98
Metascore
12 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 100Chicago ReaderJonathan RosenbaumChicago ReaderJonathan RosenbaumAn early voice-over segment about the Casbah itself, before Gabin makes an appearance, is so pungent you can almost taste the place, even though the filming was clearly done in a studio.
- 100Seattle Post-IntelligencerWilliam ArnoldSeattle Post-IntelligencerWilliam ArnoldAbove all, the film is a classic of "poetic realism," that distinct brand of pessimistic '30s French urban drama that gave lyrical, sometimes even surrealistic, interpretations to working-class romances and underworld characters, settings and dramas.
- 100Christian Science MonitorDavid SterrittChristian Science MonitorDavid SterrittThis masterpiece of poetic realism features one of Gabin's most renowned performances, a smart subtext about French colonialism, and enough exotic atmosphere to keep your head in the clouds long after the final scene.
- 100The New York TimesA.O. ScottThe New York TimesA.O. ScottOne of the most purely enjoyable films ever made.
- 100New Times (L.A.)David EhrensteinNew Times (L.A.)David EhrensteinNot to be missed. And pay close attention to the finale. It's a genuine surprise.
- 100Chicago TribuneMichael WilmingtonChicago TribuneMichael WilmingtonA timeless romantic thriller that steeps us in one of those great artificial movie worlds that become more overpowering than reality itself.
- 100Boston GlobeBoston GlobeForeign intrigue is raised to an art form.
- 100Los Angeles TimesKenneth TuranLos Angeles TimesKenneth TuranBeautifully crafted, movingly acted, still involving and entertaining, this is just the kind of film people are talking about when they say they don't make them like this anymore.
- 80VarietyVarietyInteresting movement holds through the entirety. Life in the native quarter, with its squalor and intrigues, is particularly well presented and photographed.
- 80Village VoiceJ. HobermanVillage VoiceJ. HobermanCasually racist and inordinately sexist, Pépé le Moko is best enjoyed for its offhand surrealism.