66
Metascore
15 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 90SalonAndrew O'HehirSalonAndrew O'HehirUnmistaken Child stands above most others in offering us an intimate look at Tibetan Buddhism in action, with no external commentary or narration.
- 90Los Angeles TimesKenneth TuranLos Angeles TimesKenneth TuranIts privileged glimpse deep into unfamiliar spiritual territory has the strength of revelation.
- 75New York PostV.A. MusettoNew York PostV.A. MusettoI hope they have shrinks in remote Nepal, because this kid is going to need one. P.S.: The scenery is awesome.
- 75The A.V. ClubScott TobiasThe A.V. ClubScott TobiasBaratz’s apparent willingness to accept everything at face value papers over some of the more troubling aspects of Tenzin’s mission, but Unmistaken Child allows the mysteries of the process to be preserved without judgment.
- 75San Francisco ChronicleWalter AddiegoSan Francisco ChronicleWalter AddiegoA compelling documentary.
- 70Wall Street JournalJoe MorgensternWall Street JournalJoe MorgensternSeldom has a film presented such a richly ambiguous juxtaposition of modernity (among the toys showered on the boy is a really cool radio-controlled helicopter), ancient mindset and, to be sure, possible miraculousness.
- 70Washington PostWashington PostUnmistaken Child: adorable, moving, bewildering, sad and, ultimately, peaceful.
- 50The New York TimesStephen HoldenThe New York TimesStephen HoldenThe beauty of the landscape and the monk’s sweetness, humility and good humor evoke a plane of existence, at once elevated and austere, that is humbling to contemplate. That said, Unmistaken Child offers no scholarly perspective on Tibetan Buddhism and leaves fundamental questions unanswered.
- 50Village VoiceJ. HobermanVillage VoiceJ. HobermanThe movie is a drama of faith, a Tibetan monk's search for the reincarnation of his beloved master Lama Konchog.
- 50Film ThreatPhil HallFilm ThreatPhil HallAlthough the film is handsomely filmed and features a surprisingly frank view of the political machinations within the upper ranks of Tibetan Buddhism – even the Dalai Lama comes across as a bit of a wheeler-dealer – Unmistaken Child is more than a little disappointing.