X
  • 2007
  • R
  • IFC Films
  • 1 h 30 m
  • 2007
  • R
  • IFC Films
  • 1 h 30 m

Summary Protagonist weaves together the stories of 4 men: A German terrorist, a bank robber, a gay evangelist and a martial arts student. At first glance the characters appear disconnected. But as their stories unfold in riveting detail, one starts to see the parallels between the uncommon, common experience of these four men. To illustrate the ...

Directed By: Jessica Yu

Written By: Jessica Yu

  • 2007
  • R
  • IFC Films
  • 1 h 30 m
  • 2007
  • R
  • IFC Films
  • 1 h 30 m

Protagonist

Metascore Generally Favorable Based on 16 Critic Reviews
68
User Score Available after 4 ratings
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Summary Protagonist weaves together the stories of 4 men: A German terrorist, a bank robber, a gay evangelist and a martial arts student. At first glance the characters appear disconnected. But as their stories unfold in riveting detail, one starts to see the parallels between the uncommon, common experience of these four men. To illustrate the ...

Directed By: Jessica Yu

Written By: Jessica Yu

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Critic Reviews

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Metascore
Generally Favorable Based on 16 Critic Reviews
68
88% Positive
14 Reviews
0% Mixed
0 Reviews
13% Negative
2 Reviews

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

Critic Reviews

 View All
Metascore
Generally Favorable Based on 16 Critic Reviews
68
88% Positive
14 Reviews
0% Mixed
0 Reviews
13% Negative
2 Reviews

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
100
Wu is able to demonstrate both the timelessness and the universality of stories which, on the surface, sound extreme and unique.
By Ken Fox FULL REVIEW
80
A highly original and at times thrilling use of the documentary medium, and one of the most revealing films about the troubled nature of contemporary manhood I've ever seen.
By Andrew O'Hehir FULL REVIEW
80
Although it takes a while for Yu's thesis to jell, the film makes a lasting impression as it delves into an unfashionable territory: character as fate rather than a function of pharmaceuticals.
By Sheri Linden FULL REVIEW
75
Amazingly, no one seems steeped in the salubrious self-explication of therapy. They just sound like very good storytellers.
By Wesley Morris FULL REVIEW
70
Yu's rousing, difficult-to-classify exercise in parallel storytelling is surprisingly accessible, and all the more insightful for it.
FULL REVIEW
63
While Yu's experimental approach brings valuable insight to the human condition, the interviews themselves too rarely measure up to her ambitious structure.
By Elizabeth Weitzman FULL REVIEW
25
Unfortunately, it doesn't work. None of the talking heads is as interesting as Yu thinks they are; and it's difficult to build sympathy for any of them.
By V.A. Musetto FULL REVIEW

User Reviews

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Details

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Production Company Diorama Films, Red Envelope Entertainment
Release Date Nov 30, 2007
Duration 1 h 30 m
Rating R
Genres
Tagline What do a bank robber, a terrorist, a kung fu student, and a gay evangelist have in common? They're all just like you.
View All Details

Awards

Chlotrudis Awards
• 1 Win & 2 Nominations
Sundance Film Festival
• 1 Nomination
Yamagata International Documentary Film Festival
• 1 Nomination

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