65
Metascore
12 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 90Village VoiceMark HolcombVillage VoiceMark HolcombA must-see for opera lovers and a snappy diversion for cinephiles.
- 88Boston GlobeJay CarrBoston GlobeJay CarrMiraculously, the opera comes off, simultaneously ridiculous and thrilling, in a blaze of pageantry.
- 80Los Angeles TimesKenneth TuranLos Angeles TimesKenneth TuranMore concerned, and with good reason, with the opera's extravagant visual look. The gorgeous pageantry of sets and costumes is frankly dazzling.
- 80VarietyDennis HarveyVarietyDennis HarveyA real-life inspirational comedy that should beguile viewers regardless of their operatic taste (or distaste).
- 70New Times (L.A.)Andy KleinNew Times (L.A.)Andy KleinThe performance itself (which aired on PBS and is available on DVD) apparently went perfectly; given the potential pitfalls that Miller documents, it's some kind of miracle.
- 63New York Daily NewsElizabeth WeitzmanNew York Daily NewsElizabeth WeitzmanThe opera's story -- about a Chinese princess who rejects all her suitors -- is never even fully explained.
- 60The New York TimesDana StevensThe New York TimesDana StevensThe sheer scale of the production, and the size of the venue, make the film interesting to watch.
- 50Christian Science MonitorDavid SterrittChristian Science MonitorDavid SterrittMusic buffs may wish there were a lot more Puccini and a little less talking-head chitchat.
- 50New York PostJonathan ForemanNew York PostJonathan ForemanIn general, it's a confusing, rather shapeless disappointment.
- 50L.A. WeeklyHazel-Dawn DumpertL.A. WeeklyHazel-Dawn DumpertFor a film hinged on one of the more passionate art forms, it's all a little bloodless.