75
San Francisco Chronicle by Bob Graham
It overcomes some patchiness to turn into a rich emotional experience, ranging in degree from fire to ice.
What are people saying?
What are critics saying?
80
Gives off the same vapor of impending tragedy—of a fate neither just nor unjust but ineffably, wrenchingly right.
50
Christian Science Monitor by David Sterritt
Seems more clever than heartfelt, and whether you enjoy it may depend on how much you like Robert Altman's eccentric western "McCabe and Mrs. Miller," which it uncannily resembles.
40
Washington Post by Desson Thomson
The film feels inauthentic, a cardboard version of other epics that's cast for distribution to various world markets.
80
A sleeper that's well worth hunting down. Its rewards sneak up on you, but then linger long afterwards.
90
A superb film by any measure, as deep and harsh as the sin Dillon committed to become great.
75
Chicago Tribune by Michael Wilmington
I liked The Claim -- as much for its stark visual beauty and impassioned performances as its intelligent script and willingness to probe the tragic side of life.
75
Seattle Post-Intelligencer by Paula Nechak
Beautifully acted and conceived -- even if the final vision is not always totally satisfying.
50
This director's (Winterbottom) reach is impressive, but this time it doesn't quite grasp.
50
USA Today by Staff [Not Credited]
The actors seem as frozen as the landscape in this unsuccessful attempt at a grand and profound Western about the California Gold Rush.