A bleak and powerful work, one we probably need more than ever these days.
75
Chicago Sun-TimesRoger Ebert
Chicago Sun-TimesRoger Ebert
Schlaich portrays a society in which some are racists who act cruelly toward the black man, and others, even strangers, go out of their way to help him.
70
TV Guide MagazineKen Fox
TV Guide MagazineKen Fox
The film unfolds like a thriller: The plot moves so inexorably toward its tragic conclusion you can almost hear the clock ticking.
70
Chicago ReaderFred Camper
Chicago ReaderFred Camper
The fragmented compositions isolate the characters, trapping them in walled-off worlds -- which makes the brief kiss between Otomo and the grandmother all the more touching.
63
New York PostJonathan Foreman
New York PostJonathan Foreman
Unfortunately, the mind and motivation of Otomo -- remain a mystery.
63
New York Daily NewsJack Mathews
New York Daily NewsJack Mathews
A potent drama.
50
VarietyDeborah Young
VarietyDeborah Young
Not a cheerful watch: It's a shocking portrayal of rampant racism.
40
Village VoiceJessica Winter
Village VoiceJessica Winter
The film allots far too much time to the cultural exchange program between the fugitive and his aide, in which Otomo can recap his sorrowful biography to a sympathetic audience surrogate.