Critic Reviews
73
Metascore
Generally Favorable
positive
19(76%)
mixed
6(24%)
negative
0(0%)
Showing 25 Critic Reviews
90
As the film, with its haunting score and inspired use of popular music, builds flawlessly to its resounding conclusion, it is accompanied by a pitch-dark humor that grows out of the sheer absurdity of the city's daily body count.
90
Setting it against the backdrop of a wanton city under siege, Schroeder crafts a film of whiplash urgency.
90
One of the most genuinely shocking films you'll ever see.
90
It's sad, funny, shocking and completely unlike any movie in a dozen years.
90
A scathing, darkly funny political essay wrapped inside a tragic love story (or vice versa).
88
In a film overstuffed with tragedy, the most painful one might be the gradual transformation of Fernando's moral and intellectual indignation into a weary, cynical detachment.
88
Plays like a dislocated version of ''Death in Venice,'' but in a dryer, higher climate that features exponentially more firepower.
88
The film's title is appropriate. A desperate Catholicism flavors the doomed city.
80
Couldn't have succeeded had it been cast with movie stars. Its authenticity derives not only from the streets on which it was filmed but also from its able Colombian cast.
80
The grimness of the movie becomes not only too unbearable, its point is clear about halfway through. After that, everything comes across as redundant retreading of the same perspective. But for atmosphere, great cinematography and eye-opening directness, this movie can't be beat.
