I would imagine that if you have a close connection to Ellis Island immigrants, you will be similarly touched by this movie.

| Original Score: 2.5/5 | Aug 17, 2008

The film's cinematography by Agnès Godard is breathtaking at times, especially early on during exterior scenes.

| Original Score: C+ | Jan 15, 2008

Crialese presents enough historical detail to give many 2nd and 3rd generation Americans today an idea of what physical and mental scrutiny their grandparents might have been subjected to in order to be accepted through the "Golden Door."

| Original Score: 3.5/5 | Jan 14, 2008

The journey to America by an Italian peasant and his family, conveying their yearning for a new life in scenes of magical realism.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Jan 10, 2008

| Original Score: 2.5/4 | Jan 10, 2008

is all facade and no force

Full Review | Original Score: 2.5/5 | Jan 8, 2008

Although the movie's plot line is rather flimsy and its characters somewhat distant, the movie's images are hard to forget.

| Original Score: 6/10 | Jan 6, 2008

Not as inspiring as it should be.

| Original Score: C+ | Dec 23, 2007

The early parts require some patience, but the film richly rewards that patience. I know of no film that so patiently and so completely documents the Ellis Island experience.

Full Review | Original Score: 7/10 | Dec 20, 2007

| Original Score: 3/5 | Dec 7, 2007

Sicilian writer-director Crialese adds another to the list of great immigrant films with this evocative, poetic drama about a family of his compatriots who make the fateful Atlantic crossing in 1904.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Oct 26, 2007

Punishing but eye-opening immigrant tale.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Oct 22, 2007

So enjoyable and visually stimulating is the experience, it's tough to knock Crialese's Door.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Aug 15, 2007

Although it has a gorgeous, lyrical visual style, it contains no stirring speeches or sentimentality.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4 | Aug 10, 2007

Golden Door belongs to(Vincenzo) Amato (Respiro). He makes this tale of woe and wonderment the charmer it turns out to be.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4 | Aug 3, 2007

[Director] Crialese's talent for poetic illusion, and for finding the general within the microcosm, is reminiscent of Steven Spielberg.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/4 | Jul 19, 2007

There's a certain remoteness to the story that might keep some members of the audience at bay.

| Original Score: B- | Jul 14, 2007

Cinematographer Agnes Godard's camera caresses every moment...

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Jul 13, 2007

At its best, The Golden Door generates the excitement to be had whenever a historical movie achieves the shock of the new.

Full Review | Original Score: B- | Jul 10, 2007

The whole picture, real and surreal, is hauntingly beautiful.

| Original Score: B+ | Jul 8, 2007