On review aggregator website
Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an approval rating of 57% based on 23 reviews, with an average rating of 6.21/10. On
Metacritic, the film has a weighted average score of 52 out of 100, based on 6 critics, indicating "mixed or average reviews". David Rooney of
The Hollywood Reporter gave the film an unfavorable review, saying: "Too much lethargic, unclear plotting and saccharine melodrama mean the gentle film is seldom as intriguing as its premise, even if Kurosawa as always provides arresting visual moments and has a commanding way of building atmosphere out of stillness." Meanwhile, Maggie Lee of
Variety said: "Fans of Kurosawa's earlier psycho-thrillers may desire more eeriness and visual panache, but those who've accepted the helmer's conscious change of tune and pace should be gently touched." Derek Elley of
Film Business Asia gave the film a 7 out of 10, commenting that Kurosawa "bounces back with a touching, offbeat love story between life and death."
Cahiers du cinéma placed the film at number 10 on the
"Top 10 Films of 2015" list. ==Accolades==