“A screenplay in a movie’s clothing…”

“…effortlessly moves us between past and present, personal and political.”

“…in its reenactment of a miraculous feat, the movie achieves a tender sort of transcendence.”

“…the law may be casting something of a shadow, but it’s the harsh landscape – wild lawlessness – that dominates the frame.”

“…Depp enters each scene as if he’s just come from a costume party, and won.”

“There is no logical reason why you should feel as warm and nostalgic as you do at the end of How Green Was My Valley. “

“…the inherent stodginess of Biblical adaptations (to say nothing of Harvey Keitel’s Brooklyn accent) ultimately manages to prevail.”

“…both a self-conscious homage and a frustrating dither.”

“Talk about a movie that earns its tears.”

“…most intriguing as a passive-aggressive competition of egos between the two men.”