74
Metascore
11 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 88Chicago TribuneChicago TribuneThe Watermelon Woman is quite smart, remarkably sophisticated filmmaking for a first-time director.
- 88Slant MagazineClayton DillardSlant MagazineClayton DillardIt's a film of such multitudinous interests and storytelling pursuits that its unfolding replicates the ecstasy of newfound romance.
- 80The New York TimesStephen HoldenThe New York TimesStephen HoldenThat it succeeds in being both stimulating and funny is a testament to the talent and open-heartedness of Ms. Dunye, who wrote and directed the movie and is its star.
- 80Los Angeles TimesKevin ThomasLos Angeles TimesKevin ThomasPhiladelphia filmmaker Cheryl Dunye has such a light, easy touch both in front and in back of the camera that you're in danger of not noticing how skillful a craftsman she really is or how deftly she raises serious issues of race and sexual orientation in The Watermelon Woman.
- 78Austin ChronicleMarjorie BaumgartenAustin ChronicleMarjorie BaumgartenDunye's film is smart, sexy (the interracial lesbian lovemaking scene prompted an infamous little ruckus over at the NEA a while back), funny, historically aware, and stunningly contemporary.
- 75San Francisco ChronicleRuthe SteinSan Francisco ChronicleRuthe SteinDunye's engaging personality quickly wins you over. She deserves to be a character in a movie; she's more interesting than most.
- 75Philadelphia InquirerSteven ReaPhiladelphia InquirerSteven ReaThe Watermelon Woman is a thoughtful, charming movie that takes its audience along on a journey of self-discovery - without ever taking itself too seriously.
- 63Boston GlobeJay CarrBoston GlobeJay CarrAlthough Watermelon Woman is at times rudimentary and slight, it's saved by its humor and its way of tweaking political correctness. [9 May 1997, p.C6]
- 60New York Daily NewsDave KehrNew York Daily NewsDave KehrDunye's salvation is her sense of humor. She's good at creating light, bantering dialogue, and there are a couple of sharp, satirical scenes.
- 50TV Guide MagazineTV Guide MagazineAlthough it contains funny moments, the deliberately disjointed whole is too cute for its own good.