X
  • 2017
  • Zipporah Films
  • 3 h 17 m
  • 2017
  • Zipporah Films
  • 3 h 17 m

Summary Frederick Wiseman’s film, EX LIBRIS – The New York Public Library, goes behind the scenes of one of the greatest knowledge institutions of the world. The film reveals the library as a place of welcome, cultural exchange and learning to 18 million patrons and 32 million online visitors annually. There are 92 library branches throughout Ma...

Directed By: Frederick Wiseman

  • 2017
  • Zipporah Films
  • 3 h 17 m
  • 2017
  • Zipporah Films
  • 3 h 17 m

EX LIBRIS: The New York Public Library

Metascore Universal Acclaim Based on 23 Critic Reviews
must-see
91
User Score Generally Favorable Based on 14 User Ratings
7.7
My Score
Hover and click to give a rating Saved

Summary Frederick Wiseman’s film, EX LIBRIS – The New York Public Library, goes behind the scenes of one of the greatest knowledge institutions of the world. The film reveals the library as a place of welcome, cultural exchange and learning to 18 million patrons and 32 million online visitors annually. There are 92 library branches throughout Ma...

Directed By: Frederick Wiseman

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Critic Reviews

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Metascore
Universal Acclaim Based on 23 Critic Reviews
91
91% Positive
21 Reviews
4% Mixed
1 Review
4% Negative
1 Review

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
Universal Acclaim Based on 23 Critic Reviews
91
91% Positive
21 Reviews
4% Mixed
1 Review
4% Negative
1 Review

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
100
Dec 29, 2021
It is undeniably a magnum opus, but one that has been refined to the briskness of a novella.
By Lillian Crawford FULL REVIEW
100
Sep 15, 2017
It’s a lovely, gracious, soul-satisfying thing.
By Jessica Kiang FULL REVIEW
100
Sep 11, 2017
These portraits don't have a hint of didacticism or preachiness, but "Ex Libris" achieves a certain emotional velocity all the same.
By David Ehrlich FULL REVIEW
91
Sep 13, 2017
Who knew a documentary about the library could turn out to be the most thrilling political film of the year?
By Jose Solís FULL REVIEW
80
Sep 14, 2017
It is the library as an urgent idea, and the obligations that the institution’s leaders have embraced, that win Mr. Wiseman’s admiration and attention.
By John Anderson FULL REVIEW
75
Sep 13, 2017
The film’s boundless enthusiasm for the idea of the library wins the day.
By Matt Zoller Seitz FULL REVIEW
38
Oct 19, 2017
It pains that this documentary was so tedious, since the New York Public Library is the crown jewel of public institutions, deserving of every accolade. If you want to spend three hours finding out what the library has to offer, save yourself the price of a movie ticket and head down to your local branch.
FULL REVIEW

User Reviews

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User Score
Generally Favorable Based on 14 User Ratings
7.7
79% Positive
11 Ratings
14% Mixed
2 Ratings
7% Negative
1 Rating

User Reviews

 View All
User Score
Generally Favorable Based on 14 User Ratings
7.7
79% Positive
11 Ratings
14% Mixed
2 Ratings
7% Negative
1 Rating

There are no user reviews yet. Be the first to add a review.

Details

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Production Company Zipporah Films
Release Date Sep 13, 2017
Duration 3 h 17 m
Genres
Website http://www.zipporah.com/films/46
View All Details

Awards

Venice Film Festival
• 2 Wins & 3 Nominations
Critics' Choice Documentary Awards
• 1 Win & 2 Nominations
Cinema Eye Honors Awards, US
• 2 Nominations

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