95% The Sessions

All Critics (112) | Top Critics (37) | Fresh (106) | Rotten (6)

Forced to do all his acting with his face, Hawkes displays the kind of camera-arresting capability that has earned others Oscar nominations.

This is a crowd-pleaser of the finest sort.

Using only his tilted head, his eyes, nose, and mouth and that quizzical voice, Hawkes brings O'Brien to life.

It's funny and well-meaning, with great performances, but the story plays out more like an Afterschool Special with full-frontal nudity.

Most often with The Sessions the blunt comedy outweighs the drift toward sanctimony.

An extraordinary account of sexual exploration and intimacy against the odds, The Sessions is a powerful achievement.

Sex & a very singular man

Boasts a rare, inherent understanding of its subject, with Lewin now facing the prospect of becoming seriously hot property, as awards season beckons.

We are engaged by the compelling characters and a man's discovery of sexuality in a short span of time and in a unique way. And we are touched by the relationship that develops

Sex, religion, poetry and the disabled might be the subject matter, but nothing will prepare you for the emotions that are shared in this unique, poignant and unforgettable film

The most grown-up depiction of emotionally meaningful sexual relations... that will have any sort of general distribution in U.S. movie theaters in this or any of the next several years.

The Sessions resembles one of O'Brien's poems (which are featured in the story) - neither flawless nor ever-graceful in terms of technique but still gentle and sincere.

A dramatic, inspiring story that can be humorous at times with endearing characters. This is a crowd-pleaser that is sure to be a contender at the Oscars.

[ The Sessions] is very sweet and heartfelt, but never cloying or overly sentimental.

The Sessions is a truly inspirational work, grounded by a powerful, thought-provoking performance that lingers long after one has left the auditorium. It is one of the more memorable, if imperfect, achievements of 2012.

It's really a three-character comedy/drama, with the best elements of both genres.

"The Sessions" shapes its themes in an appealing way and keeps the script lively and engaging and funny.

This isn't the first film to explore the subject of the sexuality of the disabled. But it is, thanks to sensitive direction from Ben Lewin and empathetic performances that never condescend, among the best.

A remarkable story of bravery and compassion

With its assertive hero and inclusive humor, "The Sessions" is an inspirational drama you can feel good about in the morning.

Gets it right, in the essence of its true story as well as the social discomforts surrounding disability and sane discussion of sexuality.

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Source: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_sessions/

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