70
Metascore
12 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 88The Associated PressBob ThomasThe Associated PressBob ThomasAs with the best of memoirs, the film bears the verisimilitude of true art. It is a movie filled with small marvels, a welcome addition to the prestige films of fall. [02 Oct 1984]
- 88Miami HeraldMiami HeraldPlaces in the Heart is set in another time and place. But it becomes universal because it is also a personal story of an artist turning from the safe confessional platitudes of Yuppiedom to a more mature confrontation with the complexities in his own past. [05 Oct 1984, p.C1]
- 80The New York TimesVincent CanbyThe New York TimesVincent CanbyRobert Benton has made one of the best films in years about growing up American.
- 80Time OutTime OutMuch is unemphatic, but all of it carries the moving weight of conviction. And it ends on a healing grace-note which passeth all understanding.
- 75Chicago Sun-TimesRoger EbertChicago Sun-TimesRoger Ebert[Benton's] memories provide the material for a wonderful movie, and he has made it, but unfortunately he hasn't stopped at that. He has gone on to include too much. He tells a central story of great power, and then keeps leaving it to catch us up with minor characters we never care about.
- 75Christian Science MonitorDavid SterrittChristian Science MonitorDavid SterrittSentimental from the moment the title hits the screen. But it's a nice kind of sentimentality, based on real affection for the characters and real involvement with a place and time.
- 75TV Guide MagazineTV Guide MagazineDirector Robert Benton effectively re-creates depression-era Texas in this moving tale that landed the second Oscar for Field.
- 60The New YorkerPauline KaelThe New YorkerPauline KaelThe film isn't just about the widow -- it's about family, community, America, and Christian love. But Benton's gentle, nostalgic presentation muffles this. His craftsmanship is like an armor built up around his refusal to outrage or offend anyone; it's an encrusted gentility.
- 40Chicago ReaderDave KehrChicago ReaderDave KehrThere's nothing but sheer manipulativeness holding this picture together.