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Action thriller

The Baker (2023): Cast & Ratings

The Baker (2023) movie poster

The Baker is a 2023 action thriller directed by Jonathan Sobol, starring Harvey Keitel as Merchant, Ron Perlman and Elias Koteas. It runs 1 hour 44 minutes. Critics gave it 54% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 5.9/10.

IMDb rating
5.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes
54%
Echo Score
74
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The Baker (2023) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 44m (104 min)
Director
Jonathan Sobol
Genres
Action , Drama , Mystery , Thriller
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is The Baker About?

The premise of The Baker without spoilers.

In the dark and dangerous heart of a sprawling city, a former hitman seeking a quiet life as a baker finds his peace shattered when his son disappears. He’s unexpectedly joined by his spirited eight-year-old granddaughter, and together they are drawn into a perilous search for the truth. Their mission takes them through treacherous streets, exposing deadly secrets and revealing a surprising connection to a large quantity of heroin hidden within a loaf of bread.

The Baker Themes & Keywords

· 3 tags
  • drugs
  • violence
  • two word title
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Cast & crew

The Baker Cast & Characters

Harvey Keitel leads the cast as Merchant, with Ron Perlman as Pappi and Elias Koteas as Vic. Directed by Jonathan Sobol; 10 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in The Baker

· 6 more
From the director

More from Jonathan Sobol

More films directed by Jonathan Sobol, best-rated first: The Art of the Steal and The Padre.

Full filmography
Ratings

The Baker Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave The Baker 54% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 5.9/10. Our Echo Score gives it 74/100, strongest in character & emotion (85) and weakest in story & flow (60).

74 /100

The Baker Echo Score Breakdown

Overall, The Baker offers a solid genre entry that leans on strong central performances and well‑executed action set‑pieces while falling short of narrative originality. Critics acknowledge the film’s effective pacing and competent direction, yet repeatedly note its reliance on familiar vigilante tropes. Viewer feedback similarly praises Ron Perlman’s gravitas and the energetic fight choreography, though some find the plot predictable. The net impression is that the movie satisfies action‑thriller expectations without transcending them.

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

  • Art & Craft 70

    In terms of art and craft, the film presents competent direction and functional visual design. Reviewers highlight athletic direction that supports the action and acknowledge clear editing that maintains pace. However, several critics describe the cinematography as generic and the overall visual style as lacking distinct flair, resulting in a respectable but uninspired execution.

  • Character & Emotion 85

    Character and emotional elements stand out as the film’s primary strength. Multiple reviewers commend Ron Perlman’s nuanced performance and the genuine chemistry between him and Emma Ho, noting the tender yet menacing dynamic. Supporting cast interactions are described as likable, and the emotional bond with the granddaughter adds depth, leading to a consistently positive assessment of the performances.

  • Story & Flow 60

    The narrative receives mixed reactions, with many pointing to its formulaic vigilante premise and predictable beats. Critics label the plot as derivative and occasionally overcooked, while some viewers appreciate its straightforward, comfort‑food structure and effective pacing. Consequently, the story is seen as adequate for genre fans but lacking originality.

  • Sensory Experience 70

    Sensory experience is generally well‑received, especially the musical score and sound design that underscore the action sequences. Users specifically praise the fight choreography’s rhythm and the accompanying soundtrack’s intensity. Visual style is noted as serviceable, though not particularly innovative, resulting in a solid but conventional sensory impression.

  • Rewatch Factor 70

    Rewatch potential is viewed positively, with several audience members indicating they would watch the film again for its engaging action and Perlman’s performance. The straightforward plot and satisfying set‑pieces contribute to repeatability, while the lack of narrative surprises tempers enthusiasm. Overall, the film offers modest replay value for genre enthusiasts.

Videos

The Baker Trailers & Videos

The trailer of The Baker.

Red Band Trailer
Details

The Baker Also Known As

19 alternative titles, including “בית המאפה של פאפי” and “نانوا”.

Also known as
  • בית המאפה של פאפי
  • نانوا
  • O Padeiro
  • 面包师
  • Kenyértörés
  • Il fornaio
  • Пекарь
  • Fırıncı
  • Пекар
  • El Panadero
  • האופה
  • 베이커
+7 more
  • Piekarz
  • 絕命麵包師
  • Người Làm Bánh
  • Pek
  • Пекарят
  • เดอะเบเกอร์ อบ อัด ฆ่า
  • Kepėjas

Seen The Baker?

FAQ

The Baker FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date

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

How long is The Baker?

The Baker runs 1 hour 44 minutes (104 minutes).

When was The Baker released?

The Baker was released on July 28, 2023.

Who directed The Baker?

The Baker was directed by Jonathan Sobol.

More films by Jonathan Sobol

Who is in the cast of The Baker?

The Baker stars Harvey Keitel as Merchant, Ron Perlman as Pappi and Elias Koteas as Vic, among 10 credited actors.

How is The Baker rated?

The Baker has 5.9/10 on IMDb, 54% on Rotten Tomatoes, 63% on TMDB and 2.7/5 on Letterboxd.

Does The Baker have a post-credit scene?

No. The Baker has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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