Engrossing, moving and well-crafted, the film takes risks without flaunting them and, despite its Major Motion Picture stodginess, succeeds in expanding what's permissible in big-budget Hollywood product.

| Oct 8, 2021

It would have been difficult for any director to dramatise this relationship effectively and perhaps we should applaud [director Fred Zinnemann] for trying before we criticise him for failing.

| Sep 22, 2021

An exceptional film with my highest regards.

| May 27, 2020

In Lillian, Julia shows us the first woman in memory sexually coupled and on par with her lover, intellectually, creatively and morally.

| Apr 27, 2020

A movie that is a rare treat, one that captures the mind and heart, while simultaneously raising the blood pressure. Bravo!

| Nov 1, 2019

Julia is a sensitive as well as significant dramatization of life as experienced by strong women.

| Jul 31, 2019

The crucial problem is that there's so little sense of urgency about anything the filmmakers do.

| May 9, 2017

How curious that in a movie titled Julia, the least interesting character would be ... Julia.

| Original Score: 3/4 | May 7, 2016

| Original Score: 4/5 | Dec 4, 2008

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Mar 1, 2008

It's all in such good taste that it's downright stupefying.

| Nov 1, 2007

Beautifully crafted, nominated for nine Academy Awards, a big hit at the box office -- and a dramatic dud.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Nov 1, 2007

The period environment, brilliantly recreated in production design, costuming and color processing, complements the topflight performances and direction.

| Nov 1, 2007

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Jan 19, 2007

Hansomely mounted but superficially written, Julia lacks dramatic focus, reflecting confusion as to what exactly Lillian Hellman's memory text is about, but the actresses, especially Vanessa Redgrave, are fascinating

| Original Score: B- | Jul 30, 2006

Lillian Hellman's tight autobiographical story about memory and friendship gets the full Zinnemann gloss-wash.

| Jun 24, 2006

An understatedly suspenseful drama with both Fonda and Redgrave giving impassioned performances.

Full Review | Original Score: 8/10 | Feb 27, 2006

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Jun 1, 2005

The movie looks soft, which has nothing to do with the Hellman flintiness, guts, self-mockery, wisdom, above all, impatience with cant.

Full Review | Original Score: 2.5/5 | May 9, 2005

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Nov 19, 2004