69
Metascore
20 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 90The New York TimesStephen HoldenThe New York TimesStephen HoldenSplendidly panoramic. The scenes of Columbus's arrival and of his imperialist and religious sloganeering, and of the carnage he wreaks, have a grandeur and a force reminiscent of Terrence Malick films. The segments about the chaotic water riots have a documentary immediacy.
- 83The A.V. ClubSam AdamsThe A.V. ClubSam AdamsIt's to the film's credit that its inescapable conclusion seems in doubt until the very end.
- 80The Hollywood ReporterStephen FarberThe Hollywood ReporterStephen FarberWhile the concept may sound schematic, it is brought to vivid life by wonderful characterizations.
- 75San Francisco ChronicleMick LaSalleSan Francisco ChronicleMick LaSalleThat irresistible thing - a movie about the making of a movie - combined with a bit of a history and a political message.
- 70VarietyJonathan HollandVarietyJonathan HollandIciar Bollain's fifth feature is her most ambitious and best, driving its big ideas home through a tightly knit Paul Laverty script that only falters over the final reel.
- 67Christian Science MonitorPeter RainerChristian Science MonitorPeter RainerEssentially three movies in one: The staged reenactment of Columbus's expedition, the filming of that staged expedition, and the contemporary local uprising. It's a lot to bite off, especially since Bollaín's budget doesn't seem to be much larger than Sebastián's.
- 60New York Daily NewsJoe NeumaierNew York Daily NewsJoe NeumaierMore serious-minded than expected, with a unique and savvy point of view.
- 50Village VoiceNick SchagerVillage VoiceNick SchagerDirector Icíar Bollaín mixes Even the Rain's various storytelling modes with an obviousness that ultimately negates enlightening intellectual or emotional discovery.
- 50Wall Street JournalJoe MorgensternWall Street JournalJoe MorgensternDeeply felt convictions and first-rate craftsmanship-craftswomanship, in the case of the Spanish director, Icíar Bollaín-win out over contrivance in this parallel drama of exploitation in the New World discovered by Columbus, and in the Bolivia of 2000.
- 50New York PostKyle SmithNew York PostKyle SmithThe film achieves a mild uptick in the final act, with a surprise change of heart and a race to save a little girl, but up till then it's thickly earnest -- a conquista-bore.