Reviews provided by RottenTomatoes
Michael Wilmington, Chicago Tribune: Both Hou and Ozu excel in evoking the poetry of everyday life, and, as a tribute from one great filmmaker to another, Cafe Lumiere should richly satisfy devotees of both artists. Read more
Ted Fry, Seattle Times: The film often takes on the hypnotic rhythm of a dream. Read more
Jonathan Rosenbaum, Chicago Reader: Read more
Jay Weissberg, Variety: Hou fans will find what they're looking for; others will wonder when the action starts. Read more
J. Hoberman, Village Voice: Although pegged as an author of contemplative mood pieces, Hou's originality as a filmmaker has much to do with both his handling of historical material and his daringly counterintuitive narrative structures. Read more