--- title: "Lilting: the reviews" canonical: "https://film.one/film/lilting/reviews" title_page: "https://film.one/film/lilting" critics_score: 66 critics_reviews: 15 licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL." --- # Lilting (2014): what the critics said Critics' score 66 from 15 reviews: 7 positive, 6 mixed, 2 negative. The reviews lean towards a qualified welcome for Lilting, with praise clustering around its sensitive treatment of grief, loneliness and connection across a language divide. Ben Whishaw’s performance draws the most consistent admiration for its vulnerability and emotional force, while several critics also praise Cheng Pei-pei and the rapport between them. The cinematography and fluid movement through memory receive favourable notices, giving the film’s quiet approach much of its appeal. The spread is wide, however: what some find moving and delicately handled, others find emotionally remote or dramatically slow. Reservations centre on contrived relationships, stilted or overly direct dialogue, and a tendency to let mood weaken momentum. The performances also divide opinion. Slant Magazine praises Whishaw but finds Cheng’s expressiveness limited; HeyUGuys, among the least persuaded by the film, singles out Cheng and the portrayal of Junn’s isolation as its strongest elements. ## IndieWire — Mary Sollosi Rating A-. 17 January 2014. Festival review. The review finds the film moving and lyrical, with Ben Whishaw’s sensitive performance providing much of its emotional intensity. It praises Hong Khaou’s rhythmic, memory-like flashbacks, though it feels Junn’s relationship with Alan goes on too long. [Read the review](https://www.indiewire.com/criticism/culture/sundance-review-lilting-delicately-explores-grief-and-cultural-divides-with-the-help-of-ben-whishaw-and-cheng-pei-pei-31146/) ## Sight and Sound — Ashley Clark Fi1m's normalised score 85/100 (inferred from the text). 8 August 2014. Clark finds the film a tender, confident study of grief and loneliness, despite some acting imbalance and a potentially manipulative delay in revealing how Kai died. He particularly praises Ben Whishaw’s extraordinarily moving portrayal of grief. [Read the review](https://www.bfi.org.uk/sight-and-sound/reviews/film-week-lilting) ## Empire — Patrick Peters Fi1m's normalised score 80/100 (inferred from the text). 31 July 2014. Peters finds the film intimate, delicate and delightful. He particularly praises the strong performances by Ben Whishaw and Cheng Pei-Pei. [Read the review](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/lilting-review/) ## Evening Standard — Guy Lodge Fi1m's normalised score 75/100 (inferred from the text). 8 August 2014. Lodge finds the drama compassionate and emotionally delicate, with Whishaw giving his strongest showcase role in years. He singles out the palpable chemistry between Whishaw and Cheng Pei-pei, while noting that some dialogue is too direct. [Read the review](https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/film/lilting-film-review-ben-whishaw-articulates-the-rotating-stages-of-grief-with-unaffected-grace-9656001.html) ## The Guardian — Peter Bradshaw Fi1m's normalised score 75/100 (inferred from the text). 7 August 2014. Bradshaw finds the film heartfelt, intelligent and affecting. He praises its emotional story, while noting that Junn and Alan’s relationship feels slightly contrived. [Read the review](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2014/aug/07/lilting-review) ## Variety — Justin Chang Fi1m's normalised score 75/100 (inferred from the text). 17 January 2014. Festival review. Chang finds the film a quietly resonant, delicately handled drama, though its modest scale and restrained ending may limit its impact. He especially praises the performances and the film’s sensitive portrayal of grief across a language and cultural divide. [Read the review](https://variety.com/2014/film/markets-festivals/sundance-film-review-lilting-1201061892/) ## Screen Daily — Mark Adams, chief film critic Fi1m's normalised score 64/100 (inferred from the text). 17 January 2014. The review’s verdict is not visible in the accessible page text. No praise or complaint can be identified from the available content. [Read the review](https://www.screendaily.com/lilting/5065458.article) ## Little White Lies — Sophie Ivan Rating 3/3/4. 7 August 2014. The critic calls it a promising, lovingly composed debut, though its focus on mood sometimes weakens its dramatic momentum. She praises the film’s fragile beauty, especially its production design and cinematography. [Read the review](https://lwlies.com/reviews/lilting) ## Radio Times — Sophie Ivan Rating 3/5. The critic finds it a gentle, lyrical drama about grief and connection. The performances of Ben Whishaw and Cheng Pei Pei are singled out in its sensitive portrayal of loss. [Read the review](https://www.radiotimes.com/movie-guide/b-nahh3w/lilting/) ## Time Out — Dave Calhoun Rating 3/5. 3 August 2014. The review describes the film as a quiet, thoughtful study of love, grief and cultural difference. It singles out its London setting and exploration of those themes. [Read the review](https://www.timeout.com/movies/lilting) ## Slant Magazine — Chuck Bowen Rating 2/4. 20 September 2014. Bowen finds the film dramatically inert despite its emotionally resonant premise. He praises Ben Whishaw’s vulnerable performance, while criticizing the contrast with Pei-pei Cheng’s limited expressiveness. [Read the review](https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/lilting/) ## Los Angeles Times — Betsy Sharkey Fi1m's normalised score 40/100 (inferred from the text). 2 October 2014. Sharkey finds the film captivating at first but ultimately undone by its uncertain direction. She praises its ethereal cinematography and the moments when its exploration of language and understanding comes alive. [Read the review](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-et-mn-lilting-review-20141003-column.html) ## Eye for Film — Owen Van Spall Fi1m's normalised score 80/100 (inferred from the text). 26 August 2014. The critic calls it a confident, graceful and sensitive debut, despite some contrived plot elements. They praise the way its fluid structure and cinematography create an atmosphere of sorrow and warmth. [Read the review](https://www.eyeforfilm.co.uk/review/lilting-2014-film-review-by-owen-van-spall) ## Collider — Matt Goldberg Rating C-. 17 January 2014. Festival review. Goldberg finds the film emotionally flat and overwrought despite its humane intentions. He praises a quiet moment of kindness from Richard, but says the film’s stilted conversations and restrained performance keep it from creating a meaningful connection. [Read the review](https://collider.com/lilting-review/) ## HeyUGuys — Nia Childs Fi1m's normalised score 35/100 (inferred from the text). 8 August 2014. Childs finds the film emotionally underdeveloped and overlong, despite its genuine intentions. She singles out Pei-pei Cheng’s performance and the portrayal of Junn’s isolation as its strongest elements. [Read the review](https://www.heyuguys.com/lilting-review/) --- © Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Our review: https://film.one/film/lilting.md