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Me Before You backdrop

Me Before You

3 June 2016English1h 33m
out of 10
Mixedlukewarm or divided
Monk Score · 4 scored reviews · 1 not rated

A glossy romance that sidesteps its weightier themes for easy sentiment.

Verdict tier Mixed, lukewarm or divided, on a scale of Unfavorable, Mixed, Recommended, Exceptional.

  • Praised: appeal to romantic drama fans
  • Criticised: glossy handling of sensitive subjects

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Critic consensus

What 5 critics are saying

Critical reception for Me Before You is predominantly negative to mixed, with reviewers finding little to praise in its execution. The film's handling of euthanasia and quadriplegia drew the most pointed criticism, with multiple critics noting that it glosses over these sensitive subjects rather than engaging with them substantively. The film was widely faulted for relying on romantic clichés and a sanitized, sugar-coated treatment that sacrifices honesty for crowd-pleasing sentiment. Only its appeal to fans of the romantic drama genre was acknowledged as a modest saving grace.

How the 4 scores spread

1 not-rated review isn't plotted

Positive / mixed / negative reviews

Positive = 6.5/10 and up · negative = below 5/10

AI-generated summary of 5 critic reviews · may contain errors

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From the papers

Critic reviews (5)

Top critics first, then by score · not-rated last · updated

  1. CatchNews

    Film review ·

    The movie has already incited a few complaints about its portrayal of quadriplegics and its glossing over of the touchy subject of state-assisted suicide. But it's a sugar-coated romantic comedy with everything you're looking for in a chick flick/chick lit and not a gritty documentary.
  2. Times Of India

    Film review ·

    Though it is commendable that a British film has taken a rather pragmatic, matured and non religious stand on euthanasia, it is a shame that the film never delves deeper into the debate or makes a convincing case in its favour. Me Before You gets busy whipping up a tragic tale instead of making a point about the delicate issue.
  3. Mid-Day

    Film review ·

    It's the premeditated glossed out treatment that really hurts here. Director Thea Sharrock's helming is not a smoothly coordinated one. The lack of grittiness and honesty in the telling is also a drawback.
  4. The Hindu

    Film review ·

    The misunderstandings, the love, the heartbreak, the tears, the wedding, concerts, races, mad dash to the airport, the night of somewhat passion, the first kiss, all check out and you are finally left with a voice from beyond, in a letter being read in a sunny bistro in Paris — there is nowhere to hide in cliché central.
  5. BookMyShow

    Film review ·

    Emilia Clarke's popularity will ensure that a lot of people will watch Me Before You. If you love her in Game of Thrones, give this latest movie a miss. Me Before You is strictly for fans of romantic films.

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Cast

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