This film is shot with great simplicity, and the accompanying score is one of tremendous, well, grace. It is perfect for this film.

| Original Score: 3.5/4.0 | Sep 15, 2020

The drug mule theme is somewhat of a distraction from Marston's more transcendent aim to push the story as a parable about one woman's self-determination.

| Original Score: 4/5 | May 23, 2020

The movie puts us in Maria's shoes, taking us step by suspenseful step through her physical and spiritual ordeal.

| Mar 13, 2018

A stunning performance by [Catalina Sandino] Moreno is the hallmark of the film...

| Original Score: A | Sep 12, 2017

Unflinching drama of the journey of a drug mule.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Jan 1, 2011

The subject could be, and has been, exploitative in other films, but Joshua Marston shrewdly sketches asides of drama about whether Maria should simply remain in New York. To his credit, that outcome feels as fraught with peril as her drug-running.

| Original Score: 4/4 | Sep 19, 2010

"Maria Full Of Grace" was a hit at the Sundance Film Festival and carries the cinematic currency of an important and thought provoking drama.

| Original Score: A | Jul 11, 2010

'Maria Full of Grace' offers a clear picture of the economics that drive the hopeless many to take risks in the enrichment of the few.

| Apr 28, 2010

Moreno gives a very memorable debut performance...

| Apr 29, 2009

| Original Score: 3/4 | Dec 27, 2007

| Original Score: 3/5 | Apr 1, 2006

| Original Score: 4/5 | Dec 6, 2005

The film's star, Catalina Sandino Moreno, has heavy-lidded eyes and a lovely, open face that belie Maria's steely resolve.

| Sep 16, 2005

the filmmaker's eye and ear for authentic detail and believable characterization...make the film an unusually tough and gritty slice of underworld life.

| Original Score: 7/10 | Sep 8, 2005

Belongs to Moreno.

| Original Score: B+ | May 4, 2005

| Original Score: 9/10 | Apr 23, 2005

Maria Full of Grace provides an authentic and compelling view of a drug mule's experience.

| Original Score: B+ | Apr 14, 2005

Moreno uma daquelas atrizes que prendem o olhar do espectador, que, fascinado, mal percebe o sutil trabalho de construo de personagem que est sendo desenvolvido.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Apr 8, 2005

Moreno communicates without words - she immediately sells the film, the concept, the struggle, the danger.

Full Review | Original Score: 92/100 | Mar 31, 2005

Catalina Sandino Moreno gives a superb, naturalistic performance as Maria and Marston is careful not to glamorise her, despite the fact that she's absurdly gorgeous.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Mar 24, 2005