Few films manage this tempo, this design of striking ups and minimal downs that flawlessly – and comically – highlights pride, humility, kindness, unselfishness, leadership, and hard work.

| Original Score: 10/10 | Mar 17, 2025

Sidney Poitier is a revelation in the gentle if somewhat dated classic, winning the first leading actor Oscar by a non-white performer playing a wanderer who helps some stubborn nuns.

| Original Score: 4/5 | May 16, 2022

Poitier's performance is a sheer joy to behold, and Lilia Skala is simply brilliant as Mother Maria.

| Original Score: A | Aug 23, 2021

There's not much dramatic urgency to the story, but that's perfectly fine: This is the sort of picture that gives wholesomeness a good name, and its life lessons are imparted in a leisurely and unforced manner.

| Original Score: 3.5/4 | Aug 13, 2021

Simple and optimistic as the images, but provided with a captivating personality. [Full Review in Spanish]

| Sep 4, 2019

A beautifully understated work, built on the dignity of Poitier's warm gravitas, and told with a gentle and disarmingly moving confidence.

| Original Score: 3.5/4 | Jun 4, 2019

Lilies of the Field is a funny, sentimental, charming and uplifting film, in which intelligence, imagination and energy are proved again to be beyond the price of any super-budget.

| Dec 28, 2018

One of the most gentle and affecting stories about faith and generosity ever committed to film.

| Original Score: 9/10 | Dec 28, 2018

This was a small, low-budget picture that went straight for the heart and succeeded critically as well as financially.

| Original Score: 3.5/5 | Jan 8, 2018

James Poe's simplistic screenplay might have become sluggishly sentimental without Ralph Nelson's discerning direction and Poitier's sharp humour.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Jan 8, 2018

Well-meaning rot.

| Jan 8, 2018

Ralph Nelson's melodrama is best known for featuring the Oscar-winning performance of Sidney Poitier, the first black actor to win the male lead award.

| Original Score: B | Mar 12, 2011

Many factors combine in the overall success of the film, notably the restrained direction by Ralph Nelson, a thoroughly competent screenplay by James Poe, and, of course, Poitier's own standout performance.

| Mar 26, 2009

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Aug 27, 2006

It might be significant as an early independent movie made good, but Poitier got better when he got angrier for In the Heat of the Night four years later.

| Feb 9, 2006

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Oct 8, 2005

[A] culture clash comprises both the film's lighter and more serious moments, with Poitier's simple, personal struggle over whether to leave or to stay and finish the job giving this small film a backbone of importance.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Nov 7, 2004

Charmingly offbeat

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Nov 3, 2004

Simple story about big hearts. Potier is wonderful.

Full Review | Original Score: 5/5 | Oct 16, 2004

An uplifting film that cemented the reputation of its star.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Jul 7, 2004