Rene Jordan El Nuevo Herald (Miami) Oct 6, 2022

It is necessary to see it to feel it. [Full review in Spanish]

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Richard Propes TheIndependentCritic.com Sep 11, 2020 3.5/4.0

An intelligent and thoughtful approach towards challenging issues.

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Ellie Lucas From the Front Row Aug 5, 2019 3/4

Bier handles tricky emotional territory with great skill, creating a solid drama with the heart of a great thriller.

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Kelly Jane Torrance Washington Examiner Jan 8, 2019 4/5

To the North American viewer, Danish director Susanne Bier's films come as a revelation.

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Lisa Mullen Sight & Sound Jul 9, 2018

An attempt to grapple with the nuances of good and evil and examine the limitations of virtue in the face of pure emotion

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Kaleem Aftab The National (UAE) May 15, 2018

The performances and strong direction make light of some clunky plot devices.

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Kiko Martinez San Antonio Current Jan 26, 2018 B

Despite it's heavy-handedness in the last act, Susanne Bier directs with fascinating awareness of her characters and with grace for the moments of compassion between two families trying to understand how humanity can be so merciless.

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Josh Larsen LarsenOnFilm Jul 13, 2016 3.5/4

...the two child performances are the emotional lynchpin of the movie.

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Martin Tsai Critic's Notebook Oct 7, 2015

Although this being a film by Susanne Bier, there is unfortunately a good measure of unneeded melodrama stirred in to trivialize the very important thematic concerns.

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Kimber Myers The Playlist Aug 15, 2013 B

There's little flash or surprise in Bier's latest well-shot film, but plenty of substance.

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Louis Proyect rec.arts.movies.reviews Mar 11, 2012

Film defies conventional expectations about biblical notions of retribution, even as it initially prepares you to accept them. A truly complex work of art.

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Enrique Buchichio Uruguay Total Nov 27, 2011 4/5

Un estupendo drama contemporneo sobre algunos de los conflictos ms bsicos que acechan a hombres y mujeres de bien en cualquier rincn del mundo.

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Eric Melin Scene-Stealers.com Oct 27, 2011 2/4

It would have worked better if it weren't so obvious and manipulative. About halfway through, it plays more like a diagram of lessons learned than a movie about real people dealing with complicated problems.

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Amber Wilkinson Eye for Film Sep 26, 2011 4/5

The microcosm of the children's world is exceptionally well drawn.

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Jeffrey M. Anderson Combustible Celluloid Sep 16, 2011 2/4

In addition to being safe and non-threatening, Bier's film finds time to throw in mentions of cancer and divorce, and images of poor children starving in Africa. It's pretty much a recipe for an Oscar.

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Graham Young Birmingham Mail Sep 4, 2011 3/5

Essentially an essay about bullying ( ... ) and the abuse of power, it will probably be appreciated most by people who want to keep up with [Susanne] Bier's maturing catalogue.

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Roz Laws Birmingham Post Sep 1, 2011 3/5

It's well made but too flawed to be a satisfying cinematic experience.

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John Ferguson Radio Times Aug 25, 2011 3/5

The superb acting - the youngsters are particularly good - and Bier's sympathetic direction help overcome the occasional lapse into melodrama.

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Chris Buckle The Skinny Aug 24, 2011 3/5

Though the performances are excellent, it aint no Dogtooth.

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Film4 Staff Film4 Aug 24, 2011 3/5

The film is built on strong performances and some powerful moments, though its subtleties risk being eclipsed by contrived emotional pyrotechnics.

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