Les Destinées
Wellspring Media | Release Date: April 5, 2002 CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
73
METASCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 18 Critic Reviews
Positive:
13
Mixed:
4
Negative:
1

Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
100
Los Angeles TimesKevin Thomas
Assayas has made a great film from Jacques Chardonne's classic novel. Although far different in tone, time, place and temperament, it brings to mind "Gone With the Wind" in its depth and scope and in its love story, which unfolds over a turbulent era. Read full review
100
The New York TimesDana Stevens
Like a good novel, Les Destinées is many things: a family chronicle, a series of psychological portraits, a sumptuous re-creation of the past. But the film is also a pointed tribute to the French tradition of quality and distinction, a tradition in which it clearly includes itself. Read full review
91
Portland OregonianKim Morgan
Rich in detail, gorgeously shot and beautifully acted, Les Destinees is, in its quiet, epic way, daring, inventive and refreshingly unusual. Read full review
90
L.A. WeeklyRon Stringer
An exquisite metaphor for the high cost and higher returns of an enduring marriage. Read full review
90
VarietyDavid Rooney
A massive undertaking and an accomplished piece of filmmaking in a solid tradition of intelligent, meticulous literary adaptations. Read full review
90
The New YorkerDavid Denby
Quiety sumptuous movie. [15 April 2002, p. 98]
90
Village VoiceJ. Hoberman
An impressively coordinated enterprise that lasts three hours, manages a large cast, and covers a period of 30-odd years while successfully unfolding as a series of scenes from the life of a single character. Read full review
88
Chicago Sun-TimesRoger Ebert
It will not appeal to the impatient, but those who like long books and movies will admire the way it accumulates power and depth. It is about youthful idealism, headstrong love and fierce ambition, and is pessimistic about all of them. Read full review
75
Boston GlobeJanice Page
Full of elegance but hampered by lack of depth. Read full review
75
New York Daily NewsElizabeth Weitzman
As befits a production of impeccable French pedigree, the acting, set design and lush cinematography are all outstanding. But the story is told so slowly.
70
TV Guide MagazineKen Fox
Béart and Berling are both superb, while Huppert -- imperious as a woman who turns her world into a moral prison to prove a point -- is magnificent. Read full review
67
Seattle Post-IntelligencerPaula Nechak
But the irony of Les Destinées is that while Assayas is a pro at examining the inner workings of present-day connection and nuance, he's so overwhelmed by the sheer historical scope and detail of this massive saga that after three hours we're starved for emotional involvement with such inaccessible characters. Read full review
63
New York PostJonathan Foreman
Elegantly photographed family saga that brims with period detail. Unfortunately, the underlying story is less than compelling, Read full review
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