Bobbing and weaving between the metaphysical and physical, the past and the present, the film is a challenging narrative that rewards the patient viewer with insight into the creative, improvisational process of its visionary protagonist who is regarded as one of the fathers of form.
What are people saying?
What are critics saying?
This delightfully entertaining and idiosyncratic music documentary ought to banish the stereotype of drummers as talentless thickos. It’s also one of those films you can happily watch without having a jot of prior interest in its subject.
Jake Meginsky's documentary is insular, precious, and too pleased with its unwillingness to reach out to the unconverted.
Film Journal International by Daniel Eagan
Milford Graves: Full Mantis is a wide-ranging look at an intriguing artist, a documentary brimming over with his thoughts about culture as well as his music.
Los Angeles Times by Gary Goldstein
Despite its singular star and bursts of audio-visual vibrancy, the film may prove more ponderous and patience-testing than enlightening or involving for all but the most intrepid viewers.
The New York Times by Glenn Kenny
You can get a lot of facts about Mr. Graves and his discography on the internet (and I recommend you do). This movie gives you, well, the man’s heart, and it’s a beautiful one.
The Hollywood Reporter by John DeFore
Full Mantis gives fans the kind of intimate access more conventional docs often don't manage. Even for viewers who've never heard of the septuagenarian, it's an oddball delight.
Village Voice by Jordan Hoffman
Form and content collide in inspiring ways in this documentary about Milford Graves — avant-garde jazz percussionist, educator, gardener, martial artist, and cardiovascular researcher. Milford Graves Full Mantis is a jazz movie in every sense of the word.