Accessibility links
Kenneth Turan Kenneth Turan is the film critic for the Los Angeles Times and NPR's Morning Edition, as well as the director of the Los Angeles Times Book Prizes.
thumbnail
Stories By

Kenneth Turan

Review

Arts & Life

German Film 'Downfall' Mulls Hitler's Last Days

Los Angeles Times film critic Kenneth Turan reviews the German film Downfall, a retelling of Hitler's final hours with an emphasis on the human being at the center of an unspeakable wave of evil. It was a controversial hit in Germany, and has been nominated for a best foreign film Oscar.

German Film 'Downfall' Mulls Hitler's Last Days

Listen
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/4513021/4513022" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">

Review

Arts & Life

'Lost Embrace' Explores Argentinean Jewish Quarter

Los Angeles Times film critic Kenneth Turan says Lost Embrace, an Argentinean film that is just now debuting in the States, is a charming and original story about ordinary life set in a Jewish neighborhood in Buenos Aires.

'Lost Embrace' Explores Argentinean Jewish Quarter

Listen
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/4503982/4503983" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">

Review

77th Annual Academy Awards

'Born into Brothels' an Unsentimental, Inspired Success

This week, Los Angeles Times film critic Kenneth looks at the documentary Born into Brothels. The film looks at children of Indian prostitutes and was filmed by the children themselves. According to Turan, the technique works and creates surprisingly uplifting stories.

'Born into Brothels' an Unsentimental, Inspired Success

Listen
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/4485751/4485752" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">

Movies

Quaid, Grace, Johansson Make for 'Good Company'

Despite the January lull in the release of big Hollywood movies, Los Angeles Times movie critic Kenneth Turan says there's at least one gem. In Good Company features good writing and strong performances from stars Dennis Quaid, Topher Grace and Scarlett Johansson.

Quaid, Grace, Johansson Make for 'Good Company'

Listen
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/4272755/4272756" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">

Movies

Kenneth Turan: Film Trends for 2004

Los Angeles Times film critic Kenneth Turan says that while 2004 was a relatively poor year for quality films, there were some documentaries and animated films that stood out — and some of the best films were also the most controversial.

Kenneth Turan: Film Trends for 2004

Listen
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/4253029/4253177" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">

Arts & Life

'Hotel Rwanda' Tackles Horror of Genocide

The new film Hotel Rwanda tells the story of the 1994 Rwandan genocide through one man's attempt to save some of his countrymen and women. Los Angeles Times film critic Kenneth Turan has a review.

'Hotel Rwanda' Tackles Horror of Genocide

Listen
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/4243739/4243740" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">

77th Annual Academy Awards

Eastwood Directs Winning 'Million Dollar Baby'

Clint Eastwood's latest directing effort, Million Dollar Baby, features Eastwood as a boxing trainer and Hillary Swank as a woman trying to break into the fight game. Los Angeles Times critic Kenneth Turan offers a review.

Eastwood Directs Winning 'Million Dollar Baby'

Listen
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/4232720/4232721" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">

Arts & Life

Turan: 'Closer' Well Dressed but Emotionally Flat

Los Angeles Time movie critic Kenneth Turan says the new movie Closer attempts to deal with the depth of human emotions involving love and relationships. Instead, you'll find empty people trying to fulfill their selfish desires.

Turan: 'Closer' Well Dressed but Emotionally Flat

Listen
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/4200941/4200942" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">

Review

Movies

Kinsey: Conventional Film, Unconventional Subject

Film critic Ken Turan reviews Kinsey, about the noted sex researcher, starring Liam Neeson and Laura Linney in the roles of Alfred Kinsey and his wife. Conservative groups say the movie "mocks Christianity and condones immorality."

Kinsey: Conventional Film, Unconventional Subject

Listen
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/4166835/4166836" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">

Movies

A Winning Tribute to the Blues: 'Lightning in a Bottle'

Los Angeles Times film critic Kenneth Turan calls Lightning In A Bottle a terrific concert film. It's a tribute to the blues that centers on last year's 100th anniversary of the music form.

A Winning Tribute to the Blues: 'Lightning in a Bottle'

Listen
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/4145515/4145516" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">