74
Metascore
9 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 100The A.V. ClubTasha RobinsonThe A.V. ClubTasha RobinsonWhile the scenes don't always fit together thematically or tonally, each one is its own polished gem.
- 80New York Daily NewsElizabeth WeitzmanNew York Daily NewsElizabeth WeitzmanThough we wander a bit, the trip is a delight, thanks to the witty company.
- 80The Hollywood ReporterThe Hollywood ReporterThough this gorgeously animated affair showcases the artist's freewheeling style and colorful arabesque imagery, its rambling episodic structure is not quite the cat's meow, even if it remains a thoroughly enjoyable take on Judaism in early 20th century North Africa.
- 80The New York TimesJeannette CatsoulisThe New York TimesJeannette CatsoulisThe film presents an often sharp commentary on dueling beliefs and idiocies that unfolds in lush pastel hues and distinctively retro drawings.
- 80Village VoiceVillage VoiceAn absorbing, nuanced, and vividly animated tale of adventure, ambivalent morality, colonial injustice, talking animals, and the vagaries of religious zeal and colonialism.
- It's a wild and vivid ride and a spirited reminder of the kinship between Jewish and Arab cultural traditions.
- 63Slant MagazineEd GonzalezSlant MagazineEd GonzalezDespite its flaws, the film is at least a consistent vision, attesting through both its story and animation to the rabbi's right to be different while also striving for human solidarity.
- 38New York PostKyle SmithNew York PostKyle SmithThe movie is trying to do far too much and doesn't do anything well. "Ambitious" isn't the word here; "random" is more like it.