Critic Reviews
52
Metascore
Mixed or Average
positive
6(43%)
mixed
7(50%)
negative
1(7%)
Showing 14 Critic Reviews
100
This amazing tour-de-force presents Huppert in a role, which is equal parts abrasive and vulnerable, exasperating and pathetic, monstrous and saintly.
75
Huppert shows everything to us, and it's fascinating.
70
Huppert's mastery aside, this is a European Art Film writ large, complete with classical music, gorgeously filmed landscapes, expository voiceovers, poetic transitions and only a ghost's footprint of a story.
70
Directed by Olivier Dahan, Isabelle Huppert takes the most familiar type of material and attains impeccable results.
63
Even Isabelle Huppert Lite is more profound than the best work of most other actresses.
63
You have to hand it to Huppert. She doesn't let the hokey plot and syrupy cinematography (what's with those repeated shots of flowers blowing in the wind?) keep her from giving a profound performance.
60
La Vie Promise's style is too slick for the subject matter.
50
The only conceivable reason to immerse oneself in this inexplicable release is, of course, Huppert. Gravely, she accepts the challenge of delivering a coherent performance in a wildly incoherent role.
50
Expressive touches are finally inadequate. Ms. Huppert's hard work notwithstanding, they don't take the place of psychological texture and narrative weight.
50
Unfortunately lacks much in the way of compelling narrative or credible characterizations, but it once again reaffirms Huppert's place in the pantheon of French film actors.
