17 Blocks
MTV Documentary Films | Release Date: November 1, 2019 CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
81
METASCORE
Universal acclaim based on 8 Critic Reviews
Positive:
7
Mixed:
1
Negative:
0

Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
100
Washington PostMichael O'SullivanFeb 16, 2021
It’s rare that a documentary has the ability to take the kind of long view of events that establishes context and consequence. Read full review
91
The PlaylistWarren CantrellMay 4, 2019
And while it’s a difficult sit sometimes, “17 Blocks” is essential viewing for anyone interested in how the confluence of race and class have codified into a sort of informal caste for an entire subsection of America’s citizenry. Read full review
88
RogerEbert.comMatt Zoller SeitzFeb 19, 2021
An engrossing and frequently extraordinary feature. Read full review
80
The Hollywood ReporterFrank ScheckMay 4, 2019
Considering that it was filmed in bits and pieces over two decades, it's not surprising that 17 Blocks is disjointed in its storytelling, nor that its technical elements are ragged (subtitles are frequently employed due to poor sound quality). But it nonetheless packs a potent emotional punch. Read full review
78
Austin ChronicleSelome HailuFeb 26, 2021
Even when the direction is heavy-handed, the Sanfords are just too compelling to ignore. Read full review
70
Los Angeles TimesRobert AbeleFeb 18, 2021
It’s valuable when any vérité documentary with such a vantage point is able to show us how many societal ills — from addiction to gun violence to poverty to gentrification to incarceration — can touch one family, keeping them in a near-constantly reeling state. Read full review
70
Screen DailyStephen Whitty May 4, 2019
17 Blocks ... is packed with gritty realism, and at times its uncensored honesty almost makes you want to look away. Read full review
55
Film ThreatHanna BMay 4, 2019
The film is as intimate as it can be, but at times, feels like an invasion of privacy. Read full review
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