Performance & Direction: Buffalo '66 Review
Last updated: January 21, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Buffalo '66 (1998) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.1/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Buffalo '66 features a noteworthy lineup led by Vincent Gallo . Supported by the likes of Christina Ricci and Ben Gazzara , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Buffalo '66 (1998) is overwhelmingly positive. With an audience rating of 7.1/10, it stands as a mandatory watch for any serious cinema lover.
Story & Plot Summary: Buffalo '66
Quick Plot Summary: Buffalo '66 is a Drama, Romance, Comedy film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
This character-driven narrative explores the internal and external conflicts that define the human experience. Billy is released after five years in prison. In the next moment, he kidnaps teenage student Layla and visits his parents with her, pretending she is his girlfriend and they will soon marry. The screenplay takes time to develop its characters, allowing audiences to connect emotionally with their struggles and triumphs. Each scene builds upon the last, creating a cumulative emotional impact.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: We meet the main character in their ordinary world, establishing the emotional baseline before the inciting incident disrupts their life.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The emotional climax brings character arcs to their natural conclusion, providing catharsis while staying true to the story's core themes.
Ending Explained: Buffalo '66
Ending Breakdown: Buffalo '66 resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Buffalo '66 reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Buffalo '66?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
Box Office Collection: Buffalo '66
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $1.5M |
| Worldwide Gross | $2.4M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Buffalo '66 Budget
The estimated production budget for Buffalo '66 is $1.5M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: Buffalo '66
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch Buffalo '66 Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon VideoBuffalo '66 Parents Guide & Age Rating
1998 AdvisoryWondering about Buffalo '66 age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Buffalo '66 is 110 minutes (1h 50m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7.1/10, and global collection metrics, Buffalo '66 stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1998 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Buffalo '66 worth watching?
Buffalo '66 is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 7.1/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Buffalo '66 parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Buffalo '66 identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Buffalo '66?
The total duration of Buffalo '66 is 110 minutes, which is approximately 1h 50m long.
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Critic Reviews for Buffalo '66
Mostly tedious, but Ricci is adorable, “Heart of the Sunrise” is featured and the message is potent An angry sad sack (Vincent Gallo) is released after five years in prison near Buffalo and proceeds to kidnap a cute girl at a ballet studio (Christina Ricci). She surprisingly agrees to go along with the charade of being his wife to fool his nutty parents. His sole ambition seems to be to kill a field goal kicker for the Bills who let him down five years earlier. Anjelica Huston, Mickey Rourke, Jan-Michael Vincent and Rosanna Arquette have brief roles. “Buffalo ’66” (1998) is an offbeat indie written & directed by its star, Gallo. I only know him from Coppola’s “Tetro” (2009) where he proved to have an almost Brando-like charisma (I said “almost”). Ricci is one of the highlights here as she’s petite, voluptuous and adorable. Unfortunately, most of the episodes in the story could’ve been cut by one-third or even one-half. As it is, they become tedious, such as the loong segment at the parent’s house. But the final act wins the day with Yes’ “Heart of the Sunrise” placed strategically and a profound moral about the power of uncompromising love to change a piece of sheet. The film runs 1 hour, 50 minutes and was shot in Buffalo, New York, and surround areas (Gowanda, Lackawanna and Woodlawn). GRADE: C+/B-
"Billy" (Vincent Gallo) gets let out of prison and promises to bring his new wife to meet his mother. An hasty promise for two reasons. First - well, he hasn't actually got a wife and second - he is desperate to pee. Intent on sorting out the latter problem, he encounters "Layla" (Christina Ricci) whom he promptly thinks can solve his other problem, so he frog marches her to her car and hopes that she - by now at gunpoint - will agree to help him out. Risky strategy, that! Can it work out for him? Well what now follows is an entertainingly quirky road movie that sees the two gradually bond whilst we learn about both of their rather complicated pasts. It's not just his mother (Angelica Huston) that he wants to visit; he also has a score to settle with a bookie (Mickey Rourke) but maybe, just maybe, his new companion might adjust his priorities? This is a well paced, intimate movie and there is a good, almost magnetic, dynamic between Gallo and Ricci. The story is lively and engaging offering us an offbeat love story that is, though maybe a touch predictable, based more on two characterful performances rather than cheesy sentiment (of which there is none!) and gooey love scenes as they head for their own kind of redemption. Coffee and doughnuts anyone?
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
