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Mixed or average reviews - based on 7 Critics What's this?

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  • Summary: In the early 1930’s Hitler began firing Jewish musicians across Europe. Overcoming extraordinary obstacles, violinist Bronislaw Huberman moved these great musicians to Palestine and formed a symphony that would become the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra. With courage, resourcefulness and an enentourage of allies including Arturo Toscanini and Albert Einstein, Huberman saved close to 1000 Jews - along with the musical heritage of Europe. (First Run Features) Collapse
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 7
  2. Negative: 0 out of 7
  1. Reviewed by: Nick Pinkerton
    Oct 23, 2012
    70
    Although the movie is overreliant on chintzy-looking and rather corny historical reenactments, these are counterbalanced by anecdote-rich interviews, including descendants of Huberman's first orchestra, human testament to the family tree of Israeli musicianship that he planted.
  2. Reviewed by: Nicolas Rapold
    Oct 25, 2012
    60
    Orchestra of Exiles aspires to a level of primary research that other historical documentaries could take a page from.
  3. Reviewed by: Gary Goldstein
    Nov 2, 2012
    60
    The pervasive historical reenactments and voiceovers, however, while clearly well-intended, often turn this otherwise vital film into an uneasy hybrid of authenticity and artifice.
  4. Reviewed by: Joe Neumaier
    Oct 25, 2012
    60
    Toscanini plays a role in the tale, as does Einstein and a young Zubin Mehta. If director Josh Aronson tries to follow a few too many strands of the story, it's only because there's so many tantalizing ones.

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