Harold and Maude (1971)

The review celebrates the film as an indelible fable of love and death, highlighting its sincere exploration of human connection, the transcendent performances of Cort and Gordon, and the perfect Cat Stevens soundtrack.

The critic praises the film as the story of a Holocaust survivor and her philosophy of living lightly and in the present rather than clinging to loss. It singles out the brief reveal of Maude's concentration camp tattoo as a key symbolic moment that deepens the unconventional romance.

The critic praises the film's exuberant mix of black humor and optimism as a quintessential 1970s work by Hal Ashby. They single out its humanistic approach and the way it juxtaposes macabre elements with an undercurrent of redemption.

The critic finds the film mostly terrific and the origin of modern indie quirk, praising the endearing chemistry between Bud Cort and Ruth Gordon as they transcend symbolic roles in a story of life-affirming eccentricity.

The critic describes the film as an irresistibly odd cultural outlier and a cult hit, noting its loose, shaggy 1970s counter-culture style under Hal Ashby. They highlight the macabre opening and the unlikely romance between the leads.

The review calls the film a successful blend of whimsy, absurdity, tough sentimentality and black comedy. It highlights the central story of the death-obsessed teenager liberated by his friendship with the elderly funeral enthusiast as most effective when it maintains its insane fairytale tone.

The piece celebrates the film's cult appeal as a quirky antihero story promoting individualism and rebellion against hypocrisy, with Harold's strangeness turned virtuous. It praises the humor and sentiment in the central relationship but finds Cort and Gordon overly cute and Ashby's style slapdash, working best on first viewing.

The critic finds the film more preoccupied with death and simulated suicides than with life-affirming themes, despite its comic pretensions. He notes the aggressive, off-putting performances by Bud Cort and Ruth Gordon make the mismatched couple seem oddly suited, but criticizes the ending for betraying the movie's life-affirming claims.

The review calls the film as enjoyable as a burning orphanage, criticizing its sophomoric, overdone black humor and mocking tone aimed at younger audiences. While noting a few good gags and solid turns from supporting players like Vivian Pickles, it faults the macabre concept and overall execution as dubious and embarrassing.

The piece positions the film as Ashby’s funniest and most influential work, a dark spin on The Graduate with broad impact on later directors like Wes Anderson. It singles out the heartfelt central relationship and iconic Cat Stevens soundtrack for praise.

The critic praises the film's singular, off-kilter voice and its central message to follow one's heart despite societal judgment. They highlight the unusual but empathetic bond between the leads and its lasting cult appeal.

The critic recommends the film to Wes Anderson fans for its quirk and deadpan humor. They single out its unashamed wonder at the beauty of life amid absurdity and its humane blend of satire and intimate connection.

The film is a quirky cult favorite with a light touch from Ashby and a memorable Manic Pixie Dream Girl template in Maude, but the central relationship feels jokey and the spoiled protagonist limits its depth; it works as a vibe-driven oddity but is not a personal favorite compared to the director's other work.