Free speech isn't merely a shibboleth in The Agronomist. As embodied by Dominique, it's a fire-breathing force.
90
The A.V. ClubNathan Rabin
The A.V. ClubNathan Rabin
Driven by Dominique's personal magnetism, The Agronomist is a haunting, inspirational valentine to free speech and human resilience.
90
Village VoiceJ. Hoberman
Village VoiceJ. Hoberman
This affecting eulogy underscores not only Demme's own tribute to Dominique but also the film's homage to radio. This is a motion picture that's in love with the magic of airborne speech.
80
Chicago Reader
Chicago Reader
Demme's moving documentary turns the story of his dead friend into the story of Haiti.
Melds a great cause and Dominique's incandescent charisma with care using research from nine years of filming and reporting.
80
L.A. Weekly
L.A. Weekly
Although the film may be about 20 percent overweight, the human story of a man who -- for four decades -- spat in the eye of his tormentors and gleefully accepted his role as a latter-day Sisyphus commands the viewer's attention.
Watching Demme's documentary is both a crash course in the nation's tumultuous past and a provocative visit with one of its most colorful citizens.
70
Film ThreatMerle Bertrand
Film ThreatMerle Bertrand
The film reveals a man whose wiry build, relentless passion, fearless guile, and bravery made him a beloved human rights activist in his strife-ridden country.
67
Entertainment WeeklyLisa Schwarzbaum
Entertainment WeeklyLisa Schwarzbaum
As Demme's audienc we're at the mercy of political passion overshadowed by style.