Dallas Observer by Luke Y. Thompson

Tokyo Godfathers just might be the equivalent of "It's a Wonderful Life" or, to be hip and new-millennium about it, "Elf."

Portland Oregonian by Shawn Levy

This is a first-class film that will appeal to anyone who wants to see a plausible, witty, absorbing human story told well -- indeed, told gorgeously.

Los Angeles Times by Manohla Dargis

As with the greatest animated films, the triumph of Kon's work lies not just in its beauty and singularly sophisticated storytelling but in how that beauty and storytelling combine to give the films a sting so human you can forget you're watching a cartoon.

Washington Post by Michael O'Sullivan

Part of the spell cast by this magical film is its ability to make an unvarnished political statement about economic reality and social alienation while, at the same time, seducing its audience into believing in the transformative power of love and the almost supernatural beauty of the everyday.

Chicago Tribune by Michael Wilmington

A spellbinding piece of Japanese anime from one of the form's new masters, director-writer Satoshi Kon.

The Hollywood Reporter by Richard James Havis

It's a touching movie that, like the best animes, transcends the limitations of the genre.

Wall Street Journal by Joe Morgenstern

A singularly strange and affecting comedy.

Variety by Ken Eisner

With its masterful grasp of comedy, pathos, social commentary and mystical weirdness, Tokyo Godfathers takes anime to a whole new level.

The New York Times by Dana Stevens

For all its echoes of Frank Capra and Charlie Chaplin (as well as Ford), the movie is also a love letter to modern Tokyo, whose alleyways and skyscrapers are drafted with flawless precision and tinted with tenderness and warmth.

Christian Science Monitor by David Sterritt

The story is sweet by animé standards, although it has harsh elements as well.

Entertainment Weekly by Lisa Schwarzbaum

Like the comic strips of Ben Katchor, Tokyo Godfathers artfully appreciates the beauty and humanity in junked lives and landscapes.

L.A. Weekly by Ella Taylor

The film is as lively as a cricket and often very funny, but it's not for the cyberpunk crowd.

Village Voice by J. Hoberman

A welcome exercise in anime weirdness.

Film Threat

The story takes some kooky turns and, at times, delves into the supernatural.

The A.V. Club by Tasha Robinson

No amount of shoehorned-in razzle-dazzle can keep this forced fable from feeling like a shadow of Kon's early work.