65
Metascore
19 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- Tigertail, mostly a period piece that’s also a well-wrought portrait of a man closed off from life whose despair is etched in every line on his face, isn’t satiric or comedic in the slightest.
- 83IndieWireEric KohnIndieWireEric KohnYang infuses his earnest, semi-fictionalized story (inspired by his own father’s experiences) with the evocative narrative traditions of modern Asian cinema, from Wong Kar Wai to Edward Yang, resulting in a rich and intimate atmosphere at every turn. While the movie doesn’t achieve the narrative mastery of its influences, Yang’s first feature has a touching emotional through line grounded in authenticity.
- 80Screen RantSandy SchaeferScreen RantSandy SchaeferAnchored by Yang's sensitive direction and a Tzi Ma performance teeming with life, Tigertail is romantic, thoughtful, and heartbreaking all at once.
- 75The A.V. ClubKatie RifeThe A.V. ClubKatie RifeWhere the film stands out from other dramas of its type is in its poignant exploration of the little-discussed emotional consequences of single-mindedly pursuing the American dream.
- 70Los Angeles TimesGlenn WhippLos Angeles TimesGlenn WhippWhat distinguishes “Tigertail” is the way Yang explores Pin-Jui’s earlier life as a means of showing how duty and obligation brought him to that place. And as Yang takes us on that journey with him, he also offers a low-key lesson for redemption — examine the past to escape regret.
- 60The GuardianPeter BradshawThe GuardianPeter BradshawA sombre, well-acted film about sacrifice and regret.
- 60Wall Street JournalJoe MorgensternWall Street JournalJoe MorgensternMr. Yang’s story unfolds with decreasing velocity; in the latter stretches patience is required, though amply rewarded.
- 50VarietyPeter DebrugeVarietyPeter DebrugeIt’s courageous of Yang to share such a tribute to his father, though the most important things remain unspoken.
- 50The New York TimesKristen Yoonsoo KimThe New York TimesKristen Yoonsoo KimSpanning more than half a century, Tigertail goes back and forth in time, tracing the events that allowed Pin-Jui to achieve his American dream yet made him so aloof to his loved ones. It does this to mixed results.
- 40The Hollywood ReporterInkoo KangThe Hollywood ReporterInkoo KangIts structure is so meager it's downright skeletal.