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American Radical: The Trials of Norman Finkelstein
American Radical: The Trials of Norman Finkelstein Image
Metascore
71 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 4 Critics What's this?

User Score
7.8 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 4 Ratings

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10 out of 10
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  • Summary: American Radical is the probing documentary portrait of American academic and activist Norman Finkelstein. A devoted son of holocaust survivors, ardent critic of Israeli and US Mid-East policies and author of six provocative books–including The Holocaust Industry, Beyond Chutzpah and the soon-to-be-released A Farewell to Israel: The Coming Break-Up of American Zionism, Finkelstein has been at the center of many intractable controversies. Called a lunatic and a self-hating Jew by some and an inspirational, street-fighting revolutionary by others, Finkelstein is a deeply polarizing figure whose struggles arise from core questions about freedom, identity and nationhood. Following him as he presents his message to audiences around the globe, American Radical provides an intimate portrait of the man behind the controversy, giving voice to Finkelstein’s critics as well as his supporters. (Typecast Releasing)… Expand

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. Time Out New York
    Reviewed by: Joshua Rothkopf
    80
    His own worst enemy, Finkelstein has both trouble and tragic writ large on his brow.
  2. The New York Times
    Reviewed by: Stephen Holden
    70
    Because it is a film, American Radical can only begin to sketch the complicated historical and political debates that engage Mr. Finkelstein and his detractors, but it allows both sides to make their cases.
  3. Village Voice
    Reviewed by: Ella Taylor
    70
    American Radical shows--albeit with great reluctance--how a formidable intellect partnered with an absolutist disposition can get you absolutely nowhere.

See all 4 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 2
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 2
  3. Negative: 0 out of 2
  1. JimG.
    10
    A really moving picture. hope it could be nominated for an Oscar or something. Dershowitz is actually compelling in it but so is finkelstein in some parts.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  2. GautamM.
    10
    An accurate description of the trials and tribulations of norman finkelstein. it becomes clear as the documentary progresses that the argument that finkelstein exploits the israeli-palestinian conflict for personal gain as bunked.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes