Fierce People

Chicago Tribune by

The idea that rich people are an alien tribe is just one of many that get lost in Wittenborn’s distracted script. Instead of exploring the concept, he throws out random incidents until he hits one that sends the film into a dark, grotesque spiral.

New York Daily News by Jack Mathews

What might have read as a dense allegory comparing the rituals of the super-rich with the tribal customs of the violent Ishkanani tribe in the Amazon becomes a tedious, over-ripe soap opera on screen.

ReelViews by James Berardinelli

The film is worthwhile primarily for the fun, breezy first hour. After that, it's a case of watching to find out how things turn out.

TV Guide Magazine by Ken Fox

Not even the always reliable Diane Lane can save this one.

New York Post by Kyle Smith

Director Griffin Dunne's adaptation of Dirk Wittenborn's fiercely personal novel ambles pleasantly through coming-of-age movie territory, then takes a jarring Agatha Christie detour.

Variety by Ronnie Scheib

Whenever Sutherland comes on scene, any inadequacies in the film's depiction of the well-to-do become irrelevant.

The New York Times by Stephen Holden

When F. Scott Fitzgerald remarked that the rich “are different from you and me,” he might have been thinking of someone like the moody billionaire from Fierce People.