Sarah's Key

Sarah's Key (2011)

  • 73% of critics liked it
    (109 reviews)

  • 83% of users liked it
    (8,601 ratings)

Julia Jarmond, an American journalist married to a Frenchman, is commissioned to write an article about the notorious Vel d'Hiv round up, which took place in Paris, in 1942. She stumbles upon a family secret which will link her forever to the destiny of a young Jewish girl, Sarah. Julia learns… More

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In Theaters
Jul 22, 2011 Limited
The Weinstein Company

Critic Reviews

  • J. R. Jones, Chicago Reader

    Thomas carries the weight of the movie, and her usual sangfroid works against her; when she finally makes contact with the deported couple's grandson, the story crumples into sentimentality

  • Jennie Punter, Globe and Mail

    Scott Thomas's portrayal of her character's emotional transition ensures Sarah's Key will keep your heart open.

  • Peter Howell, Toronto Star

    French director Paquet-Brenner occasionally yields to melodrama, particularly in the final act, but he is resolute about not depicting all of his countrymen as Nazi stooges, since many weren't.

  • Lisa Kennedy, Denver Post

    Thomas' performance is one of brilliant restraint and believable naturalism.

  • Mick LaSalle, San Francisco Chronicle

    It does provide audiences with the satisfaction of seeing and hearing an important truth expressed, and that's better than making you feel good. That's making you feel something.

Read all 22 critic reviews

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Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

  • Cynthia S


    Great. Thought provoking. Well done. Perfect mix of the heart wrenching events of lives torn apart, the endless search of who we are, and the depths of depravity that mankind is capable of. Just when I think that I have seen every Holocaust movie around, another pops up. I can never… More

  • Nicki M


    Really good, sad movie. The little girl who plays Sarah is excellent.

  • Raymond W


    A fictional story built around historical facts and events, Sarah's Key is an incredibly well-made film which draws us in and never lets go. Even after it's over, the images and emotions linger in my mind. I've been thinking about it for days. Beautiful… More

  • Daniel M


    It's well-nigh impossible to make a film about the Holocaust without either lecturing the audience or slipping into inappropriate sentimentality. The best examples of this genre (if such a term is appropriate) are character-driven pieces like The Pianist and Life is Beautiful.… More

  • William D


    If you're like me, you've grown weary of Holocaust movies in the last few years. When filmmakers run out of ideas nowadays, they make yet another Holocaust movie. They know they can provide an orgy of grief for the viewer without even putting in much effort. Cheap, easy… More

Read all 16 featured audience ratings

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