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Walk the Line

Play trailer 1:49 Poster for Walk the Line PG-13 2005 2h 16m Biography History Drama Music Romance Play Trailer Watchlist
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82% Tomatometer 204 Reviews 90% Popcornmeter 250,000+ Ratings
The rise of country music legend Johnny Cash (Joaquin Phoenix) begins with his days as a boy growing up on the family farm, where he struggles under the scorn of his father (Robert Patrick). As the years pass, Cash ends up in Memphis, Tenn., with his wife, Vivian (Ginnifer Goodwin), and breaks into the music scene after finding his trademark sound. While on tour, Cash meets the love of his life, singer June Carter (Reese Witherspoon), but Cash's volatile lifestyle threatens to keep them apart.
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Walk the Line

Walk the Line

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Critics Consensus

Superior acting and authentic crooning capture the emotional subtleties of the legend of Johnny Cash with a freshness that is a pleasure to watch.

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Critics Reviews

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Wendy Ide The Times (UK) Jul 28, 2022
Johnny Cash gets the biopic treatment in this superior portrait of the man, his music, the demons he battled and the love that saved him. Go to Full Review Namrata Joshi Outlook Jan 10, 2019
3/4
The film boasts of extremely competent performances, particularly the extraordinary Phoenix. As for Witherspoon, with her nasal twang and perky persona, she is sweet and sassy... Go to Full Review Zadie Smith Daily Telegraph (UK) Jan 16, 2018
Walk the Line -- although conspicuously well acted -- is really no different from previous efforts, and that's a good thing. It shares the charm of the (musical biopic) genre. Go to Full Review Nadia Dalimonte Next Best Picture Dec 13, 2024
7/10
“Walk the Line” may not be reinventing the wheel, but the film holds up incredibly well in the unique talents of remarkable performers who maintain Mangold’s vision. Go to Full Review David Walsh World Socialist Web Site Jul 9, 2020
This is not a malicious or embarrassing work; the viewer simply feels that Mangold has not genuinely tackled a single one of the complex and potentially rich problems bound up with the lives of Cash and Carter. Go to Full Review Rachel Wagner rachelsreviews.net Feb 28, 2019
9/10
I love this movie so much. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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malachai M @Malmurphy Aug 6, 2026 joaquin and reese did so great during this film, its even better when they actually sing it See more Jeremy W. @reliablecritic Jun 11, 2026 WORTH WATCH! I Love Reese Witherspoon and this movie is one of my favorites. I’ve watched more than a few times and they delivered 100%. 🙌🏻 See more Christina D. @NinaNinaBobina May 21, 2026 Great chemistry between Phoenix and Witherspoon. Great music, great acting, and great charisma! See more Henry D @Henry_Domke May 3, 2026 Excellent, with lots of great music. They didn’t skimp on the songs. Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon were terrific together, and it was surprising how well they handled the singing. They’re good! The sound editing made the transitions into the songs feel seamless and fun. See more Fiona S @Noni_noodlez Apr 17, 2026 Phoenix and Witherspoon deliver authentic portrayals of Johnny and June, singing and playing their instruments live in this drama-filled biopic that set the standard for all those that followed. The ultimate music love story. See more Downriver R @Downriver Feb 13, 2026 The best artist film I've seen when it comes to telling a singers story. Just a masterpiece movie from start to finish See more Read all reviews
Walk the Line

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Cast & Crew

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James Mangold

Director

Joaquin Phoenix

Johnny Cash

Reese Witherspoon

June Carter

Ginnifer Goodwin

Vivian Cash

Robert Patrick

Ray Cash

Dallas Roberts

Sam Phillips

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Walk the Line

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Walk the Line

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Movie Info

Synopsis The rise of country music legend Johnny Cash (Joaquin Phoenix) begins with his days as a boy growing up on the family farm, where he struggles under the scorn of his father (Robert Patrick). As the years pass, Cash ends up in Memphis, Tenn., with his wife, Vivian (Ginnifer Goodwin), and breaks into the music scene after finding his trademark sound. While on tour, Cash meets the love of his life, singer June Carter (Reese Witherspoon), but Cash's volatile lifestyle threatens to keep them apart.
Director
James Mangold
Producer
Cathy Konrad, James Keach
Screenwriter
James Mangold, Gill Dennis
Distributor
20th Century Fox
Production Co
Konrad Pictures, Catfish Productions, Fox 2000 Pictures
Rating
PG-13 (Some Language|Depiction of Drug Dependency|Thematic Material)
Genre
Biography, History, Drama, Music, Romance
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Nov 18, 2005, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
Sep 18, 2012
Box Office (Gross USA)
$119.5M
Runtime
2h 16m
Sound Mix
Surround
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