X
  • 2006
  • Not Rated
  • First Run Features
  • 1 h 18 m
  • 2006
  • Not Rated
  • First Run Features
  • 1 h 18 m
Commune

Summary With its spotlight on the still surviving Black Bear Ranch commune in remote Northern California, this documentary is the first real insider look at communal living, and how seemingly small personal choices can create shock waves felt throughout the world. (Five Points Media)

Directed By: Jonathan Berman

Written By: Jonathan Berman

  • 2006
  • Not Rated
  • First Run Features
  • 1 h 18 m
  • 2006
  • Not Rated
  • First Run Features
  • 1 h 18 m

Commune

Metascore Generally Favorable Based on 11 Critic Reviews
74
User Score Available after 4 ratings
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Summary With its spotlight on the still surviving Black Bear Ranch commune in remote Northern California, this documentary is the first real insider look at communal living, and how seemingly small personal choices can create shock waves felt throughout the world. (Five Points Media)

Directed By: Jonathan Berman

Written By: Jonathan Berman

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Critic Reviews

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Metascore
Generally Favorable Based on 11 Critic Reviews
74
91% Positive
10 Reviews
9% Mixed
1 Review
0% Negative
0 Reviews

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  • Positive Reviews
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Critic Reviews

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Metascore
Generally Favorable Based on 11 Critic Reviews
74
91% Positive
10 Reviews
9% Mixed
1 Review
0% Negative
0 Reviews

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
80
A nice counterpoint is the soundtrack, with psychedelic trip music and bottleneck blues by noted wild-ass guitarist Elliott Sharp. It’s good to hear people talking about openheartedness without irony.
FULL REVIEW
80
Amid the dozens of documentaries made about various aspects of '60s society and culture, Commune stands out for its ambiguity, honesty and sheer human clarity.
By Andrew O'Hehir FULL REVIEW
80
Often mocked and rarely understood, the movement in communal living that blossomed with Flower Power in the '60s gets its most honest appraisal yet on film with Jonathan Berman's Commune.
By Robert Koehler FULL REVIEW
75
The only famous person in the film, actor Peter Coyote, is an eloquent spokesman, but he was only a visitor to Black Bear; the stars are the full-timers, and their willingness to share their rich and sometimes painful memories is captivating.
By Maitland McDonagh FULL REVIEW
75
Jonathan Berman's documentary about California's famous Black Bear Ranch is a trip.
By Jack Mathews FULL REVIEW
75
It's fascinating to see how the Black Bears got onto their current path, but we don't see enough of the journey.
By Noel Murray FULL REVIEW
60
Unfortunately, producer-director Jonathan Berman only scratches the surface of daily life at Black Bear. We're left with many unanswered questions about the nuts-and-bolts of the place, even the basic social interactions and what it's like today. There are so many voices in the piece that we never get to know any of them; it's a dizzying array of opinions.
FULL REVIEW

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Details

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Production Company Five Points Media
Release Date Nov 3, 2006
Duration 1 h 18 m
Rating Not Rated
Genres
Tagline Peace and love are only half the story.
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