Whether or not The River is, as some critics have claimed, Mr. Tsai's masterpiece, it is an excellent introduction to his oblique narrative style, his favored themes and his careful, lyrical visual sensibility.
75
San Francisco ChronicleEdward Guthmann
San Francisco ChronicleEdward Guthmann
Uses loneliness and alienation as the primary emotional colors on a surprisingly expressive canvas.
75
Christian Science MonitorDavid Sterritt
Christian Science MonitorDavid Sterritt
This atmospheric story unfolds through leisurely shots that invite us not just to watch the characters, but to live and breathe along with them.
70
Variety
Variety
The three principal actors fit their roles like gloves, and the handsome camerawork (by Liao Peng-jung) is a major asset. There's no music, just natural sounds on the track. Except for a shot in which the microphone boom is clearly visible, the film is highly professional in every aspect.
60
TV Guide MagazineKen Fox
TV Guide MagazineKen Fox
Despite the inaction, the film culminates in a scene some viewers will no doubt find shocking.
50
New York PostLou Lumenick
New York PostLou Lumenick
So s-l-o-w-l-y paced it seems twice as long as its two-hour running time.
38
New York Daily NewsJami Bernard
New York Daily NewsJami Bernard
A perfect example of an "art" movie that is so lugubrious and soul-sucking that it's hell to sit through.
30
Village VoiceJ. Hoberman
Village VoiceJ. Hoberman
The absurdity floods the banks of the filmmaker's intentions.