Girl with a Pearl Earring
Metascore
72 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 37 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 37
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 37
  3. Negative: 0 out of 37
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  1. Chicago Sun-Times
    Reviewed by: Roger Ebert
    100
    A quiet movie, shaken from time to time by ripples of emotional turbulence far beneath the surface.
  2. Entertainment Weekly
    Reviewed by: Owen Gleiberman
    83
    The actress (Scarlett Johansson) gives a nearly silent performance, yet the interplay on her face of fear, ignorance, curiosity, and sex is intensely dramatic.
  3. Christian Science Monitor
    Reviewed by: David Sterritt
    100
    What distinguishes Girl With a Pearl Earring is its combination of refined filmmaking and Johansson's exquisitely understated acting. It partakes of Vermeer's spirit and style, and that makes it one of the year's best movies.
  4. Washington Post
    Reviewed by: Desson Thomson
    90
    If the scope of the film feels small, Girl With a Pearl Earring fills that scope to bursting with subtle glory. It takes things as far as they can -- and should -- go.
  5. USA Today
    Reviewed by: Claudia Puig
    100
    A rich gem expertly told in a surprisingly scant 95 minutes.
  6. Portland Oregonian
    Reviewed by: Shawn Levy
    83
    Johansson, fittingly, is the focus. In her face, as in the faces of Vermeer's handful of captivating subjects, the viewer intuits whole stories and worlds.
  7. Variety
    Reviewed by: Todd McCarthy
    90
    An intelligent, visually ravishing adaptation of Tracy Chevalier's best-selling novel.
  8. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: Kirk Honeycutt
    90
    This is an art film in spades.
  9. The New Yorker
    Reviewed by: Anthony Lane
    100
    Look closely at Johansson...an immaculate period performance. [15 December 2003, p. 119]
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User Reviews

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User Score
6.7 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 41 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 27
  3. Negative: 4 out of 27
  1. MarcusB.
    10
    It's a telling sign that so many viewers are criticizing this movie for its slow pace or lack of "plot". Since when do films absolutely have to have fast paced, clear-cut storylines that even the bridge and tunnel crowd can follow? This is the antithesis to the cookie cutter storylines normally coming out of Hollywood. No car chases, no magically satisfying ending where all is neatly tied together (Americans do love their happy endings...), no emphasis on triumph of the spirit (the "I can do it if I apply myself" illusion). Just life.… Full Review »
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