70
The film's critique of Islam is offered without rancor, and it's evident that Masud loves all his characters, whatever their viewpoints.
What are people saying?
What are critics saying?
90
The New York Times by A.O. Scott
Easily one of the finest pictures of 2003 or any other year.
70
Washington Post by Ann Hornaday
The power of this quiet little film lies in the lyricism of its images of life on Bangladesh's waterways and in its towns...and in the naturalistic performances from its cast of mostly nonprofessional actors.
70
Accomplished, emotionally involving film.
75
New York Daily News by Elizabeth Weitzman
From folk festivals to political rallies, Masud never overlooks the cultural and emotional elements of a country at a crossroads.
100
San Francisco Chronicle by Jonathan Curiel
A small gem.
70
The film draws careful parallels between orthodoxies and in his own quiet way, Masud, a devout Muslim, level his critique at repressive political regimes and religious doctrines, and those who dangerously confuse one with the other.
75
For all its tumult, The Clay Bird mostly concentrates on its likable characters, all acted with the kind of understatement that makes a good film better.
50
Washington Post by Michael O'Sullivan
Strikes several beautiful and lingering chords about the human condition, but the notes of the music ultimately never come together to form a coherent song.
75
The intolerance and inflexibility that marked the Taliban's brutal rule takes a solid hit in this lovely import from Bangladesh.