83
Metascore
17 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 100The Hollywood ReporterDavid RooneyThe Hollywood ReporterDavid RooneyThe movie is a small marvel of impeccable craftsmanship.
- 90Screen DailySarah WardScreen DailySarah WardLow-key performances by the conflicted Lahti and the radiant Airola prove the final knockout hit, with The Happiest Day in the Life of Olli Mäki at its best when it’s lingering upon the nuanced expressions on their faces, or highlighting the way their portrayals so convincingly convey their characters’ affections.
- 80CineVueJohn BleasdaleCineVueJohn BleasdaleA unique and beautiful boxing movie.
- 80Time Out LondonTrevor JohnstonTime Out LondonTrevor JohnstonIt’s an authentic celebration of the timeless delights of country bike rides and skimming stones. Absolutely lovely.
- 80Village VoiceMichael NordineVillage VoiceMichael NordineOlli Mäki isn't a knockout, but it does go the distance.
- 75The PlaylistThe PlaylistAlthough “Olli Mäki” ostensibly belongs to the boxing film genre as much as it is functions as a romantic drama, it never seems truly invested in the underdog narrative of its title character.
- 75The Film StageMichael SnydelThe Film StageMichael SnydelIt finds a poetically understated ending, but the drama, especially near the end, borders on being too repetitive. Still, it’s a worthwhile showcase for excellent performances, assured direction, and a twist on the sports story that prioritizes character before history.
- 75The Globe and Mail (Toronto)Brad WheelerThe Globe and Mail (Toronto)Brad WheelerAs for the winner and new champion, it has to be Kuosmanen, who never met a boxing-film cliché he couldn’t discreetly avoid.
- 75Slant MagazineCarson LundSlant MagazineCarson LundThis is a sports tale in which the character building has almost nothing to do with the sport.