65
Metascore
23 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 88Chicago TribuneJohn PetrakisChicago TribuneJohn PetrakisThis wise, clever Israeli film reintroduces the once-popular concept of film as allegory, as it follows a Christian pilgrim on his bumpy road to salvation.
- 75Christian Science MonitorDavid SterrittChristian Science MonitorDavid SterrittIsn't glossy, but it has a thought-provoking mix of skepticism, hopefulness, and respect for all but its most scurrilous characters. Hollywood could learn from its canny blending of psychological and multicultural insights.
- 75New York Daily NewsJami BernardNew York Daily NewsJami BernardHas something to add about the toll Western society takes on spiritual values, and the ugliness of consumerism.
- 75New York PostV.A. MusettoNew York PostV.A. MusettoA parable about greed. But don't let that serious-sounding description keep you away. It also is funny, knowing and immensely enjoyable.
- 70Village VoiceJ. HobermanVillage VoiceJ. HobermanA deceptively modest fable of innocence abroad that resonates with the situation within Israel and without.
- 70VarietyDerek ElleyVarietyDerek ElleyThere's a fable-like quality to this first feature by documaker Ra'anan Alexandrowicz that packs just as much punch as a more "serious," didactic movie while entertaining the viewer at the same time.
- 70The New York TimesDana StevensThe New York TimesDana StevensAs social criticism -- not only of Israel, but of other affluent countries as well -- James' Journey is both potent and a little didactic.
- 50The A.V. ClubScott TobiasThe A.V. ClubScott TobiasAn awkward marriage of fairy-tale and social realism.
- 25Entertainment WeeklyOwen GleibermanEntertainment WeeklyOwen GleibermanYou'd think that the film would ask you to be appalled at this scenario of forced servitude -- but no, it's treated as harmless and cute, like an Israeli ''Chico and the Man.''