50
With potentially lethargic materials, Biniez has made a quiet, intent, involving film, a moony-innocent urban alienation fairy tale of bashful ogre and village beauty--and it never quite crests.
What are people saying?
What are critics saying?
60
The problem is that the film also refuses to move beyond a glacial pace, and its choice to go slow-and-low doesn’t scream art-house aesthetic so much as unintentionally sluggish. For such a small character study, that decision ends up being a doozy of a deal breaker.
40
New York Daily News by Joe Neumaier
Though it takes time to find its courage and heart, Gigante, like its oversized hero, merely has a slow, shy way of doing things.
70
Los Angeles Times by Kevin Thomas
As unpretentious as it is perceptive, Gigante is a gem.
88
Chicago Tribune by Michael Phillips
Gigante represents the sort of artful low-budget accomplishment that could, and should, be coming out of distressingly stingy Chicago once a year — whatever the subject, whatever the sensibility.
75
Chicago Sun-Times by Roger Ebert
Because of the limitations imposed by the nature of Gigante, and because of Jara's simple, almost childish shyness, the film doesn't transcend its characters. Like Jara, it waits and watches.
70
The New York Times by Stephen Holden
It is an appealing, gently comedic prologue to a love story.
75
Camandule gives a strong performance as the lovesick guard, but Svarcas gets little chance to show her skills. There's minimal dialogue and camera movement -- but lots of charm.