75
This wispy story is distinguished by its sweetness of spirit, and it comes straight from Kold.
What are people saying?
What are critics saying?
80
It's only a slight exaggeration to say Kold gives what may be the performance of the year - one that not only offsets the movie's momentary dips into self-conscious quirkiness but adds a genuine sweetness to the proceedings. Forget the muscles; he brings the heart and soul.
50
The low-key drama is well crafted and likable as far as it goes, but there's not enough narrative impetus or depth to maintain more than passing viewer interest.
63
Slant Magazine by Elise Nakhnikian
From its title to its closing caress, Mads Matthiesen's film skates perilously close to the cliff's edge of mawkish sentiment.
80
New York Daily News by Elizabeth Weitzman
Kold single-handedly carries the film, with his quietly powerful portrayal of a gentle soul in a giant's body.
83
A gigantic physique hides the fragile man beneath and Matthiesen ably follows the journey of that persona as it tunnels through mounds of muscle to reach the surface. In essence, the lion finds his courage.
70
The New York Times by Manohla Dargis
Mr. Matthiesen has a way of consistently and gently upending expectations, sometimes with humor.
70
Village Voice by Nick Pinkerton
These self-imposed limitations prevent Teddy Bear from having the breadth of a great work, but they give it the coherence of a good tale, simply told.
75
There's nothing surprising about the arc of Kold's story, but Matthiesen and his cast have created a believable space, and that ultimately helps give Teddy Bear the tension of a fine suspense film once Kold sits down across the kitchen table from Steentoft to speak his mind at last.