When We Leave
Olive Films | Release Date: January 28, 2011 CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
65
METASCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 10 Critic Reviews
Positive:
6
Mixed:
4
Negative:
0

Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
90
SalonAndrew O'HehirJan 27, 2011
Aladag's point, I think, is that no matter how righteous we may feel about this kind of zero-sum cultural collision, for the human beings involved it often results in unbearable tragedy. Read full review
83
The A.V. ClubScott TobiasJan 27, 2011
When We Leave is a film without villains. Instead, it features a set of circumstances that inevitably and needlessly spin out of control. Read full review
75
St. Louis Post-DispatchJoe WilliamsApr 15, 2011
This melodrama about spousal abuse and honor killings might be too grim to bear, but Kekilli keeps it centered. Read full review
70
The New York TimesA.O. ScottJan 27, 2011
It is frequently gripping and sincere in its intentions, but never quite as revelatory, or as devastating, as it should be. Read full review
70
Village VoiceNick PinkertonJan 25, 2011
Kekilli, more than an unofficial spokeswoman for rebellious Euro-Muslim youth, sells a simple and deterministic story through her sheer presence and precise reaction shots. Read full review
63
Boston GlobeTy BurrMar 31, 2011
As powerful as the movie is, it stays on the outside of a culture looking in. Read full review
60
New York Daily NewsJoe NeumaierJan 28, 2011
Kekilli sensitively portrays Umay's conflicted despair, and the relationship with her son is beautifully rendered. Read full review
50
San Francisco ChronicleWalter AddiegoMar 3, 2011
A doleful melodrama. There are some intense, moving sequences, but too much emotional badgering and a general shortage of finesse. Read full review
50
New York PostV.A. MusettoJan 28, 2011
Kekilli delivers a perfectly tuned performance. Too bad the script is often clunky and melodramatic, as the first-time director, Vienna-born Feo Aladag, tries to manipulate viewers' emotions. Read full review
40
Time OutKeith UhlichJan 25, 2011
The film has the look of unflinching truth, yet it too often feels like a calculated ploy to stoke viewers' liberal-guilty consciences. Read full review
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