Metacritic Movie Ratings
Half Nelson Reviews

A sample of reviews from critics across the country.

• 100

  out of 100

  Los Angeles TimesKenneth Turan

  What is different about Half Nelson is the execution, the kind of subtlety in writing, directing and acting (by costars Shareeka Epps and Anthony Mackie as well as Gosling) you seldom see.

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• 100

  out of 100

  Entertainment WeeklyLisa Schwarzbaum

  Half Nelson offers an opportunity to marvel, once again, at the dazzling talent of Ryan Gosling for playing young men as believable as they are psychologically trip-wired.

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• 90

  out of 100

  The New York TimesManohla Dargis

  What makes Half Nelson both an unusual and an exceptional American film, particularly at a time when even films about Sept. 11 are professed to have no politics, is its insistence on political consciousness as a moral imperative.

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• 88

  out of 100

  USA TodayClaudia Puig

  A compelling drama that establishes Ryan Gosling as one of the finest actors of his generation.

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• 80

  out of 100

  VarietyDennis Harvey

  Avoiding rote inspirational notes as well as boyz-in-the-hood violence, scrupulously low-key drama nonetheless builds to a powerful impact.

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• 80

  out of 100

  The Hollywood Reporter

  If there was ever any doubt, with Half Nelson, Ryan Gosling establishes himself as a major talent and one of the finest young actors around.

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