"Richard Schickel’s review in "Time" magazine stated that Huston’s “unselfconscious and objective” style of filmmaking brought clarity to Lowry’s story, and praised Albert Finney’s acting for drawing viewers into a difficult plot.Merrill Shindler for "Los Angeles" magazine agreed that Finney turned in a strong, nuanced performance, but lavished his greatest praise for Huston’s storytelling and his ability to capture “the dreamworld of Mexican life”.