Pépé le Moko (re-release)
Arthur Mayer & Joseph Burstyn | Release Date: March 1, 2002 CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
98
METASCORE
Universal acclaim based on 12 Critic Reviews
Positive:
12
Mixed:
0
Negative:
0
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Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
100
Chicago ReaderJonathan Rosenbaum
An early voice-over segment about the Casbah itself, before Gabin makes an appearance, is so pungent you can almost taste the place, even though the filming was clearly done in a studio. Read full review
100
Seattle Post-IntelligencerWilliam Arnold
Above all, the film is a classic of "poetic realism," that distinct brand of pessimistic '30s French urban drama that gave lyrical, sometimes even surrealistic, interpretations to working-class romances and underworld characters, settings and dramas. Read full review
100
Christian Science MonitorDavid Sterritt
This masterpiece of poetic realism features one of Gabin's most renowned performances, a smart subtext about French colonialism, and enough exotic atmosphere to keep your head in the clouds long after the final scene. Read full review
100
The New York TimesA.O. Scott
One of the most purely enjoyable films ever made. Read full review
100
New Times (L.A.)David Ehrenstein
Not to be missed. And pay close attention to the finale. It's a genuine surprise. Read full review
100
Chicago TribuneMichael Wilmington
A timeless romantic thriller that steeps us in one of those great artificial movie worlds that become more overpowering than reality itself. Read full review
100
Boston GlobeTy Burr
Foreign intrigue is raised to an art form. Read full review
100
Los Angeles TimesKenneth Turan
Beautifully crafted, movingly acted, still involving and entertaining, this is just the kind of film people are talking about when they say they don't make them like this anymore. Read full review
100
San Francisco ChronicleMick LaSalle
It turns out that Pepe Le Moko is even better than "Algiers." Read full review
88
New York Daily NewsJami Bernard
The movie elevated the basic gangster picture into what became known as the niche genre of poetic realism. And, aside from Garbo, never have key lights on a star's face caused so much swooning among fans. Read full review
80
VarietyStaff (Not Credited)
Interesting movement holds through the entirety. Life in the native quarter, with its squalor and intrigues, is particularly well presented and photographed. Read full review
80
Village VoiceJ. Hoberman
Casually racist and inordinately sexist, Pépé le Moko is best enjoyed for its offhand surrealism. Read full review
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