Critic Reviews

A small gem.

Unfolds with the serenity of a fable but underneath it draws intelligent, deeply troubled connections between the personal, political, and spiritual.

Easily one of the finest pictures of 2003 or any other year.

The intolerance and inflexibility that marked the Taliban's brutal rule takes a solid hit in this lovely import from Bangladesh.

From folk festivals to political rallies, Masud never overlooks the cultural and emotional elements of a country at a crossroads.

For all its tumult, The Clay Bird mostly concentrates on its likable characters, all acted with the kind of understatement that makes a good film better.

It has a quiet thoughtfulness that never comes close to being draggy, and a wisdom that is anything but obtuse. It's a film of many themes.

The earthy imagery is delicate while the drama is oddly elliptical, creating a lovely film of storybook images and parables. It's both obvious and elusive and, historical specifics aside, almost timeless.

Accomplished, emotionally involving film.

The film's critique of Islam is offered without rancor, and it's evident that Masud loves all his characters, whatever their viewpoints.