The Baker (2023): Cast & Ratings
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.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 44m (104 min)
- Director
- Jonathan Sobol
- Original language
-
English
- Studio
- Falling Forward Films
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
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
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.
- Director Jonathan Sobol
-
Harvey Keitel as Merchant -
Ron Perlman as Pappi -
Elias Koteas as Vic -
Joel Moore
Also Starring in The Baker
· 6 more- Dax Ravina Milky
- Varun Saranga Mani
- Samantha Kaine Det. Petra Weintrager
- Amber Ashley Smith Wendy
- Adam Moryto Bannon
- Emma Ho Delphi
More from Jonathan Sobol
More films directed by Jonathan Sobol, best-rated first: The Art of the Steal and The Padre.
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).
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.
-
IMDb 5.9 /10
See on IMDb -
Rotten Tomatoes 54% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 67%
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
TMDB 63% User score
See on TMDB -
Letterboxd 2.7 /5
2611 ratings
See on Letterboxd -
Movie Insider 4.7 /5
See on Movie Insider
The Baker Trailers & Videos
The trailer of The Baker.
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 Show fewer
- Piekarz
- 絕命麵包師
- Người Làm Bánh
- Pek
- Пекарят
- เดอะเบเกอร์ อบ อัด ฆ่า
- Kepėjas
Seen The Baker?
Movies Like The Baker
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including The Bakery, Taartman and Devil’s Bait.
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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