Leonie 2010

Rachel Saltz, New York Times: Leonie Gilmour was almost certainly unusual and unusually self-reliant. Too bad that the film that bears her name ultimately reduces her to the mother of her child. Read more

Rex Reed, New York Observer: Color it inspirational. Read more

John Anderson, Variety: Failing to carve anything graceful or fluid out of a slab of biography, helmer Hisako Matsui does bring to light a curious and intriguing story of a great-woman-behind-a-great-man in Leonie. Read more

Barbara VanDenburgh, Arizona Republic: It hits all the expected beats of a thoroughly vanilla biopic as an aging Leonie reflects on her unconventional life via plodding voiceover while doddering through a forest collecting berries. Read more

Frank Scheck, Hollywood Reporter: Lushly photographed and featuring a stellar performance by the luminous Emily Mortimer in the title role, Hisako Matsui's film is deeply heartfelt but only intermittently compelling. Read more

Sheri Linden, Los Angeles Times: As a portrait of female strength and a celebration of the artistic spirit, "Leonie" too seldom comes fully alive. Read more

Alan Scherstuhl, Village Voice: "Love is one of life's most spiritual and beautiful chapters," Mortimer is forced to purr. Later: "It seems I am fated to move wherever it is I seek to build my dream." Read more