In the end, this melancholy, inspiriting movie achieves a breathtaking emotional harmoniousness.
90
Village VoiceJ. Hoberman
Village VoiceJ. Hoberman
Treeless Mountain is skillfully unsentimental--because of, but also despite, the presence of two irresistible, unself-conscious performers in virtually every scene.
88
TV Guide Magazine
TV Guide Magazine
The movie is thoroughly engrossing from the opening frame to the end credits, and it’s a beautiful viewing experience.
At times, Treeless Mountain almost feels like a fairy tale--but without the magic.
80
New York Daily NewsElizabeth Weitzman
New York Daily NewsElizabeth Weitzman
Both lovely and wrenching, So Yong Kim's intimate drama feels so honest, it's often difficult to watch.
75
New York PostV.A. Musetto
New York PostV.A. Musetto
With Treeless Mountain, Kim establishes herself as a first-class filmmaker.
70
The Hollywood Reporter
The Hollywood Reporter
Without wallowing in sentimentality or judging any of her characters, Kim has drawn a mature portrait of an elementary school girl old before her time and a loss of childhood that rings true on every level.