3 1/2 Minutes, 10 Bullets
Participant Media | Release Date: June 19, 2015 CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
77
METASCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 20 Critic Reviews
Positive:
19
Mixed:
1
Negative:
0
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Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
91
The A.V. ClubAdam NaymanJun 25, 2015
The toxic paranoia poisoning American life is on display in 3 ½ Minutes, Ten Bullets, a fine and timely documentary about the 2012 killing of black youth Jordan Davis. Read full review
90
The Hollywood ReporterDuane ByrgeJun 16, 2015
It’s sobering and heart-wrenching. Read full review
88
Boston GlobePeter KeoughJul 23, 2015
Though the outcome is a matter of public record, it still unfolds like a suspenseful tragedy. Suffice it to say that the wheels of justice turn slowly, but they grind exceedingly fine. Read full review
88
Slant MagazineSteve MacfarlaneJun 18, 2015
A barbed inquiry into this particular notion of "self-defense," enabled by the quotidian racism state and perpetuated de jure by the state. Read full review
88
New York PostKyle SmithJun 18, 2015
Director Marc Silver expertly interweaves the courtroom drama and its larger social and human connotations. Read full review
83
Original-CinLiam LaceyApr 13, 2021
3 ½ Minutes, 10 Bullets, as well as being a compelling real-life courtroom drama, offers some clarity about race and injustice in the pre-Trump era. Read full review
83
Portland OregonianMarc MohanJul 24, 2015
Moving and suspenseful. Read full review
80
Time Out LondonTom HuddlestonSep 29, 2015
For this slick, beautifully paced documentary, director Marc Singer was given unprecedented access to everything from police tapes to trial recordings to Dunn’s own private phone conversations, and the result is a uniquely compelling real-life legal thriller. Read full review
80
EmpireSimon CrookSep 28, 2015
Silver remains exceptionally clear-eyed. The result is a powerful, gripping and deeply shocking film, and a contemptuous critique of Florida’s stand-your-ground law. Read full review
80
Los Angeles TimesRobert AbeleJun 25, 2015
A documentary that shouldn't have to be made, about a law that needn't exist, explored via a crime that could have been avoided: 3 1/2 Minutes, Ten Bullets is a thought-provoking, mournful experience, perhaps more so in the wake of the killings in Charleston, S.C. Read full review
80
The GuardianBrian MoylanJun 16, 2015
Davis’s parents have called for stricter gun control laws in the wake of their son’s death. Silver has provided them with a powerful tool for their cause in this shocking, moving and relatively unbiased account of the tragedy. Read full review
75
San Francisco ChronicleDavid LewisJul 23, 2015
The straightforward, well-edited trial scenes speak volumes, not only about the defendant, but also about the racism that still haunts our country. Read full review
75
Washington PostAnn HornadayJul 2, 2015
A deep core of emotion gives 3  1/2 Minutes, Ten Bullets its ballast, but Silver, who also serves as cinematographer, infuses the production with simple, elegant sophistication. Read full review
75
RogerEbert.comMatt Zoller SeitzJun 25, 2015
It's often said that when you're presented with conflicting accounts of an event, the one that seems most plausible is probably correct. The movie seems to align itself with that sentiment. Read full review
70
The New York TimesBen KenigsbergJun 18, 2015
At the time of a fervent national debate on race and justice, part of what is impressive about 3 ½ Minutes is the cool temperature at which it is often served. Read full review
70
The DissolveMike D'AngeloJun 17, 2015
The movie’s only real drawback is that its singleminded approach sometimes omits crucial information. Read full review
70
VarietyDennis HarveyJun 16, 2015
Silver (“Who is Dayani Cristal?”) keeps the focus outside the courtroom primarily on Davis’ parents, who see prosecution as their only hope of some closure in losing their only child. Their grief, bafflement and attempt to maintain some hope in the justice system lends 3 1/2 Minutes considerable poignancy. Read full review
70
Village VoiceDanny KingJun 16, 2015
Silver's empathy often produces moments of emotional catharsis. Read full review
63
Movie NationRoger MooreJul 22, 2015
The very “slam dunk” nature of the case in the court of public opinion makes 3 1/2 Minutes, 10 Bullets drag along and feel incomplete as it does. Read full review
60
New York Daily NewsJordan HoffmanJun 18, 2015
Marc Silver’s documentary is mostly hands-off in terms of gun politics. There’s no voiceover other than the Greek chorus of talk radio, as footage from the trial is used to document the case. Mixed in are interviews with Davis’ friends and family, plus recorded phone calls from Dunn while he was awaiting a verdict. Read full review
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