Fernando Gonzalez Miami Herald Aug 18, 2021 2.5/4

At the end it is [Lelouch's] underlying belief in simple decency -- and a smart dignified performance by Jean Paul Belmondo -- that redeems him It is only fitting.

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Tim Brayton Antagony & Ecstasy Jul 3, 2013 7/10

Belmondogives not just the best performance of this film but one of the best of his long and admirable career.

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Film4 Staff Film4 Jan 15, 2008

A surprisingly effective updating of Victor Hugo's novel.

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Jonathan Rosenbaum Chicago Reader Jan 15, 2008

The family reads the Hugo novel aloud to him while they travel together, and apparently they all come to realize how much their lives are like great literature.

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Trevor Johnston Time Out Jun 24, 2006

It's part of the magic Lelouch has worked that his story-of-all-stories theme matches the catch-all inclusiveness of his old-fashioned celluloid showmanship.

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Emanuel Levy EmanuelLevy.Com Jun 19, 2005 3/5

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Philip Martin Arkansas Democrat-Gazette May 19, 2005 2/5

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Jeanne Aufmuth Palo Alto Weekly May 14, 2003 3/4

Arresting images, the timeless battle of good and evil and triumph over insurmountable odds combine to lend a worldly veneer to this three-hour epic. In terms of human destiny, it speaks volumes.

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Robert Roten Laramie Movie Scope Mar 16, 2003 4/4

A stunning achievement.

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Dragan Antulov rec.arts.movies.reviews Jan 28, 2003 7/10

The acting in the film is top notch.

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Mary Ann Brussat Spirituality & Practice Aug 29, 2002

Epic French screen adaptation of Victor Hugo's classic 1862 novel.

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Kevin Thomas Los Angeles Times Aug 15, 2002 4.5/5

Aspectacular-looking film with those great settings and costumes that are a hallmark of French period films.

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Rita Kempley Washington Post Jan 1, 2000

If it were shorter, we wouldn't know what misery really feels like.

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James Berardinelli ReelViews Jan 1, 2000 4/4

Whether Hugo's, Lelouch's, or both, you will rarely find a more powerful, cathartic, and ultimately satisfying narrative to immerse yourself in.

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Desson Thomson Washington Post Jan 1, 2000

Imperfect, but beguiling.

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Edward Guthmann San Francisco Chronicle Jan 1, 2000 2/4

Lelouch overworks this narrative scheme terribly: By reiterating his point and leaving nothing to our imagination, his cross-referencing shtick turns dull and belabored.

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Madeleine Williams Cinematter Jan 1, 2000 3.5/4

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Walter V. Addiego San Francisco Examiner Jan 1, 2000 4/4

What is most remarkable about the picture is Belmondo's work in three roles.

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Roger Ebert Chicago Sun-Times Jan 1, 2000 3.5/4

The film is a wealth of incident: boxing matches, prison escapes, overland chases, a train robbery, high society, low crimes.

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