Infused with profound melancholy, the film might appeal more to parents, but its passionate storytelling might spark curiosity in younger viewers who will undoubtedly find how bossa nova influenced some of the music they jam to today.

| Aug 27, 2024

The animation vividly introduces us to the great Brazilian pianist and the music scene of his time, but falls short of being an engaging investigation-focused drama.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Jul 18, 2024

A graphic novel come to liquid life... a limber, lissome beauty.

| Original Score: 8/10 | Jul 4, 2024

The choice of animation as the medium for telling this somber story is an inspired one...the musical interludes fairly leap from the screen, an undulating riot of fiery reds, blazing yellows, and inky blues.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Apr 5, 2024

The film may be an unflinching look at a murderous past, but tragedy is juxtaposed with the joy of seeing an animated Ella Fitzgerald running barefoot through the streets... encapsulating the chaotic splendor and spirit of this cinematic gem.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Apr 3, 2024

[A] compelling, toe-tapping historical record contrasting political repression with spirited music.

| Apr 1, 2024

Jeff Goldblum is featured in this eclectic animated docudrama about the legacy of a Brazilian bossa nova pianist whose sudden disappearance left a scar that still lingers.

| Original Score: 3.5/5 | Mar 28, 2024

The experimentation sometimes loses its rhythm, but both good music and emotional impacts are absolutely guaranteed. [Full review in Spanish]

| Mar 27, 2024

This is a must see for fans of the Bossa Nova, and anyone else who wants a colorful plunge into the world of regret, sorrow and tragedy, but at the same time a celebration of what cannot die in any of those emotions ... if the music still plays. Goldblum!

| Original Score: 5/5 | Mar 20, 2024

Consider They Shot the Piano Player an imperfect but worthy introduction to a musical chapter with which many will be unfamiliar.

| Mar 19, 2024

They Shot the Piano Player mostly succeeds in its intention to be an unconventional documentary, but much of the story gets bogged down in repetitiveness. Overall, this animated film is watchable for people interested in Brazilian music or true crime.

| Mar 14, 2024

A rich, visually exuberant film that captures many things: It’s Tenório’s story, what happened to him in Argentina as authoritarianism swept South America. It’s a memoir, but also the story of a rich musical era, through the words of leading musicians.

| Original Score: A-minus | Mar 14, 2024

Mariscal and Trueba unspool the story like a mystery.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Mar 8, 2024

"They Shot the Piano Player" is a tribute to the musician and to those who knew him best. See it more than once, and hope the theater plays it loud.

| Original Score: 3.5/4 | Mar 8, 2024

It is hard to fault Trueba and Mariscal for their indulgence, however, because this is a film that comes from a place of love and celebration, rather than a searing excavation of the truth.

| Mar 7, 2024

Under the supervision of animation director Carlos Léon Sancha, the film is a graceful, somewhat overbusy visual treat, a playful riot of colors anchored by a crisp sense of line.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Mar 6, 2024

Jazz and samba aficionados will be gratified not just by the music, but by the number of players and composers interviewed by Harris.

| Mar 1, 2024

They Shot the Piano Player chronicles Francisco Tenório Jr.'s musical legacy and murder at the hands of complicit dictatorial regimes. The animated methodology is undoubtedly creative despite a flawed approach.

| Original Score: 2.5/5 | Mar 1, 2024

The film basically and improbably works, even with some limitations.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Feb 29, 2024

Accompanied by a period jazzy soundtrack, the uneven film provides biographical insight even as its investigative journalism lacks punch.

| Feb 23, 2024