41
Metascore
9 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 83Christian Science MonitorPeter RainerChristian Science MonitorPeter RainerThe most powerful scene in the movie, and the one that most fully encompasses its meaning, belongs to Mrs. Morobe (the marvelous Thandi Makhubele).
- 63Slant MagazineOleg IvanovSlant MagazineOleg IvanovRoland Joffé's film is largely successful in its attempt to grapple with the terrible truths of apartheid and its legacy.
- 50Los Angeles TimesGary GoldsteinLos Angeles TimesGary GoldsteinTutu and Blomfeld's confrontations have vigor and commitment but don't build to the requisite catharsis.
- 50The New York TimesGlenn KennyThe New York TimesGlenn KennyWhen the movie can stay out of its own way, it delivers some powerful scenes, including one in which Blomfeld faces down a would-be assassin (Nandiphile Mbeshu, superb) in a prison shower room. But beyond that, the movie offers conventional gratifications and no surprises.
- 50The Hollywood ReporterFrank ScheckThe Hollywood ReporterFrank ScheckFeaturing excellent performances by Forest Whitaker as Tutu and Eric Bana as an imprisoned racist government death-squad assassin seeking clemency, The Forgiven tackles its important political and social issues in an overly talky fashion.
- 30Village VoiceCraig D. LindseyVillage VoiceCraig D. LindseyUnfortunately, this movie has so many damn things percolating all through it that it ultimately seems unfocused and painfully earnest.
- 0RogerEbert.comSimon AbramsRogerEbert.comSimon AbramsThe Forgiven consequently only succeeds as an ugly, empty-headed provocation.