60
This is filmmaking of great ambition and ability, though it’s not always conducive to solid storytelling.
What are people saying?
What are critics saying?
50
It lacks the fire and eccentricity that we want from our stories of adventurers driven by obsessions that could be seen as egotistical or just plain bonkers.
75
There's no denying its status as a rousing and thoroughly enjoyable Old Hollywood-style adventure.
75
There is little more to Kon-Tiki than a fun, handsomely-mounted, old-style adventure story. And as impressive a feat as that is to achieve, especially outside of Hollywood, which kind of specialises in this sort of thing, those looking for something with more depth from this category may come away a little disappointed.
80
New York Daily News by Joe Neumaier
This terrific film certainly contains the spark of discovery.
80
Directors Joachim Rønning and Espen Sandberg are unusually committed to maritime mechanics, and the excitement grows as steadily as the sailors’ beards.
30
The New York Times by Manohla Dargis
There’s no denying the real Heyerdahl’s bravery, but if this movie is to be believed, his voyage was largely bereft of tension and interesting conversation.
75
As an epic of awesome achievement, it never bores.
75
Kon-Tiki, Joachim Rønning and Espen Sandberg’s modern dramatization, while well-acted and smartly filmed, rarely musters any actual sense of excitement.
60
The Hollywood Reporter by Sheri Linden
Delivering visual drama and understated character study, sometimes in disappointingly formulaic fashion, the feature has its incisive moments but falls short as both epic and intimate portrait.