Clarence Tsui of
The Hollywood Reporter praised
Meeting Dr. Sun as an artistically refined and politically relevant work that subtly weaves social critique into a seemingly lighthearted story, elevating it beyond typical high school dramas through its sharp social arguments and genre blending. Han Cheung of
Taipei Times also regarded the film as a refreshing, socially conscious comedy that effectively combines humor and emotional depth to highlight Taiwan's social inequality, praising its poetic moments and strong thematic resonance. Edmund Lee of the
South China Morning Post described the film as a "heist flick staged with hilariously low stakes" that incorporates social commentary, appreciating its humor and themes of inequality but questioning whether its simplistic characters and symbolism may be overextended. Meanwhile, James Marsh of
ScreenAnarchy considered the film a heartfelt, humorous coming-of-age story that playfully explores youth struggles, ultimately emphasizing personal growth and the enduring relevance of historical ideals. Shinie Wang, writing for
CommonWealth Magazine, acknowledged the film as a poignant and compassionate portrayal of Taiwan's social inequalities, using humor and symbolism to evoke empathy for marginalized youth. Hung Jian-luen of
Funscreen Weekly also considered the film a well-intentioned but somewhat flawed social commentary that struggles with its tone and pacing, ultimately offering a heartfelt yet imperfect reflection on class and political issues. Tang Tang-mo of
Okapi interpreted the film as a continuation of Taiwan's youth rebellion, highlighting its focus on economic struggles and resistance, with a tone of hope and camaraderie amidst social critique. Ching Sze-tsuen of
Hong Kong Inmedia described the film as a sincere, slightly awkward coming-of-age story that effectively conveys young people's desire for change, despite its amateurish execution and bittersweet tone. ==Awards and nominations==