In Pursuit of Silence

Total Film by

In today’s world, silence is a highly prized virtue, as this vital documentary exploring the philosophy, spirituality and practice of silence points out.

Time Out London by Cath Clarke

[An] informative documentary.

Village Voice by Daphne Howland

Shen overplays his hand.

The New York Times by Jeannette Catsoulis

Its arguments range wide without going deep, but its factoids about the medical benefits of hanging out in a forest — and the cognitive costs of a noisy school or hospital — are fascinating and persuasive.

Wall Street Journal by Joe Morgenstern

Beguiling, meditative and elegantly photographed documentary.

CineVue by John Bleasdale

Once beyond the babble of the Mindfulness merchants, the latter half of the documentary, however, is far more interesting and compelling as Shen has his experts round on the noise pollution that so disrupts our lives.

Los Angeles Times by Kenneth Turan

Half visual essay, half verbal investigation, “Silence” is thoughtful and informative as well as contemplative and restorative.

The Guardian by Peter Bradshaw

The film occasionally hits a rather loud note of passive-aggressive piety, but it is very persuasive.