A great, haunting film; it affects us in ways we're not used to...it is capable of both lifting our hearts and chilling us to the bone.
90
Film.comElizabeth Weitzman
Film.comElizabeth Weitzman
Clear-eyed and open-hearted, The Straight Story (which is based on reality) tells a simple tale, and it does so with a rare, blessed simplicity.
88
New York Daily NewsJami Bernard
New York Daily NewsJami Bernard
If there is any justice in the world, Farnsworth will be remembered at Oscar time.
83
Seattle Post-IntelligencerWilliam Arnold
Seattle Post-IntelligencerWilliam Arnold
I loved it...Without trying very hard, Farnsworth commands a unique and immensely appealing screen presence that could be called "a compilation of all the great western heroes of the movie past."
80
Chicago ReaderJonathan Rosenbaum
Chicago ReaderJonathan Rosenbaum
The wonderful Richard Farnsworth plays the lead, and he was clearly born for the part...a highly affecting and suggestive spiritual odyssey.
80
Film.comPeter Brunette
Film.comPeter Brunette
Richard Farnsworth shines as Alvin Straight, a role, one gets the feeling, that he has been preparing for all his life.
80
Variety
Variety
Lynch has directed his most satisfyingly disciplined movie.
75
Christian Science MonitorDavid Sterritt
Christian Science MonitorDavid Sterritt
As slow-moving as the voyage it portrays,...a surprisingly complex view of contemporary life beneath its good-natured surface.