Pauline Kael, in her review of Sounder, wrote: "The director, Martin Ritt, working from a scrupulous, unsentimental script by Lonne Elder III, based on the William H. Armstrong novel, avoids charging up the scenes [...] the movie earns every emotion we feel. And I think it will move audiences – move them truly, that is – as few films ever have." The film garnered four nominations at the 45th Academy Awards including Best Adapted Screenplay.
Pauline Kael's review of Sounder highlights the director Martin Ritt's commitment to a restrained style in the film adaptation, which was based on William H. Armstrong's novel and written by Lonne Elder III. The movie's success is attributed to its ability to evoke genuine emotions and resonate deeply with audiences.