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Zen Noir
Metascore
27 out of 100

Generally unfavorable - based on 8 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 8
  3. Negative: 5 out of 8
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  1. Los Angeles Times
    Reviewed by: Kevin Thomas
    70
    A provocative, witty -- and admittedly esoteric -- experimental comedy that is serious, amusing and satisfying, in Rosenbush's words: "a Zen riddle designed more to be experienced than understood rationally."
  2. Film Threat
    Reviewed by: Merle Bertrand
    60
    Director Marc Rosenbush gets the absolute most he can out of his no-budget-friendly, minimalist location and a solid, if unremarkable cast.
  3. San Francisco Chronicle
    Reviewed by: Neva Chonin
    50
    The biggest mystery of all is why director Marc Rosenbush, whose background is in theater, bothered putting this story on film when it's so obviously meant for a stage.
  4. L.A. Weekly
    Reviewed by: Melissa Levine
    30
    Along the way, Zen Noir commits a few crimes of its own, against noir, Buddhism and filmmaking.
  5. Chicago Reader
    Reviewed by: J.R. Jones
    30
    The cinematic debut of Chicago theater director Marc Rosenbush, this 2004 indie comedy is an irritating exercise in ham acting, metaphysical patter routines, and rim-shot-style comic editing.
  6. Chicago Tribune
    Reviewed by: Michael Phillips
    25
    Rosenbush strives for a difficult blend of spoof and sincerity with Zen Noir. In the spirit of rebirth, let's assume that the next time he makes it, it'll turn out fine.
  7. Seattle Post-Intelligencer
    Reviewed by: Bill White
    25
    The actors, all unprofessional with the exception of Kim Chan as the Zen master, step on each other's clipped lines so regularly that it becomes a stylistic affectation, like Mamet directing Beckett.
  8. Austin Chronicle
    Reviewed by: Josh Rosenblatt
    11
    Great movies can make you believe in a life beyond the frame; Zen Noir can't even convince you that what you're seeing onscreen is actually happening.
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User Reviews

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User Score
7.3 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 4 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 1
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 1
  3. Negative: 0 out of 1
  1. JudithL.
    10
    I enjoyed Zen Noir. All of the actors were excellent in their rolls: Duane, Debra, Ezra and Kim.
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