69
Metascore
12 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 88RogerEbert.comMatt Zoller SeitzRogerEbert.comMatt Zoller SeitzIt's less concerned with covering the totality of his life than evoking his life force, which is good-humored, earthy and inspiring.
- 80VarietyDennis HarveyVarietyDennis HarveyGood music and good company make “Itzhak” a pleasure, though those seeking a methodical career overview should look elsewhere than this genial personality sketch of the world-famous violinist.
- 80Los Angeles TimesRobert AbeleLos Angeles TimesRobert AbeleAs a portrait of a marriage forged in respect, love and companionship, Itzhak is in its casually wonderful way proof that life is rarely lived as a virtuosic solo.
- 75Boston GlobePeter KeoughBoston GlobePeter KeoughIf anything, Chernick’s film shows a life that may be too perfect. In addition to his triumphant career, Perlman has a seemingly ideal marriage — to Toby, a woman who is his match in ebullience, wit, and passion for art and music. It has lasted for more than 50 years.
- 75The Seattle TimesJohn HartlThe Seattle TimesJohn HartlMost of Alison Chernick’s sweetly reverential new documentary, Itzhak, suggests a contemporary day in the life of a world-famous musician.
- 70Village VoiceSimon AbramsVillage VoiceSimon AbramsThe makers of the irresistible character-study doc Itzhak capture Itzhak Perlman’s characteristic warmth and bravado through short, anecdote-centric scenes that make the Israeli American violinist sound like a big-hearted raconteur who’s just dying to tell you everything about himself.
- It’s in his cozy kitchen — wallpapered with photos of his five kids, grandchildren and his wife of a half-century, Toby – that we get to know the man: the jovial grandfather, the joke teller, the dedicated husband, the patient teacher and loyal friend, who is as excited as a child as he makes his famous “garbage” soup for his long-time pal, Alan Alda.
- 60The New York TimesHelen T. VerongosThe New York TimesHelen T. VerongosWe get a brief dip into his family’s past and emigration from Israel, but the filmmaker never digs deeply enough to reveal any other substantial dimension of this man, or her theories about what shaped him.
- 60The Hollywood ReporterFrank ScheckThe Hollywood ReporterFrank ScheckDespite its many engaging moments, Itzhak will likely prove frustrating for viewers desiring more information.