Despite some sketchy story elements, much of it is pretty intoxicating -- that is, until the unambiguous life lessons bring pic down to earth with an earnest splat.
– Justin Chang,
Variety,
27 Jan 2006
fresh:
An atmospheric ensemble piece boasting several richly portrayed characters.
– Michael Rechtshaffen,
Hollywood Reporter,
12 Apr 2006
rotten:
The gossamer spell is undone when the script topples into melodrama and then a too-tidy resolution.
– Liam Lacey,
Globe and Mail,
15 Sep 2006
rotten:
As swoony and verbose and serious as an adolescent's journal entry.
– Ty Burr,
Boston Globe,
5 Dec 2006
fresh:
The filmmakers were clearly not interested in the ending but in exploring the characters and the situation, and they do that with sophistication and genuine feeling, both for the people and the environment.