61
Metascore
10 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 80L.A. WeeklyErnest HardyL.A. WeeklyErnest HardySo moving and so timely.
- 80Los Angeles TimesKevin ThomasLos Angeles TimesKevin ThomasThe result is a film that is wise, fatalistic and romantic in just the right proportions--in the best noir tradition.
- 75Christian Science MonitorDavid SterrittChristian Science MonitorDavid SterrittStrong acting and no-nonsense filmmaking lend interest and impact to the dramatic story.
- 70Film.comErnest HardyFilm.comErnest HardyXiaoshuai isn't really interested in glamorizing or even exploring the gangster lifestyle; nor is he interested in conventional dramatic arcs.
- 63New York Daily NewsJack MathewsNew York Daily NewsJack MathewsThe Stockholm syndrome, that strange psychological malady by which hostages bond emotionally with their captors, is the central theme in this intimate melodrama.
- 60New Times (L.A.)Andy KleinNew Times (L.A.)Andy KleinThe texture is reminiscent of last year's "Suzhou River," but the basic material isn't as rich.
- 50The New York TimesDana StevensThe New York TimesDana StevensLike Lou Ye's "Suzhou River," a Hitchcock homage similarly set in Shanghai's demimonde, So Close to Paradise offers an intriguing and sometimes self-canceling mixture of emotion and style.
- 50Village VoiceJessica WinterVillage VoiceJessica WinterThe elliptical, even fragmented editing style clashes with the reiterative voice-over, which could indicate a stylistic choice or cutting under duress.
- 50New York PostLou LumenickNew York PostLou LumenickAn intermittently interesting drama.