Le Havre
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Metascore
82 out of 100

Universal acclaim - based on 26 Critics What's this?

User Score
7.0 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 18 Ratings

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  • Summary: In this warmhearted portrait of the French harbor city that gives the film its name, fate throws young African refugee Idrissa into the path of Marcel Marx, a well-spoken bohemian who works as a shoe-shiner. With innate optimism and the unwavering support of his community, Marcel stands up to officials doggedly pursuing the boy for deportation. A political fairy tale that exists somewhere between the reality of contemporary France and the classic cinema of Jean-Pierre Melville and Marcel Carné, Le Havre is a charming, deadpan delight. (Janus Films)… Expand

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 26
  3. Negative: 0 out of 26
  1. Washington Post
    Reviewed by: Ann Hornaday
    Dec 8, 2011
    100
    Le Havre is a playful parable that conveys profound truths about compassion, humility and sacrifice. It offers proof that miracles do happen - especially in Kaurismaki's lyrically hardscrabble neighborhood.
  2. The Globe and Mail (Toronto)
    Reviewed by: Liam Lacey
    Nov 3, 2011
    100
    Le Havre, offers the director's usual humour, pitch-perfect acting and compassionate message, with a Gallic twist that should win new converts.
  3. Total Film
    Reviewed by: Tom Dawson
    Mar 26, 2012
    80
    Kaurismäki adeptly weaves rockabilly musical interludes, a stylised colourscheme and droll performances into a warm-hearted salute to both classical French cinema and working-class solidarity.
  4. Empire
    Reviewed by: Guy Lodge
    Apr 2, 2012
    60
    It may not be up there with his very best, but Aki Kaurismäki offers a reminder that he's a still one of the freshest voices in cinema.

See all 26 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 2
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 2
  3. Negative: 1 out of 2
  1. jeremyp
    8
    Told in a simple way by mostly non actors this little gem resolutely sets out a humanistic fable of our times. It gently hammers away at the theme: "we are our brother's keepers" Don't look for a great script, or much acting, or any sophistication. It is what it is. Even the Christian right might find it's theme uncomfortably Christ like. A man does good and is rewarded with a miracle. Warning check your cynicism at the door, or at your DVD Play button.… Expand
  2. everydayscholar
    0
    Created a metacritic account just to tell you that if you want to see a comedy, or even a drama, this is not for you. The acting is completely stiff, there is no human emotion at all. The most emotion comes from a completely unnecessary 5 minute long concert scene from Little Bob. I don't understand the high ratings. Poor directing, poor acting, could care less about the story. Objectively bad.… Expand

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