In Search of Beethoven
  • Release Date: Sep 23, 2009
Metascore
71 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 8 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 8
  3. Negative: 1 out of 8
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  1. Time Out New York
    Reviewed by: Steve Smith
    80
    The results do justice to a complex genius whose impact can scarcely be overstated.
  2. Village Voice
    Reviewed by: Andrew Schenker
    80
    The film's real resource is its impressive array of talking heads, their intimate familiarity with the music, and their ability to impart graspable insight.
  3. Los Angeles Times
    Reviewed by: Kevin Thomas
    80
    A splendid work that will be a revelation to the uninitiated and a joy to music lovers.
  4. Variety
    Reviewed by: Joe Leydon
    80
    Beautifully lensed and intelligently crafted.
  5. New York Post
    Reviewed by: V.A. Musetto
    75
    What made Ludwig such a great musician? The documentary In Search of Beethoven, directed by Phil Grabsky, answers that question reasonably well.
  6. Boston Globe
    Reviewed by: Jeremy Eichler
    75
    Grabsky’s goal appears to have been more circumscribed: an introduction to the composer that speaks to both the classical newcomer and someone who has loved this music for years but pieced together its back story only from hundreds of disconnected program notes.
  7. The New York Times
    Reviewed by: Neil Genzlinger
    70
    The best thing about In Search of Beethoven, Phil Grabsky’s biography of the composer, is the company he brings along on the hunt.
  8. San Francisco Chronicle
    Reviewed by: Joshua Kosman
    25
    Dull and unilluminating.

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