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Samba isn't the finest effort from directors Olivier Nakache and Eric Toledano, but the film's shortcomings are partly balanced by its big heart and talented cast.
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All Critics (68) | Top Critics (25) | Fresh (42) | Rotten (26)
The editing errs on the side of longueurs, but likable people and the mise-en-scène draw you in. Somehow, even the artificiality feels heartwarming. Dec 30, 2015 | Full Review…
The editing errs on the side of longueurs, but likable people and the mise-en-scène draw you in. Somehow, even the artificiality feels heartwarming.
Tim Appelo
Samba finds a much stronger rhythm when it stops contriving and simply shines a light on the joy and pain (and musical interludes) of lives lived in the margins. Dec 30, 2015 | Rating: B+ | Full Review…
Samba finds a much stronger rhythm when it stops contriving and simply shines a light on the joy and pain (and musical interludes) of lives lived in the margins.
Leah Greenblatt
Unfortunately, the material flounders from the broadly farcical to the bombastically melodramatic. Aug 6, 2015 | Rating: 2.5/4 | Full Review…
Unfortunately, the material flounders from the broadly farcical to the bombastically melodramatic.
Peter Keough
"Samba" tries to be too many things to too many people, although you can't say it doesn't have heart. Aug 3, 2015 | Rating: 2.5/4 | Full Review…
"Samba" tries to be too many things to too many people, although you can't say it doesn't have heart.
John Anderson
Gainsbourg and Sy play off each other wonderfully, emphasizing how these characters relate to each other as people; their scenes together feel emotionally honest even though one can barely imagine them happening in real life. Jul 30, 2015 | Rating: 3/4 | Full Review…
Gainsbourg and Sy play off each other wonderfully, emphasizing how these characters relate to each other as people; their scenes together feel emotionally honest even though one can barely imagine them happening in real life.
Ben Sachs
"Samba" is loosely plotted and is at least 20 minutes too long. It seems ready to end half a dozen times before it finally does, with ironic payoffs for Samba and Alice that are too glib to be satisfying. Jul 30, 2015 | Rating: 2/4 | Full Review…
"Samba" is loosely plotted and is at least 20 minutes too long. It seems ready to end half a dozen times before it finally does, with ironic payoffs for Samba and Alice that are too glib to be satisfying.
Mark Jenkins
Another winning turn from Omar Sy is reason enough to enjoy this optimistic comedy/drama. May 10, 2019 | Rating: 3/5 | Full Review…
Another winning turn from Omar Sy is reason enough to enjoy this optimistic comedy/drama.
Phil W. Bayles
That Sy and Gainsbourg's love story never quite inflames the heart ultimately means that Samba remains a pleasant, rather than an enduring watch. Apr 4, 2019 | Rating: 3/5 | Full Review…
That Sy and Gainsbourg's love story never quite inflames the heart ultimately means that Samba remains a pleasant, rather than an enduring watch.
Ben Nicholson
Based on a novel by Delphine Coulin, this is an affectionate and touching look at the absurdities of life as an illegal, and at its heart are two charming performances. Nov 22, 2017 | Rating: 3/5 | Full Review…
Based on a novel by Delphine Coulin, this is an affectionate and touching look at the absurdities of life as an illegal, and at its heart are two charming performances.
Jasper Rees
It is thanks to the chemistry of [Omar] Sy and [Charlotte] Gainsbourg that some of the vast plot lacunae are filled in although more emphasis should have been put on the life lessons of true deprivation versus professional burnout. Sep 15, 2017 | Full Review…
It is thanks to the chemistry of [Omar] Sy and [Charlotte] Gainsbourg that some of the vast plot lacunae are filled in although more emphasis should have been put on the life lessons of true deprivation versus professional burnout.
Neely Swanson
In a world filled with immigrants and refugees who are continually on the move, seeking better lives, "Samba" is a gentle revelation of what it means to be human. Aug 10, 2017 | Full Review…
In a world filled with immigrants and refugees who are continually on the move, seeking better lives, "Samba" is a gentle revelation of what it means to be human.
Sr. Rose Pacatte
The new film by the writer-director duo behind the 2011 hit The Intouchables is not as formulaic and manipulative but it lacks the single-minded coherence that was so crucial to that film's success. Apr 27, 2016 | Rating: 2.5/5 | Full Review…
The new film by the writer-director duo behind the 2011 hit The Intouchables is not as formulaic and manipulative but it lacks the single-minded coherence that was so crucial to that film's success.
Peter Calder
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