Noble 2014

Jesse Hassenger, AV Club: The real Noble accomplished a lot, but the movie insists on giving her achievements a mystical and mythical dimension ... without the imagination to carry it off. Read more

Drew Hunt, Chicago Reader: [Her] Dickensian childhood provides real intrigue, but writer-director Stephen Bradley portrays the grown-up Noble as a messianic figure, making her philanthropy seem like acts of hubris rather than selflessness. Read more

Justin Lowe, Hollywood Reporter: [Writer-director Bradley] understands the inherent drama in Noble's life story, as well as the necessity of varying the narrative's chronological progression by alternating time periods in the film in order to maintain ongoing interest. Read more

Michael Rechtshaffen, Los Angeles Times: Uneven but nonetheless emotionally gratifying ... Read more

Stephen Holden, New York Times: A feisty, passionate performance by the Irish actress Deirdre O'Kane gives the inspirational biopic "Noble" a serrated edge of defiance and gumption. Read more

Colin Covert, Minneapolis Star Tribune: A smart, touching, tragic, goofy and surprisingly captivating dramatic biography of Irish children's rights activist Christina Noble. Read more

Pete Vonder Haar, Village Voice: The movie works because Christina's desire to help these kids feels natural, and because she herself shoulders burdens that would drive most people to the grave, all without losing her faith. Read more

Stephanie Merry, Washington Post: Writer-director Stephen Bradley may make some missteps, but he capitalizes on this underdog story's inherent thrills. Read more