Songs My Brothers Taught Me
Kino Lorber | Release Date: March 2, 2016 CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
68
METASCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 13 Critic Reviews
Positive:
11
Mixed:
2
Negative:
0
Watch Now
Buy on
Stream On
Stream On

Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
100
The GuardianPeter BradshawApr 6, 2021
It’s a deeply intelligent and sympathetic rendering of real-life situations, using nonprofessionals playing approximations of themselves. Read full review
80
EmpireIan FreerApr 13, 2021
A striking debut from a blistering talent. What it lacks in narrative oomph it makes up for in beautiful imagery, natural performances and a worldview all its own. Read full review
80
Screen DailyDan FainaruMay 26, 2017
It may not qualify as a movie entertainment in the full sense of the word, but it is most certainly an edifying picture of social stagnation at its saddest. Read full review
70
Little White LiesElla KempNov 30, 2021
While scant on plot and somewhat unfocused tonally, Zhao nevertheless manages to construct a vivid portrait of a community on the fringes without frills or fuss. Read full review
70
VarietyDennis HarveyMar 2, 2016
A sparely plotted, low-key but ultimately rewarding slice of South Dakota reservation life. Read full review
70
The Hollywood ReporterDavid RooneyMar 2, 2016
The balance of humanistic and ethnographic filmmaking with poignant, often seemingly unscripted drama has many rewards. Read full review
70
The New York TimesStephen HoldenMar 2, 2016
You come at the story, such as it is, as a visitor from the outside world, picking up information as the movie goes along. This approach impedes comprehension, and at moments you may be tempted to sit back and not try to make the pieces fit. For those unwilling to make the effort, Songs My Brothers Taught Me has other rewards. Read full review
70
Village VoiceAaron HillisMar 2, 2016
The performances are undeniably authentic, the cinematography could make Terrence Malick stand to give a slow clap, and sometimes a sensitive mood and evocative milieu are enough to sustain when there's barely a plot. Read full review
67
The A.V. ClubMike D'AngeloMar 2, 2016
Viewers will be torn between admiring its laid-back naturalism and wishing it possessed just a little more oomph. Read full review
63
New York PostFarran Smith NehmeMar 3, 2016
Where Zhao excels is in the range of emotions she gets from a mostly nonprofessional cast. Read full review
63
RogerEbert.comGodfrey CheshireMar 2, 2016
The story’s ending, complete with lyrical voice-over, conveys the beauty and emotional attraction of the place and its traditions, virtues also relayed by Joshua James Richard’s sumptuous, sometimes breathtaking cinematography. Read full review
60
The GuardianJordan HoffmanMar 2, 2016
The restrained performances and luscious location photography are enough to make this a film worth exploring, though it might not be a bad idea to down a few caffeine-rich drinks before settling in to watch. Read full review
50
Slant MagazineClayton DillardFeb 29, 2016
The film is more taken by its own formal composition than enunciating the musical edification promised by its title. Read full review
More From This Movie

68 Critic Reviews

6.6 User Reviews

Details & Credits|Trailers

Current Movie Releases
By MetascoreBy User Score
1 77 Project Hail Mary
2 75 Send Help
3 73 Hoppers
4 72 The Sheep Detectives
5 68 Crime 101
SEE ALL
Essential Links
New on Amazon Prime Video
New on Netflix
Coming Soon to DVD/Blu-ray
SEE ALL