

Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

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