EX LIBRIS: The New York Public Library

Name: EX LIBRIS: The New York Public Library
Genre: Documentary
Released: September 13, 2017
Duration: 197 min
Rating: 91

2017

METASCORE

Universal acclaim based on 22 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 12 Ratings

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8.0

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8.0	User Score Generally favorable reviews based on 12 Ratings

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Ex Libris: New York Public Library

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Movie Details & Credits

Zipporah Films | Release Date: September 13, 2017 | Not Rated

Summary: Frederick Wiseman’s film, EX LIBRIS – The New York Public Library, goes behind the scenes of one of the greatest knowledge institutions of the world. The film reveals the library as a place of welcome, cultural exchange and learning to 18 million patrons and 32 million online visitors annually. There are 92 library branches throughoutFrederick Wiseman’s film, EX LIBRIS – The New York Public Library, goes behind the scenes of one of the greatest knowledge institutions of the world. The film reveals the library as a place of welcome, cultural exchange and learning to 18 million patrons and 32 million online visitors annually. There are 92 library branches throughout Manhattan, the Bronx and Staten Island. The NYPL is committed to being a resource for all the inhabitants of this multifaceted and cosmopolitan city. It is accessible, open to everyone and exemplifies the deeply rooted American belief in the individual’s right to know and be informed. The library is one of the most democratic institutions in America—all races, social classes and ethnicities are welcome and are active participants in the life and work of the library. The library strives to inspire learning, advance knowledge and strengthen communities.… Expand

Director: Frederick Wiseman

Genre(s): Documentary

Rating: Not Rated

Runtime: 197 min

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Metascore

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Critic Reviews

100

Manohla Dargis

Sep 12, 2017

In “Ex Libris,” democracy is alive and in the hands of a forceful advocate and brilliant filmmaker, which helps make this one of the greatest movies of Mr. Wiseman’s extraordinary career and one of his most thrilling. Read full review

100

Kenneth Turan

Sep 22, 2017

Frederick Wiseman's Ex Libris: The New York Public Library is more than a magisterial mash note to that distinguished establishment, it’s a heartening examination of the vastness of human knowledge and the multiple ways we the people endeavor to access it. Read full review

100

Peter Rainer

Oct 13, 2017

Ultimately “Ex Libris” demonstrates that libraries are about people, and what gives the film its great and accumulating force is that people are infinitely complex. Read full review

Josh Kupecki

Oct 25, 2017

To quote one of the nameless board members: “Libraries are the pillar of our democracy.” That couldn’t be more evident with Wiseman’s effective and engrossing film. When was the last time you renewed your library card? Read full review

Alan Zilberman

Sep 21, 2017

This is slow, almost languid filmmaking, yet it’s a delight to watch the countless ways in which the library is still capable of lifting us. Read full review

Anthony Lane

Sep 11, 2017

Graceful and all-embracing. Read full review

Carla Wintersgill

Oct 19, 2017

It pains that this documentary was so tedious, since the New York Public Library is the crown jewel of public institutions, deserving of every accolade. If you want to spend three hours finding out what the library has to offer, save yourself the price of a movie ticket and head down to your local branch. Read full review

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User Reviews

bkengland

Apr 15, 2018

Unbelievably pretentious and boring. Telling that critics review scores are high, and viewers review scores (I've seen elsewhere) notably lower. Perhaps the critics are not willing to take the risk to say "The Emperor is not wearing any clothes!" I look forward to the sequel, "New YorkersUnbelievably pretentious and boring. Telling that critics review scores are high, and viewers review scores (I've seen elsewhere) notably lower. Perhaps the critics are not willing to take the risk to say "The Emperor is not wearing any clothes!" I look forward to the sequel, "New Yorkers Using Public Toilets".… Expand

0 of 5 users found this helpful05

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