The Emperor's New Clothes
Paramount Classics | Release Date: June 14, 2002 CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
60
METASCORE
Mixed or average reviews based on 28 Critic Reviews
Positive:
17
Mixed:
10
Negative:
1
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Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
88
Baltimore SunMichael Sragow
It's sometimes said that the greatest test of a chef is cooking something cheap and simple, like a piece of chicken or a hamburger. In a movie that testifies to simple pleasures, Taylor and company pass that test again and again. Read full review
75
Chicago Sun-TimesRoger Ebert
Surprisingly sweet and gentle comedy. Read full review
88
Chicago TribuneLoren King
One of the most clever, most enjoyable historical fantasies to hit screens in a long time, The Emperor's New Clothes is a sumptuous showcase for Ian Holm, who delivers not one but two great performances. Read full review
75
Entertainment WeeklyLisa Schwarzbaum
It's a royal, finely modulated double performance by an actor who always wears his powers with graceful modesty. Read full review
80
Los Angeles TimesKevin Thomas
Sergio Ballo's costumes have the look of authentic clothing, realistically reflecting the characters' wide range in social status. Rachel Portman's score, at once romantic, majestic and vital, completes this beguiling film. Read full review
63
Miami HeraldMarta Barber
Mildly engaging. Read full review
80
New Times (L.A.)Gregory Weinkauf
In tampering with history, these storytellers present to us a rare and wonderful case of enlightenment beyond the accepted truth.
75
New York Daily NewsJami Bernard
In a hilarious bit of actorly sleight-of-hand, Holm (who is not new to the role of Napoleon, having it played it twice before) slips effortlessly from emperor to impostor.
63
New York PostLou Lumenick
Alan Taylor ("Palookaville"), an American, directs with a playful touch, and Denmark's Hjejle is far more assured acting in English here than she was in "High Fidelity." Read full review
75
Philadelphia InquirerCarrie Rickey
Touching historical fantasy. Read full review
75
ReelViewsJames Berardinelli
Taylor's approach to this material -- mixing occasional humor with undemanding drama -- works well enough that we don't care about the logical inconsistencies and plot holes. To that end, The Emperor's New Clothes ends up as a pleasant diversion. Read full review
70
SalonCharles Taylor
A trifle but an exceptionally civilized, charming trifle. Read full review
75
San Francisco ChronicleMick LaSalle
The result is a genre-bending yarn, an entertaining mix of period drama and flat-out farce that should please history fans. Read full review
67
Seattle Post-IntelligencerWilliam Arnold
The film's European locations, sets (in Rome's Cinecitta studios) and photography are unusually striking; Rachel Portman contributes an elegant score; and Holm (who played the emperor once before in 1981's "Time Bandits") embodies the character with an effortlessly regal charisma. Read full review
75
The Globe and Mail (Toronto)Rick Groen
Has a refreshingly different twist: What we have here is a "what if" comedy. Read full review
70
VarietyDerek Elley
Pleasant rather than rollicking entertainment. Read full review
80
Washington PostAnn Hornaday
Engaging, witty and touching film, one that defies categories to become a romantic comedy, historical biopic and philosophical rumination, all in one.
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