60
The New York Times by Dave Kehr
Most impressive, and the only segment that dares to criticize the terrorists directly, is Mr. Imamura's contribution, the last part of the film.
What are people saying?
What are critics saying?
75
Christian Science Monitor by David Sterritt
They vary enormously in style, quality, and ideas, but the best of them -- by Gitai, Chahine, and Iñárritu, among others -- pack an enormous emotional and intellectual punch.
70
A sober, thought-provoking response to a tragedy of worldwide import and a much better film than one might expect from the pre-release publicity.
30
It's hard to say if this devastating, nakedly exploitative work has a larger point beyond the evocation and infliction of trauma. A repeat viewing might clear that up, but it's an experience I'd rather not relive -- and one that I cannot in good faith recommend to anyone.
75
New York Daily News by Jami Bernard
Some segments are anti-American, but to concentrate on that is to miss the variety, depth of opinion, and fierceness of the emotions that drive each director.
70
The filmmakers' attempts come to terms with a recent catastrophe of indeterminate meaning but global consequences are often fascinating.
88
Chicago Tribune by Michael Wilmington
An often brilliant, always revelatory, deeply interesting omnibus film.
70
New York Magazine (Vulture) by Peter Rainer
An ungainly, intermittently harrowing omnibus filled with moments of piercing sorrow and rage.
70
Until filmmakers get a little distance, maybe they'd be better off ignoring such projects.
80
The New Republic by Stanley Kauffmann
Obviously the variety that was bound to result was part of Brigand's plan. The astonishment is that almost all of the assemblage is fascinating, very little is poor, and one segment is superb.