Topsy-Turvy 1999

Roger Ebert, At the Movies: One of the year's best films. Read more

Kenneth Turan, Los Angeles Times: The performances cut deeper than usual for costume films, and the actors once again seem to literally become who they're playing. Read more

Susan Stark, Detroit News: Read more

Janet Maslin, New York Times: One of those films that create a mix of erudition, pageantry and delectable acting opportunities, much as Shakespeare in Love did last year. Read more

Steve Murray, Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Despite its draining length, it proves to be even better and richer on a second viewing. Read more

Jeff Millar, Houston Chronicle: If you are a Gilbert and Sullivan buff, you will be in heaven. If you are not, the first thing you will need to know is that the film is nearly three hours long. Read more

Lisa Schwarzbaum, Entertainment Weekly: You're likely to be moved to tears. Read more

Rick Groen, Globe and Mail: Not your normal period piece, to be sure. Read more

Peter Rainer, New York Magazine/Vulture: Though the film runs nearly three hours, it gets better as it goes along. Read more

Jack Mathews, New York Daily News: A hive of broad, brilliant performances. Read more

James Berardinelli, ReelViews: It is a well crafted and solidly entertaining effort that illustrates how expert filmmakers can expand their ranges while still producing movies that are worth seeing. Read more

Bob Graham, San Francisco Chronicle: The film is a delight and a surprise, all the more so since Leigh is associated with gritty working-class stories. Read more

Trevor Johnston, Time Out: Leigh's cast are beyond compare, and the whole bighearted, splendidly droll celebration of the entertainer's lot surely stands among British cinema's one-of-a-kind treasures. Read more

Deborah Young, Variety: [A] beautifully crafted and lively romp around the 1880s stage world. Read more

J. Hoberman, Village Voice: The year's least likely, most infectious tour de force. Read more