The Five Obstructions (2004)
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:56
Fresh:50
Rotten:6
Average Rating:7.7/10
Consensus: Both an intriguing intellectual exercise and an amusing look at the contrasts between the two filmmakers.
Theatrical Release:May 26, 2004 Limited
Synopsis: With THE FIVE OBSTRUCTIONS, notoriously mischievous director Lars von Trier performs yet another cinematic experiment. This time around, the Danish prankster tries to outwit his mentor, director... [More]
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Reviews for The Five Obstructions
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 3.5/5 |
[Leth's] strength against adversity elevates the movie above the one-sided whipping of a genial man to a more interesting duel of filmmakers. He parries when von Trier thrusts. Full Review |
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5/5 |
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B+ |
Fascinating (and oft-times infuriating). Full Review |
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This unique work does humanise the two directors, but also shows that these two fallible humans are capable of making wonderful if not perfect cinematic works. Full Review |
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3/5 |
Click to read the article Full Review |
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 C+ |
Somehow the humor and purpose of this project escaped me. Full Review |
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Despite his own pessimism, I think Von Trier does change Leth as an artist, a little, through these chastisements. Full Review |
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3/4 |
A hugely entertaining chess game between equally matched opponents. Full Review |
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4/5 |
By challenging Leth, pushing him out of his comfort zone, von Trier releases in his idol a creative brilliance that would have otherwise remained buried. Full Review |
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4/5 |
Riveting. Full Review |
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3/4 |
Stands as a testament to the elasticity of human imagination and to a friendship that can survive even the devious deconstructionist schemes of Lars von Trier. Full Review |
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2/4 |
It's amusing only if you agree not to think very much about it. Full Review |
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3/4 |
A film like this has a limited audience, I suppose, but for that audience it offers a rare fascination. Full Review |
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A- |
For those who treasure not only watching the intricate challenges of filmmaking but also feeling the thrill of tomfoolery and sharing the demonic joy of psychological twists, Obstructions is enthralling. Full Review |
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2/4 |
A vain and vapid intellectual exercise that only serves to illustrate Lars von Trier's unswerving arrogance. Full Review |
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3/4 |
The movie does almost all it can to refuse to appeal to the viewer, then gradually evolves into something profound and limit-busting. Full Review |
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