74
Metascore
13 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 80Los Angeles TimesKenneth TuranLos Angeles TimesKenneth TuranThis is an unapologetically warmhearted comedic drama, a fine example of commercial filmmaking grounded in a persuasive knowledge of human behavior.
- 80The Hollywood ReporterFrank ScheckThe Hollywood ReporterFrank ScheckShlomit Nechama’s screenplay makes the proceedings compelling while mining gentle humor from the foibles of the mostly endearing characters, expertly played by the large ensemble.
- 80Village VoiceJordan HoffmanVillage VoiceJordan HoffmanThis light and predictable movie, with its overwhelming box office success, still offers tremendous insight into day-to-day Israeli society.
- 80The New York TimesNicole HerringtonThe New York TimesNicole HerringtonThe entire cast is solid, but the women, especially Ms. Hagoel, bring depth to their comedic and dramatic turns.
- 80Arizona RepublicRandy CordovaArizona RepublicRandy CordovaCall it a battle-of-the-sexes comedy set in a devout Orthodox community in Jerusalem. But, in its own quiet and friendly way, the film goes deeper than that, looking at how conservative religious views can clash with more moderate ways.
- 75The Film StageJared MobarakThe Film StageJared MobarakWhat The Women’s Balcony provides is a universal theme. At one time or another we all must reconcile our idealism with morality. We must look past literal meanings to embrace subjective ones able to encompass a broader swath of the surrounding world.
- 75RogerEbert.comSheila O'MalleyRogerEbert.comSheila O'MalleyWhile the mood is that of a gentle and affectionate comedy, the film makes some extremely sharp points about fanaticism, sexism masked as holiness, and tolerance among the faithful.
- 75San Francisco ChronicleDavid LewisSan Francisco ChronicleDavid LewisIt’s impossible to resist a film that has such rich characters, and makes a complicated subject both enlightening and entertaining.
- 70VarietyAlissa SimonVarietyAlissa SimonOffering solid, middle-brow entertainment that borrows from Aristophanes’ “Lysistrata,” the film shows the relationships and tensions between different groups within Orthodox Judaism in Jerusalem, and provides a cautionary (and universally understandable) tale about religious fundamentalism.