Urban Cinefile
This is partly explained by his marriage to a Slovanian, but not totally. With the sort of insight that graces the minds of great writers, Flanagan immerses us in the lives – the broken, scarred and painful lives – of his central characters, complete with the accoutrements of their social and family trappings. He uses words economically, but images expansively, painting his story as if on a canvas of light and shadow. Suggestion and implication are some of his best tools, aided by the exceptional work of his cast, from the incredible and heart breakingly beautiful three year old Arabella Wain, to the shattered father, played perfectly by Kaczmarek . .... (Andrew L. Urban)
Kristof Kaczmarek makes an indelible mark in his screen debut, as the tortured father - whose past colours his ability to move beyond the violent, over-indulging migrant resentful of never really being accepted. (Louise Keller)
On the plus side, the film is ravishing to look at, making solid use of its Tasmanian locations, and the performance of Kristof Kaczmarek as the alcoholic father is impressive, if at times clicheed.
(Paul Fisher)
Australian Screen
Polish-born actor Kristof Kaczmarek is very good in the difficult role and is well supported by Kerry Fox, though it is something of a stretch to accept the 30-year-old actress as 16-year-old Sonja. (Richard Kuipers)
Festivale.info
What The Sound of One Hand Clapping does deliver, however, is consistent to the style it sets early in the film – so if you’re lucky, you can be impressed from start to finish. But on the other hand, you could hate it all too…. Either way, compliments have to be made: Kristof Kaczmarek brings an energetic and sensual presence to his role, ... (Luke Buckmaster)
Variety
The outstanding performance here is that of Polish thesp Kaczmarek, in his first major screen role, as the tormented Bojan. Although seen from the perspective of the daughter, this is really the father’s story. (David Stratton)