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The Five Obstructions Review

Other Critics provided by Metacritic.com

Critics scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating more favorable reviews.

  • 4.0
    79

    out of 100

    Metascore®
    Generally favorable reviews
    based on a weighted average of all
    critic review scores.

  • 100

    out of 100

    Los Angeles Times Kenneth Turan

    A complete original. This ingenious, almost indescribable film won't remind you of anything else because there's nothing else like it.

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  • 100

    out of 100

    Entertainment Weekly Owen Gleiberman

    As he rises to each challenge, you realize that von Trier, the most exalted of prankish sadists, has orchestrated the filmmaking equivalent of the story of Job. The Five Obstructions glories in art, life, and the faith that binds them.

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  • 70

    out of 100

    The Hollywood Reporter Frank Scheck

    In this enjoyable if trivial battle between von Trier's psychodrama theatricality and Leth's cool formalism, it's ultimately the viewer who comes out the winner.

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  • 75

    out of 100

    Chicago Sun-Times Roger Ebert

    The Five Obstructions clearly calls for a sequel, in which Leth would require von Trier to remake "Dogville," despite Obstructions 6 through 10.

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  • 80

    out of 100

    The New York Times Dana Stevens

    Watching The Five Obstructions is at once like witnessing two chess masters playing dominoes and like spying on a series of therapy sessions. Mr. von Trier clearly sees himself as a maniacal psychoanalyst.

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  • 80

    out of 100

    Variety David Stratton

    Though billed as a documentary, The Five Obstructions doesn't easily fall into any category. Perhaps it's best described as a game, in which a pair of Danish film directors from different generations spar with one another in a highly civilized, and surprisingly entertaining, fashion.

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  • See all The Five Obstructions reviews at Metacritic.com

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