I kept waiting for Tender Mercies to get started -- to get into something. I was still waiting when it was over and I was back out on the street.

| Sep 19, 2023

If you’re looking for an inspiring movie that has an unusual sense of authenticity, heartfelt drama, and a good splash of romance, you can do no better than “Tender Mercies.”

| Original Score: 4.5/5 | Feb 13, 2023

An unfussy and unassuming gem.

| Original Score: 3.5/4 | Aug 16, 2020

Tender Mercies' ultimate miracle is its faith in the audience. It assumes, perhaps unreasonably, that we are not so canned overblown effects that we cannot pick up on its quiet rhythms.

| Feb 27, 2020

It's not bad, but none of it makes a difference. [Full Review in Spanish]

| Sep 24, 2019

He's found no miracles in the good country life, in the Bible, or even in the love of a good woman. But the astonishing purity of Duvall's performance, itself a kind of marvel, allows us to believe that Sledge has found a home.

| Sep 20, 2019

Tender Mercies won Robert Duvall his only Academy Award in six nominations. It contains one of his most understated performances. It's mostly done with his eyes.

| Original Score: 4/4 | Jun 20, 2018

An anti-Hollywood drama that glitters in its subdued form because it's a real gem.

| Original Score: A- | May 5, 2008

Aussie director Beresford makes an impressive American debut with this rural Texas based saga of the recovery and redemption of an alcoholic and abusive country singer, splendidly played by Robert Duvall in an Oscar-winning performance.

| Original Score: B+ | Apr 13, 2008

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Oct 13, 2007

Full Review | Original Score: 2/5 | Feb 18, 2007

I found myself filled with disquieting wishes for something to happen to break the silence.

| Original Score: 2/5 | Nov 28, 2006

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Oct 9, 2005

Like a quiet child whose primary virtue is that he doesn't make any waves, Tender Mercies is so muted and obedient that it's hard in good conscience to praise it.

| Original Score: C- | Dec 6, 2004

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Nov 19, 2004

Earthy Duvall vehicle, wonderful character study

Full Review | Original Score: 5/5 | Oct 23, 2004

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Dec 22, 2003

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Aug 22, 2003

Full Review | Original Score: 5/5 | Jun 26, 2003

Duvall won an Oscar for this one, and it's still a moving and fascinating flick.

Full Review | Original Score: 5/5 | Feb 3, 2003