A superb film by any measure, as deep and harsh as the sin Dillon committed to become great.
80
Film.comErnest Hardy
Film.comErnest Hardy
A sleeper that's well worth hunting down. Its rewards sneak up on you, but then linger long afterwards.
80
SlateDavid Edelstein
SlateDavid Edelstein
Gives off the same vapor of impending tragedy—of a fate neither just nor unjust but ineffably, wrenchingly right.
75
Seattle Post-IntelligencerPaula Nechak
Seattle Post-IntelligencerPaula Nechak
Beautifully acted and conceived -- even if the final vision is not always totally satisfying.
75
Chicago TribuneMichael Wilmington
Chicago TribuneMichael Wilmington
I liked The Claim -- as much for its stark visual beauty and impassioned performances as its intelligent script and willingness to probe the tragic side of life.
75
San Francisco ChronicleBob Graham
San Francisco ChronicleBob Graham
It overcomes some patchiness to turn into a rich emotional experience, ranging in degree from fire to ice.
50
Film.comRobert Horton
Film.comRobert Horton
This director's (Winterbottom) reach is impressive, but this time it doesn't quite grasp.
50
USA TodayStaff [Not Credited]
USA TodayStaff [Not Credited]
The actors seem as frozen as the landscape in this unsuccessful attempt at a grand and profound Western about the California Gold Rush.
50
Christian Science MonitorDavid Sterritt
Christian Science MonitorDavid Sterritt
Seems more clever than heartfelt, and whether you enjoy it may depend on how much you like Robert Altman's eccentric western "McCabe and Mrs. Miller," which it uncannily resembles.
40
Washington PostDesson Thomson
Washington PostDesson Thomson
The film feels inauthentic, a cardboard version of other epics that's cast for distribution to various world markets.