Yes
User Score
7.6 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 14 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 14
  3. Negative: 2 out of 14

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  1. LeonardN.
    Jul 4, 2005
    9
    Poetic, beautiful, interesting and subtle from beginning to inconsistent end. It is hard to believe that the negative critics can rate this film so low, leaving little room below for the unambitious popular junk that draws in the crowds. It's true that the movie is ambitious, but that's in its favor. A dazzling achievement for its director, writer, and composer (all the same woman) and for its wonderful actors.… Expand
  2. ChadS.
    Oct 1, 2005
    6
    All of Sally Potter's films have wonderfully startling self-reflexive moments, in particular, "The Tango Lesson", when Potter tells her dance partner, "But that's how I love you-- with my eyes, with work." In "Yes", however, the maid played by Shirley Henderson might be a case of whimsy overkill. She seems to be there as a reward for surviving the iambic pentameter banter between Joan Allen and Simon Abkarian. And now, here's some comic relief. Abkarian's rant against America is stirring, but was his anger properly set up? To me, it came out of nowhere. When he's fired from his job, it's not an American who lets him go, so why is he irate at Allen?… Expand
  3. DeniseL.
    Jun 19, 2005
    8
    A fascinating love story with thought provoking political and cultural implications.
  4. nusam.
    Jul 15, 2005
    9
    I was stunned at how unusually excellent this movie kept being throughout. Succeeds at dynamic balance of remarkably stylized, and fresh-feelinged, topical, v. human portrayal. With light brilliance, subtle scoring and poetic linguistics, Potter took me on an engaging surf along many edges of experience, diverse political and interpersonal points of view. I guess if you want to see a typical movie, then you may find some of those critics that do not want to leave their previous perspective behind in order to take an unusual ride... but i, for one am grateful to find a movie that took me lightly out of my mental norms, while touching my heart.… Expand
  5. NancyL.
    Sep 3, 2006
    8
    Potter's "Yes" is comparable to the work of William Shakespeare. Both bards briliantly speak of love, faith, politics and death in contexts understandable to the audiences of their times.
  6. LucasK.
    Jan 4, 2006
    1
    Pretentious. Annoying. Painful to watch the actors perform it with such seriousness, you almost feel sorry for everyone involved. I guess they did have access to the script beforehand, so you can only sort of question their taste. Low points of the movie include Sam Niel dancing and a heavy arguement between the two main characters involving religion and politics. I know this conversation was meant to reveal the attitudes between these different cultures, but you can't help but think her calling him a terrorist and he coming back with "imperialist" warrants a laugh track rather than Allen's heartfelt tears. High points include the opening credits when you are not pissed off and the end when you can know now to avoid Sally Potter movies.… Expand
  7. DonnaJulieAbbyB.
    Jan 4, 2006
    3
    Abby Donna and Julie At one point each, that makes 3. Fast forward is the only thing That made this movie worth watching The only place we cared to tarry Was the scene stolen from Sally Met Harry.
  8. hughiew
    Jun 23, 2005
    9
    Lovely and romantic and engaging. Clever, but not too clever. Great performances, cinematography,score and direction. Don't believe the bitter bitter NY crix!
  9. BJ
    Jun 11, 2006
    8
    Sally Potter has had a stunning career in avante garde cinema and this is one of her best. Beautifully photographed, beautiful, (if sometimes overly smart) poetic dialogue characters trying to make sense in the post 9-11 realities, honest, strong. If you are looking for Hollywood narrative, look elsewhere. If you are looking for an intellectually and aesthetically engaging film, watch YES.

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
55 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 29 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 29
  3. Negative: 6 out of 29
  1. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: Andrew Sun
    50
    Despite many interesting mise-en-scene moments, the film disappointingly feels as sterile as the family's immaculately clean house. In a sense, the movie is too ambitious.
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  2. Variety
    Reviewed by: Scott Foundas
    40
    Ultimately has nothing of any real depth or profundity to say, but a thousand self-consciously complex ways of saying it.
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  3. The New Yorker
    Reviewed by: Anthony Lane
    40
    You may get off on this enthralling stuff, But after half an hour I'd had enough.
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