75
It's a beautiful movie. Too beautiful for its own good, really.
What are people saying?
What are critics saying?
50
Christian Science Monitor by David Sterritt
The story has charming and uplifting moments as well as strong performances by an impressive cast.
88
ReelViews by James Berardinelli
The exceptionally strong cast showcases American, British, and Australian actresses, all of whom show an astonishing willingness to appear in physically unflattering circumstances (no makeup, hair and skin caked with drying mud).
50
Chicago Reader by Jonathan Rosenbaum
But the inspirational aspects of the tale--which mainly has to do with the determination of Close to form a vocal orchestra at the camp, despite the class divisions between the women--never quite carry the dramatic impact they're supposed to.
50
San Francisco Chronicle by Peter Stack
A big problem in the beautifully shot movie, with top-billed Glenn Close heading a fine ensemble cast, is that there are too many characters.
50
Rolling Stone by Peter Travers
What should have been an affecting film becomes a rank blend of sentiment and sadism in the hands of Bruce Beresford, the Australian writer and director.
63
The Globe and Mail (Toronto) by Rick Groen
Given the predictable scenario, this picture needs passion, and all it gets is his workmanlike precision. What he's constructed is worthy enough, and certainly navigable, but you need more than the bricks of craft to build a road to paradise.
50
Chicago Sun-Times by Roger Ebert
But what the movie lacks is a story arc to pull us through.
60
The New York Times by Stephen Holden
In trying to keep track of everybody while providing enough melodrama to sustain an atmosphere of controlled terror, Paradise Road stumbles all over itself and never really finds its center.
40
Austin Chronicle by Steve Davis
Ultimately, Paradise Road is one of those well-intended films that doesn't completely succeed because it shortsightedly believes that its eloquent subject matter is enough, in and of itself, to create a memorable moviegoing experience.