70
Metascore
15 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 100Rolling StonePeter TraversRolling StonePeter TraversA sharply observant and witty film that plumbs unexpected depths of feeling.
- 88ReelViewsJames BerardinelliReelViewsJames BerardinelliEach conversation has at least one memorable line, and it's always delivered in such a casual manner that it blends right in.
- 78Austin ChronicleMarjorie BaumgartenAustin ChronicleMarjorie BaumgartenKnockout ensemble performances like these don't come around all that often, though, and when they do they ought to be savored.
- 75Chicago Sun-TimesRoger EbertChicago Sun-TimesRoger EbertA beguiling film about words, secrets and tobacco.
- 75Christian Science MonitorChristian Science MonitorThe action is talky and philosophical but in sweet celebration of everyman going nowhere.
- 75Entertainment WeeklyLisa SchwarzbaumEntertainment WeeklyLisa SchwarzbaumThe best vignette, at the very end of the film, is the story Auster originally wrote for a newspaper as a Christmas piece, the one that inspired Wang to make Smoke in the first place. It's the one you'll want to inhale.
- 75The Globe and Mail (Toronto)Rick GroenThe Globe and Mail (Toronto)Rick GroenA film of deceptive narrative wisps and intricate thematic curls.
- 75San Francisco ChronicleEdward GuthmannSan Francisco ChronicleEdward GuthmannA showcase for Wang's greatest strengths as a film maker: a chance to explore friendships, connections and random serendipities.
- 70The New York TimesJanet MaslinThe New York TimesJanet MaslinAn inviting but evanescent film that does have casualness, curiosity value and a lot of talent on its side.
- 30Chicago ReaderJonathan RosenbaumChicago ReaderJonathan RosenbaumDespite a certain grace in the dialogue and casual plot construction, this is positively reeking of a desire to be cheerful in the face of adversity.