73
Metascore
12 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 100RogerEbert.comMatt FagerholmRogerEbert.comMatt FagerholmRobinson is matter-of-fact, thoughtful and enormously compelling in illustrating hidden chapters of our shared history.
- 100Washington PostMichael O'SullivanWashington PostMichael O'SullivanThe combined impact of these scenes, augmented with Robinson’s lecture — which, while deeply informed and informative, is anything but dull or academic — makes for a powerful one-two punch.
- 91TheWrapRonda Racha PenriceTheWrapRonda Racha PenriceArriving at a time when conversations once reserved for academics have filtered into popular culture, “Who We Are” never plays like the product of some Hollywood bandwagon effort. Instead, its existence speaks to the power of cinema to reflect the times by sparking conversations and changing minds.
- 90The New York TimesBen KenigsbergThe New York TimesBen KenigsbergIt’s a confrontational film, but never an alienating one, and so much of what’s in it is persuasive.
- The simplest thing to say about Who We Are is that it should be part of the standard curriculum in every school in America.
- 88The Associated PressJocelyn NoveckThe Associated PressJocelyn NoveckIf the format of a lecture is inherently limiting, the directors do a superb job of weaving a compelling visual — and emotional — experience.
- 80Los Angeles TimesRobert DanielsLos Angeles TimesRobert DanielsWho We Are, a revelatory, albeit stiff documentary, anchored by Robinson’s personal anecdotes and footage of his 2018 lecture at New York City’s Town Hall Theater, uncovers startling research while surveying the country’s unimaginable racial crimes.
- 75Movie NationRoger MooreMovie NationRoger MooreRobinson’s purpose here is to cut through the lies, propaganda and rhetoric and look at what all those folks so anxious to ban and even burn books are trying to cover up.
- 60Wall Street JournalJoe MorgensternWall Street JournalJoe MorgensternWhat this film does best is offer, sometimes playfully and sometimes not, new perspectives on the central problem of our shared history.
- 40The Globe and Mail (Toronto)Sarah-Tai BlackThe Globe and Mail (Toronto)Sarah-Tai BlackWhile Robinson’s lecture is thought-provoking and his living tour of that same history is illuminating, the Kunstlers don’t add much in terms of directorial vision. Robinson is an apt orator and tour guide, but the literal translation of his lecture to screen lacks life and suffers from the inherent banality that comes with watching a recording of someone – no matter how charismatic – speaking to a live audience we are not part of.