85
Metascore
25 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 100Christian Science MonitorDavid SterrittChristian Science MonitorDavid SterrittEverything about this subtly directed drama enhances its pathos and humor, especially an astonishing performance by Gorintin, a 90-something woman only a few years into her acting career.
- 91Entertainment WeeklyLisa SchwarzbaumEntertainment WeeklyLisa SchwarzbaumSuperb family drama.
- 90The New York TimesStephen HoldenThe New York TimesStephen HoldenSustains a perfect balance of pathos, humor and a clear-headed realism. One tiny misstep, and it could have tumbled into an abyss of tears.
- 90VarietyDavid StrattonVarietyDavid StrattonThe film is traditionally and effectively made; it also is superbly acted.
- 90Village VoiceMichael AtkinsonVillage VoiceMichael AtkinsonIf Otar is, finally, a mite thin and predictably structured, that takes little away from the filmmaker and her cast, who work hard at fashioning the most outlandish special effect of all: believable human life.
- 90L.A. WeeklyElla TaylorL.A. WeeklyElla TaylorThe kind of small film -- morally ambiguous, graceful in its admission of imperfect knowledge, at once specific and universal -- that expands our understanding of the emotional economy of family life, with its ebb and flow of love and hostility, secrecy and egregious candor. You must see this film.
- 80The Hollywood ReporterFrank ScheckThe Hollywood ReporterFrank ScheckAlmost unbearably moving at times, Julie Betuccelli's simple but sublime debut feature presents a portrait of maternal love and female fortitude that will reduce the stoniest of viewers to tears.
- 75New York PostLou LumenickNew York PostLou LumenickThe best actress currently on New York screens is Esther Gorintin, a 90-year-old Pole who provides the emotional center for Julie Bertucelli's delicate, bittersweet comedy-drama, Since Otar Left, which is set in Paris and Tbilisi.
- 75New York Daily NewsElizabeth WeitzmanNew York Daily NewsElizabeth WeitzmanThis sensitive drama will appeal to anyone who has strained against the confines of family - or basked happily in its comforts.
- 70TV Guide MagazineKen FoxTV Guide MagazineKen FoxBertuccelli's heartfelt film affords a unique peek into the hearts and minds of a generation who, after having been awakened from the lie they'd been living all their lives, must now face the aftermath of an entire nation's failure.