SummaryOver the past 16 years, an extraordinary group of musicians has come together to celebrate the universal power of music. Named for the ancient trade route linking Asia, Africa and Europe, The Silk Road Ensemble, an international collective created by acclaimed cellist Yo-Yo Ma, exemplifies music’s ability to blur geographical boundaries, blend di... Read More
Directed By:Morgan Neville
The Music of Strangers: Yo-Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble
Metascore
Generally Favorable
70
User score
Universal Acclaim
8.6
My Score
Drag or tap to give a rating
Hover and click to give a rating
Not available in your country?
ExpressVPN
Get 3 Extra months free
$6.67/mth
Metascore
Generally Favorable
80% Positive
12 Reviews
12 Reviews
20% Mixed
3 Reviews
3 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Jun 17, 2016
91
The film’s most joyous performer is the bagpiper Cristina Pato, known as “the Jimi Hendrix of Galicia,” who is such a powerhouse that she could probably upstage the Rolling Stones (in their prime).
User score
Universal Acclaim
80% Positive
4 Ratings
4 Ratings
20% Mixed
1 Rating
1 Rating
0% Negative
0 Ratings
0 Ratings
Jun 24, 2016
10
Quite easily the best documentary, if not one the best films overall, that I've seen in quite some time. This intimate, transcendent portrait of one of music's most original and inventive ensembles showcases both the distinctive collaborative art it brings to the world as well as the greater purpose it serves in fostering global, cross-cultural understanding. It's easy to make a joyful noise about this jubilant cinematic offering, one whose music and inspiring enthusiasm are downright infectious. See this one by all means.
Jun 30, 2018
7
Personally I feel that it lacked a little bit of focus because it seemed more interested in the idea rather than the music and considering the central theme of the documentary it was kinda strange.
But undoubtedly it was quite rewarding and is a great introduction for anyone interested in the subject and undoubtedly it will cause interest to know more about it.
Jun 6, 2016
80
A first-rate music film capturing a restless desire to communicate beyond the boundaries of any single idiom.
Jun 23, 2016
75
“Strangers” offers an inspiring look at creative people from very different walks of life who nonetheless communicate beautifully with one another. They don’t need to speak a common language: Their dazzling music says it all.
Jun 6, 2016
70
The closer the documentary gets to individual musicians and their histories, the more engaging it becomes.
Jun 9, 2016
60
The movie, despite enthralling moments, is so self-intoxicated by its blissed-out vision of global healing that it’s a little soft.
Jun 8, 2016
50
Neville briefly showcases individual musicians but never sticks with them long enough to highlight their skills.
Jun 26, 2016
6
"The Music of Strangers: Yo Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble" is a documentary covering over 16 years of Yo Yo Ma and a group of musicians from many countries of the world coming together to share in the one language they all understand…..music. This is a feature length documentary directed by Morgan Neville which should have been better exhibited as a short film of not more than 1/3 its length instead of the current 96 minute version. What is also disturbing is that the music played is primarily eastern and middle eastern (in order to highlight the ancient instruments the musicians use) giving no heed to the ears and taste of its western audience. What comes through loud and clear is the warmth and caring of musician/humanistYo Yo Ma but a shorter version of the documentary would have more than given us this insight. I give the film a 6.0 rating and suggest that anyone who goes to see it can leave after the first 30 minutes knowing they will have avoided 60 minutes more of the same.
Production Company:
- Tremolo Productions
- Participant
Release Date:Jun 10, 2016
Duration:1 h 36 m
Rating:PG-13
Website:
Awards
News & Documentary Emmy Awards
• 1 Win & 3 Nominations
Heartland Film
• 1 Win & 1 Nomination
Provincetown International Film Festival
• 1 Win & 1 Nomination
