As much as it is an examination of filmmaking, it's also a rather brilliant motivation to goad one friend into creative action, for, as we move along through the film, one can assume that Von Trier and Leth both seem to struggle with issues of depression.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Nov 4, 2020

Von Trier's antic documentary The Five Obstructions...comically reveals the Dogmatist at his torturous worst while tapping into appealing depths of insecurity he's never allowed himself.

| Mar 16, 2020

[...]The reason The Five Obstructions lingers as an essential part of von Trier's filmography [...] is because it reveals so much about why von Trier has worked the way he has in the past [...]

| Original Score: 4/5 | Apr 21, 2014

Von Trier is rejuvenating his mentor's imagination. He's also reminding him that art can 'catch the conscience' of the audience and the artist.

| Original Score: A- | Nov 23, 2011

[Leth's] strength against adversity elevates the movie above the one-sided whipping of a genial man to a more interesting duel of filmmakers. He parries when von Trier thrusts.

| Original Score: 3.5/5 | Jun 5, 2008

| Original Score: 5/5 | Dec 30, 2006

Fascinating (and oft-times infuriating).

| Original Score: B+ | May 3, 2005

This unique work does humanise the two directors, but also shows that these two fallible humans are capable of making wonderful if not perfect cinematic works.

| Apr 14, 2005

| Original Score: 3/5 | Mar 5, 2005

Somehow the humor and purpose of this project escaped me.

| Original Score: C+ | Jan 19, 2005

Despite his own pessimism, I think Von Trier does change Leth as an artist, a little, through these chastisements.

| Nov 25, 2004

A hugely entertaining chess game between equally matched opponents.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4 | Nov 18, 2004

Riveting.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Oct 19, 2004

By challenging Leth, pushing him out of his comfort zone, von Trier releases in his idol a creative brilliance that would have otherwise remained buried.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Oct 19, 2004

Stands as a testament to the elasticity of human imagination and to a friendship that can survive even the devious deconstructionist schemes of Lars von Trier.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Oct 15, 2004

It's amusing only if you agree not to think very much about it.

| Original Score: 2/4 | Sep 10, 2004

A film like this has a limited audience, I suppose, but for that audience it offers a rare fascination.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Sep 10, 2004

For those who treasure not only watching the intricate challenges of filmmaking but also feeling the thrill of tomfoolery and sharing the demonic joy of psychological twists, Obstructions is enthralling.

Full Review | Original Score: A- | Sep 9, 2004

A vain and vapid intellectual exercise that only serves to illustrate Lars von Trier's unswerving arrogance.

| Original Score: 2/4 | Sep 7, 2004

The movie does almost all it can to refuse to appeal to the viewer, then gradually evolves into something profound and limit-busting.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Sep 2, 2004