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Documentary

Rams (2018): Cast & Ratings

Rams (2018) movie poster

Rams is a 2018 documentary directed by Gary Hustwit, starring Dieter Rams. It runs 1 hour 14 minutes. Critics gave it 91% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 7.6/10.

IMDb rating
7.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes
91%
Echo Score
80
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Rams (2018) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 14m (74 min)
Director
Gary Hustwit
Genre
Documentary
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Rams About?

The premise of Rams without spoilers.

This documentary explores the life and career of Dieter Rams, a celebrated designer known for his influential work at Braun and Vitsoe. Through reflections from the 86-year-old Rams himself, the film examines his iconic designs and their lasting impact on product design. The documentary also touches on Rams’ perspective on consumerism and sustainability, revealing a thoughtful critique of modern materialism and its consequences.

Rams Themes & Keywords

· 8 tags
  • the future
  • design
  • furniture
  • record player
  • germany
  • consumer electronics
  • designer
  • minimalism
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Cast & crew

Rams Cast

Dieter Rams stars in Rams. Directed by Gary Hustwit.

From the director

More from Gary Hustwit

More films directed by Gary Hustwit, best-rated first: Eno, The Map, The Map and The Landfill.

Full filmography
Ratings

Rams Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Rams 91% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 7.6/10. Our Echo Score gives it 80/100, strongest in art & craft (85) and weakest in rewatch factor (70).

80 /100

Rams Echo Score Breakdown

In 'Rams', director Jeremy Sims achieves a consistently engaging drama defined by understated visual design and poignant character work. Critics commend the film’s clean-lined framing, effective use of the Western Australian landscape, and Brian Eno’s disciplined score, which together establish a refined stylistic foundation. Simultaneously, Sam Neill’s and Michael Caton’s nuanced interactions enrich the emotional core and sustain audience interest despite its gently paced narrative. The result is a harmonious, thoughtfully composed film that balances craft and feeling.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 85

    In terms of art and craft, 'Rams' excels in its precise visual composition. Reviewers note the film’s clean lines, well-lit frames, and effective use of the Western Australian countryside to evoke both mood and context. Jeremy Sims’s direction favors brevity and clarity, resulting in seamless transitions and deliberate framing. Overall, the film’s production design and cinematographic execution contribute to a refined visual experience.

  • Character & Emotion 85

    When it comes to character and emotion, the film is anchored by strong lead performances. Sam Neill and Michael Caton display compelling chemistry, infusing scenes with both warmth and restrained tension. The dynamic between the brothers conveys genuine affection and narrative stakes, even as moments of silence underscore their estrangement. Ultimately, the portrayal of family bonds remains the film’s emotional focal point.

  • Story & Flow 75

    In terms of story and flow, 'Rams' presents a coherent narrative that unfolds at a deliberate pace. The plotted tensions between the brothers are introduced with gradual revelations, sustaining engagement through measured dialogue and setting. Some viewers note a third-act shift that softens earlier dramatic stakes, yet the overall progression remains logically structured. Consequently, the storyline delivers a satisfying, if subtly paced, dramatic arc.

  • Sensory Experience 80

    In terms of sensory experience, the film leverages a spare yet effective soundscape. Brian Eno’s sequence of compositions and Antony Partos’s score contribute to a restrained musical identity that complements the visual clarity. Sound design remains unobtrusive, allowing environmental textures to surface. Visually, the understated color palette and clean production design yield a cohesive aesthetic. The result is a subtly immersive sensory presentation.

  • Rewatch Factor 70

    As for rewatch factor, 'Rams' offers moderate replay value through its combination of visual nuance and emotional resonance. The film’s elegant framing and the leads’ layered performances can reveal new details upon subsequent viewings. However, the deliberate pacing and understated tension may lessen the appeal for those seeking more dynamic narratives. Nevertheless, its thoughtful craftsmanship rewards attentive repeat viewings.

Details

Rams Also Known As

3 alternative titles, including “Rams: Principles of Good Design” and “Рамс”.

Also known as
  • Rams: Principles of Good Design
  • Рамс
  • 디터 람스

Seen Rams?

FAQ

Rams FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date

Runtime, release date, director, cast, ratings and post-credit scenes of Rams, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Rams?

Rams runs 1 hour 14 minutes (74 minutes).

When was Rams released?

Rams was released on November 28, 2018.

Who directed Rams?

Rams was directed by Gary Hustwit.

More films by Gary Hustwit

Who is in the cast of Rams?

Rams stars Dieter Rams.

How is Rams rated?

Rams has 7.6/10 on IMDb, 91% on Rotten Tomatoes, 74% on TMDB and 3.8/5 on Letterboxd.

Does Rams have a post-credit scene?

No. Rams has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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