X
  • 2005
  • Arab Film Distribution
  • 1 h 16 m
  • 2005
  • Arab Film Distribution
  • 1 h 16 m

Summary In the wake of the 9/11 tragedy a firestorm erupts when Mayor Larry Ramond of Lewiston, Maine sends an open letter to 1,100 newly arrived Somali refugees advising them that the city's resources are strained to the limit and asking other Somalis not to move to the city. Interpreted as a rallying cry by white supremacist groups across the ...

  • 2005
  • Arab Film Distribution
  • 1 h 16 m
  • 2005
  • Arab Film Distribution
  • 1 h 16 m

The Letter: An American Town and the 'Somali Invasion'

Metascore Generally Favorable Based on 13 Critic Reviews
70
User Score Mixed or Average Based on 6 User Ratings
4.2
My Score
Hover and click to give a rating Saved

Summary In the wake of the 9/11 tragedy a firestorm erupts when Mayor Larry Ramond of Lewiston, Maine sends an open letter to 1,100 newly arrived Somali refugees advising them that the city's resources are strained to the limit and asking other Somalis not to move to the city. Interpreted as a rallying cry by white supremacist groups across the ...

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Critic Reviews

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Metascore
Generally Favorable Based on 13 Critic Reviews
70
69% Positive
9 Reviews
31% Mixed
4 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews

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

Critic Reviews

 View All
Metascore
Generally Favorable Based on 13 Critic Reviews
70
69% Positive
9 Reviews
31% Mixed
4 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
100
Revealing and harrowing.
By David Sterritt FULL REVIEW
80
The result is a carefully wrought, historically grounded and thoroughly absorbing look at a quintessential American experience.
By Hazel-Dawn Dumpert FULL REVIEW
80
As an affecting work of compassionate craftsmanship, The Letter delivers.
By Rick Kisonak FULL REVIEW
70
The most telling moments in this 2003 video documentary aren't the statements of the neo-Nazis, a tiny minority who get way too much screen time, but the lies and bigotries of the ordinary citizens.
By Fred Camper FULL REVIEW
70
Mr. Hamzeh's film is responsible and intelligent, though, and important as a record of a disturbing incident.
FULL REVIEW
60
Affecting, straightforward presentation of tightly knit, contrapuntal interviews and crosscut rally footage--Hamzeh's film eschews voice-over to allow the more despicable characters to embarrass themselves with their ludicrously foolish invective.
FULL REVIEW
50
A frustrating lack of details compromise this much-needed look at how the promise of American diversity failed a community of Somali refugees in a large Maine town.
By Ken Fox FULL REVIEW

User Reviews

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User Score
Mixed or Average Based on 6 User Ratings
4.2
33% Positive
2 Ratings
17% Mixed
1 Rating
50% Negative
3 Ratings

User Reviews

 View All
User Score
Mixed or Average Based on 6 User Ratings
4.2
33% Positive
2 Ratings
17% Mixed
1 Rating
50% Negative
3 Ratings

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

Details

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Production Company Hamzeh Mystique Films
Release Date Feb 9, 2005
Duration 1 h 16 m
Genres
Website http://www.hamzehmystiquefilms.com/theletter
View All Details

Awards

Boston International Film Festival
• 1 Win & 1 Nomination
AFI Fest
• 1 Nomination

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