75
Crammed, cheek to jowl, with bleak moments, high hopes, sweetness and naked emotion.
What are people saying?
What are critics saying?
90
The results are wondrous, wrenching and crazily funny to behold.
100
Washington Post by Desson Thomson
Reveals itself detail by searing detail.
90
The New York Times by Elvis Mitchell
Unfolds beautifully, with a rueful, knowing intelligence that rises above easy assumptions. [27 September 1996, p.C1]
100
ReelViews by James Berardinelli
Represents the director at his best -- unsentimental yet powerful, funny and poignant, and, in the end, undeniably satisfying.
90
Chicago Reader by Jonathan Rosenbaum
The acting is so strong--with Spall a particular standout--that you're carried along as by a tidal wave.
100
Chicago Tribune by Michael Wilmington
Leigh is an artist not at all blind to the world's darkness and pain. But the generosity and togetherness he and his company show in Secrets and Lies is something the movies -- and the world -- truly need. [25 October 1996, Friday, p.A]
100
Blethyn is so astonishing that you forget you're seeing a performance.
90
Rich in humor, pained or frolicking.
100
The New Republic by Stanley Kauffmann
Leigh, the writer, ties up things somewhat neatly and is a touch homiletic. Leigh, the director of cast and camera, is masterly. [Sept. 30, 1996]