"This film is so well observed and humane, like all of Kore-eda’s work. I love how it presents a rather mundane premise—a routine family get-together—then gradually reveals the immense emotional complexity that exists beneath its surface. There is such intense subtext that accompanies every interaction between each member of this family; every tiny moment of casual cruelty and guarded warmth carries huge emotional power. It’s all so specific to Kore-eda and simultaneously totally universal. I feel like he’s one of the world’s greatest filmmakers. "

"Sometimes I think the greatest movie. Inexorable in its working out. Vittorio de Sica unbeatable as a WWII small time crook who goes along to get along and then finds himself having to be brave, not something he's ever wanted to be. The most horrific scene where a partisan is taken into a room to be tortured. Door shuts. Conversation goes on in a room outside, Nazi officer, collaborators, idle and casual, a few drinks, nothing heard from inside. Then the door opens. Has to be seen, this movie."