62
Metascore
6 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 75Boston GlobePeter KeoughBoston GlobePeter KeoughThe small Indonesian island of Bali still evokes images of a tropical paradise where Westerners can escape the discontents of the so-called developed world. Much of that romance lingers in Bitter Honey.
- 70Los Angeles TimesSheri LindenLos Angeles TimesSheri LindenFor Westerners, Lemelson offers an eye-opening look behind Bali's profile as a tourist Shangri-la. The documentary's ultimate value, though, may be in local education.
- 70The New York TimesAndy WebsterThe New York TimesAndy WebsterThere is nothing remotely salacious about Bitter Honey, an agonizing documentary examination of polygamy in Bali, Indonesia, from the U.C.L.A. anthropologist Robert Lemelson. There is only vivid evidence of a society that, despite limp efforts at discouraging domestic abuse, remains mired in ancient patriarchy, sanctioning polygamy and, implicitly, often attendant violence.
- 60The Hollywood ReporterJohn DeForeThe Hollywood ReporterJohn DeForeIntelligently assembled by Lemelson, a UCLA anthropologist, it addresses a Westerner's concerns without condescending to its subjects; though a three-family focus is hardly enough to make an authoritative-feeling portrait.
- 60Village VoiceMichael NordineVillage VoiceMichael NordineLemelson's interviews can be repetitive in their direct staging, but there's inspiration in his conceit of using a shadow-puppet performance set to gamelan music as interludes.
- 50Washington PostStephanie MerryWashington PostStephanie MerryIt would be nice to know if the troubling images we see are a sweeping problem or just a small glimpse of a minority.