Ilo Ilo
Film Movement | Release Date: April 4, 2014 CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
85
METASCORE
Universal acclaim based on 12 Critic Reviews
Positive:
11
Mixed:
1
Negative:
0
Watch Now
Buy on
Stream On
Stream On
Stream On
Expand

Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
100
Los Angeles TimesKenneth TuranApr 10, 2014
Ilo Ilo is writer-director Anthony Chen's first film, but breathtaking intimacy in storytelling is already second nature to him. Read full review
100
The New York TimesStephen HoldenApr 3, 2014
This remarkably terse movie doesn’t waste a word or an image. It refuses to linger over each little crisis its characters endure. And its detachment lends a perspective that widens the film’s vision of people reacting to events beyond their control. Read full review
91
Portland OregonianMarc MohanMay 15, 2014
With evocative performances, especially from the two women, and a nicely modulated sense of nostalgia, Ilo Ilo marks the emergence of a promising new cinematic voice. Read full review
90
Arizona RepublicBill GoodykoontzApr 10, 2014
Chen captures with both humor and heartbreaking realism the complicated mechanics of the family dynamic and how outside forces work to shape it. Read full review
80
EmpireGuy LodgeApr 28, 2014
Not all magically benevolent nannies fly on talking umbrellas, as we learn in this beautifully formed little heart-tugger. Read full review
80
Total FilmJames MottramApr 28, 2014
As their early fights give way to growing respect, it’s a beautifully calibrated relationship, with small moments gradually building into something much bigger. A gem. Read full review
80
VarietyMaggie LeeApr 10, 2014
Anthony Chen is remarkably astute in his depiction of the class and racial tensions within such a household, his accessible style enabling the characters’ underlying decency and warmth to emerge unforced. Read full review
80
Time OutJoshua RothkopfApr 1, 2014
None of this is pushed into comic relief—the filmmaker lets his drama play out with gentleness — and you smile at the many evolutions. Read full review
75
Washington PostMark JenkinsJul 17, 2014
Sensitive performances by the four main players suit the tone, which is naturalistic and even earthy — most of the characters are shown going to the bathroom — yet ultimately poignant. Read full review
70
The Hollywood ReporterStephen DaltonApr 10, 2014
Finely acted and minutely observed, Ilo Ilo certainly has the texture of real life. The performances feel authentic, the emotional shadings agreeably nuanced. Read full review
70
Village VoiceChris PackhamApr 3, 2014
Small details and incidents accrete into a pointillist rendering of despair. Read full review
60
CineVueBen NicholsonMay 3, 2014
Throughout, each of Ilo Ilo's performers give wonderfully naturalistic turns, providing the entire film with a heartening authenticity. Read full review
More From This Movie

85 Critic Reviews

7.7 User Reviews

Details & Credits|Trailers

Current Movie Releases
By MetascoreBy User Score
1 81 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple
2 77 Project Hail Mary
3 75 Send Help
4 73 Hoppers
5 72 The Sheep Detectives
SEE ALL
Essential Links
New on Amazon Prime Video
New on Netflix
Coming Soon to DVD/Blu-ray
SEE ALL