67
While the story of Wild Reeds may be at times unbearably obscure, the images infuse the film with a drama and beauty that is unrelenting in its impact.
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What are people saying?
What are critics saying?
88
Philadelphia Inquirer by Carrie Rickey
Andre Techine creates living characters instead of sociopolitical symbols.
80
The New York Times by Caryn James
[A] delicate, lovingly photographed, strongly acted coming-of-age story.
90
Every character--not just the kids, but the teachers as well--comes alive with a complexity worthy of Jean Renoir. The lyricism of Wild Reeds doesn't cast a smoke screen of nostalgia, it brings us closer to the experience of adolescence.
100
As always, Techine is excellent at exploring “tiny” personal flashes that assume larger meaning when placed against the broader historical context.
88
ReelViews by James Berardinelli
This is a slice of life with an imperfect beginning and conclusion, but what transpires between those two endpoints is strong enough to leave an impression on anyone with the patience to commit to a movie of such unhurried temperament.
100
Los Angeles Times by Kenneth Turan
The film perfectly understands the tentative experimentation and frequent self-loathing of adolescence, the difficulty of knowing whom to trust and how much to trust them, as well as how incendiary an age this can be, with uncertain psyches ready to explode at minimal provocation.
50
San Francisco Chronicle by Mick LaSalle
Wild Reeds is a sober, heartfelt piece of work, sensitively directed and lovingly photographed -- though slightly dull, if we're going to be perfectly honest.
75
Chicago Sun-Times by Roger Ebert
Some of the political undertones may go astray, but the emotional center of the film is touching and honest.