One Day in September
Metascore
82 out of 100

Universal acclaim - based on 20 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 20
  3. Negative: 0 out of 20
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  1. New York Daily News
    Reviewed by: Jami Bernard
    100
    A gripping thriller whose terror -- unfortunately -- comes from real life.
  2. USA Today
    Reviewed by: Staff [Not Credited]
    100
    Comprehensive and blisteringly paced.
  3. L.A. Weekly
    Reviewed by: Ella Taylor
    90
    Macdonald's singular achievement is to restore -- through interviews and archival footage -- the dead to such vivid life, you weep for them and for their families, who have only memories to live off.
  4. Village Voice
    Reviewed by: Amy Taubin
    90
    It could be described as the most gripping political thriller to hit the big screen in many years, although given the events it depicts through interviews, photographs, and news footage, the words "gripping" and "thriller" have inappropriately frivolous and commercial associations.
  5. Los Angeles Times
    Reviewed by: Kenneth Turan
    90
    This utterly compelling behind-the-scenes account of that horrific event unfolds with a potent sense of authority and authenticity.
  6. Austin Chronicle
    Reviewed by: Marjorie Baumgarten
    89
    Scores its ultimate coup de grace though its interviews. Macdonald has lined up an amazing collection of interviewees.
  7. Mr. Showbiz
    Reviewed by: Kevin Maynard
    88
    Especially timely in light of the current escalation in Palestinian-Israeli aggressions, but this is one sad story that would pack a staggering punch in any political climate.
  8. Miami Herald
    Reviewed by: Marta Barber
    88
    Gripping, made more intense by the knowledge that all is true.
  9. Philadelphia Inquirer
    Reviewed by: Carrie Rickey
    88
    Macdonald's film brilliantly telescopes the '70s, an era when every physical action had its equal and opposite political reaction.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.3 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 9 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 5
  3. Negative: 0 out of 5
  1. DonC.
    10
    While some reviewers and voters comment that it would have been nice if they also showed the reason(s) why these tragedies continue, both sides of the history of terrorism have been known and told for years. However, the actual terrorist factions choose to disregard the facts and promote only their own propaganda in order top entice and induce their minions to perform these horrific acts and pursue their own personal agenda.… Full Review »
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