This superbly filmed Italian drama stands with Bellocchio's best work. Originally titled "Ora di religione."
83
Seattle Post-IntelligencerSean Axmaker
Seattle Post-IntelligencerSean Axmaker
It's messy and unsettled, but Bellocchio's distaste for the cynicism and mendacity is potent and sincere.
80
Chicago Reader
Chicago Reader
In his best film in years, Marco Bellocchio crafts a stringently moral tale that carries a hint of horror.
80
Village VoiceLeslie Camhi
Village VoiceLeslie Camhi
"A very odd thriller" is how Italian director Marco Bellocchio describes My Mother's Smile, his uncannily beautiful and deeply humanist exploration of the nightmares that resurface from a Roman atheist's Catholic childhood.
Though the narrative is spotty, and occasionally confounding, there is an epic warmth in the way it's rendered.
70
VarietyDavid Rooney
VarietyDavid Rooney
In the central role, Castellitto's powerfully focused performance manages to keep the complex drama grounded.
70
The New RepublicStanley Kauffmann
The New RepublicStanley Kauffmann
At the last, My Mother's Smile conveys that, if Bellocchio is just doggedly hanging on to a career, he is still able to make us feel nostalgia for those high Italian days.
70
The A.V. ClubKeith Phipps
The A.V. ClubKeith Phipps
As absurd as the situation gets--and the film occasionally launches into surreal asides that only heighten the absurdity--director and star both keep it grounded in the situation's emotions.
63
New York Post
New York Post
A thoughtful, provocative film that understandably ruffled a few feathers in its native Italy -- the portrayal of the church is far less than beatific.