50
Good direction and fine performances keep the pace of this lengthy film moving and prevent the material's descent into maudlin sentimentality.
What are people saying?
What are critics saying?
50
The New York Times by Janet Maslin
The best that can be said for Bleak Moments is that it earns its name. The film, while it has been handsomely photographed, seems entirely given over to pained, wordless interludes. [23 Sep 1980, p.C6]
80
The ability to find performers who never seem for a moment to be performing is also here, giving Bleak Moments, like all of Leigh's films, an almost voyeuristic feel.
60
Downright depressing.
100
Chicago Sun-Times by Roger Ebert
It is a first film by a young British director who exhibits in every scene a complete mastery of the kind of characterization he is attempting. This film is a masterpiece, plain and simple, and that is a statement I doubt I will ever have cause to revise.