Va Savoir (Who Knows?)
Sony Pictures Classics | Release Date: September 29, 2001 CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
79
METASCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 28 Critic Reviews
Positive:
25
Mixed:
3
Negative:
0
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Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
100
Christian Science MonitorDavid Sterritt
Magical movie, which has brilliant fun with the contrasts between film and theater, love and infatuation, reality and fantasy. Read full review
91
Entertainment WeeklyLisa Schwarzbaum
It's all very French, very intricate, and -- this is Rivette's magic -- seemingly as light as air. Read full review
90
Village VoiceJ. Hoberman
Va Savoir has its own unhurried pace and unpredictable humor. This is the sort of comedy Robert Altman could only dream about. Read full review
90
VarietyDavid Stratton
An entrancing ensemble piece, directed with calm assurance, acted by a fine ensemble, and structured and scripted with wit and precision. Read full review
90
The New York TimesA.O. Scott
It's undeniably a trifle, but rarely is something like this done with such skill and, well, savoir-faire. Read full review
90
Los Angeles TimesKenneth Turan
This masterful celebration starts off slowly, even uncertainly, giving no hint of the rich and elegant exploration of love, jealousy and animal attraction it will in all good time become. Read full review
90
SalonCharles Taylor
Never less than witty, charming, accomplished. Read full review
90
New Times (L.A.)Andy Klein
The film could be subtitled "Six Characters in Search of an Ending:" When they find that ending, it is gently, delightfully uplifting. Read full review
90
L.A. WeeklyManohla Dargis
Va Savoir doesn't so much flow as wander, trailing off into drama one minute, slapstick the next; it tries your patience, but ever so gently, masterfully. Read full review
88
Chicago TribuneMichael Wilmington
It may be the most serene and optimistic film Rivette has made in France. Yet even the art-house audience may undervalue it, miss the beauty, style and wit. Read full review
88
Boston GlobeJay Carr
Souffle-light and airily playful.
83
Portland OregonianKim Morgan
A vibrant, multicharacter film that entertains, disorients and enlightens. Read full review
80
Washington PostStephen Hunter
It gets frenetic, in the French way, but it never stops getting amusing. This is what happens when you let grown-ups make movies. Read full review
80
SlateDavid Edelstein
This is lovely, momentous piffle. Read full review
80
Rolling StonePeter Travers
Abounds in pleasures. Read full review
80
Wall Street JournalJoe Morgenstern
Readily accessible, slyly subversive and perfectly delightful film.
75
Baltimore SunMichael Sragow
You may find Va Savoir pleasant to sit through, but will it stay with you the next morning? Who knows? Read full review
75
Chicago Sun-TimesRoger Ebert
The kind of movie you settle into. It's supple and sophisticated, and it's not about much. It has no message and some will say it has no point. But it is a demonstration of grace and wit. Read full review
75
Philadelphia InquirerCarrie Rickey
On a Paris rooftop about an hour into this 2-hour film, the tone shifts and the atmosphere lightens into giddy farce. Read full review
75
San Francisco ChronicleEdward Guthmann
Delicious but complex. Read full review
70
TV Guide MagazineKen Fox
It's an engaging diversion from a master director who, at the ripe age of 78, appears to be once again at the top of his game. Read full review
70
New York Magazine (Vulture)Peter Rainer
Rivette keeps the life-is-a-play metaphysics to a minimum, and the cast, including Jeanne Balibar and Sergio Castellitto, is attractive. Read full review
67
Austin ChronicleMarjorie Baumgarten
Its warm humor and love for its characters ultimately wins us over to its side. Read full review
63
New York Daily NewsJami Bernard
The movie's pleasures are spare, and will appeal mostly to die-hard Rivette fans and viewers with slow pulses. Read full review
63
New York PostJonathan Foreman
Before the slightly surreal (self-consciously so) climax, there are some fine set pieces, including a disastrous dinner party that amply showcases Rivette's wonderfully light directorial touch. Read full review
60
Chicago ReaderJonathan Rosenbaum
Lacks the scariness, the mystery, and even much of the curiosity of Rivette's better work. Read full review
60
Washington PostDesson Thomson
It yields surprisingly unspectacular results. Read full review
60
Mr. ShowbizKevin Maynard
The wrap-up's pretty charming, as are the performances, but the film's too heavy for its soufflé-ready ingredients.
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