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The Agronomist

Play trailer Poster for The Agronomist PG-13 Released Apr 23, 2004 1h 30m Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
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94% Tomatometer 70 Reviews 88% Popcornmeter 1,000+ Ratings
Haiti's first independent radio station, Radio Haiti-Inter, represented the thoughts of the common people, and Jean Dominique was the human rights activist and radio host whose voice inspired the spirit of revolution against Haiti's dictatorial regime. This intimate documentary telling Dominique's story includes historical footage of his fight for democracy as well as interviews with Dominique and his wife, Michéle Montas, conducted shortly before his assassination in 2000.
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The Agronomist

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Critics Consensus

A well-made, emotionally engaging documentary about Haitian social activist Jean Dominique.

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Critics Reviews

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Antonia Quirke London Evening Standard The hero of free speech, his voice so musical, cuts a memorable figure. Dec 18, 2017 Full Review Peter Rainer New York Magazine/Vulture Free speech isn't merely a shibboleth in The Agronomist. As embodied by Dominique, it's a fire-breathing force. Aug 7, 2004 Full Review Jane Sumner Dallas Morning News A lively, illuminating homage to an extraordinary man of courage, whose cry for his beloved country got him killed. Rated: B Jun 10, 2004 Full Review Emanuel Levy EmanuelLevy.Com Rated: B+ Oct 3, 2012 Full Review Jason Gorber Film Scouts An fine film, touching if not exceptional. Rated: B+ Jun 21, 2007 Full Review Film Threat Rated: 3.5/5 Dec 6, 2005 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Audience Member Focusing on Jean Dominique, the voice of Radio Haiti Inter during decades of various dictatorships and violence, the movie shows the apparently never ending cycle of oppression with at least one voice speaking out against it. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/14/23 Full Review Audience Member Excellent documentaire percutant, il est souvent 4$ à la pharmacie, mais c'est un classique politique, d'histoire, quel homme ce Jean Dominique! Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 01/19/23 Full Review Audience Member Documentary about the life of Jean Dominique which it is an outlook at the political situation in Haiti in the last half of the XXth century. Dominique was by trade an agronomist but ended up owning Radio Haiti, the only radio station that dared to tell the truth. He will eventually pay a high price for this freedom, he was gunned down in 2000. The movie is a collection of interviews with Jean Dominique and his widow and footage of the events that shook this country to the very core. Demme did a good job and made the most of the interviews, however he relies too much in the spoken word, and at some points it gets a bit tedious, too much information. I just wish he would display action more prominently to make it more palatable An essential watch for anybody that wants to find out about the recent history of Haiti Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 02/13/23 Full Review Audience Member Could be more engaging than it actually is, but it's a great look inside the politics of Haiti through the life a very courageous and flat out inspiring person. His attitude reverberates like an infectious protest song. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/01/23 Full Review Audience Member Really well done documentary on Haitian radio journalist Jean Dominque. Through his life you see the history of Haiti and the Haitian peoples relentless struggle to take their power back. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 02/10/23 Full Review Audience Member Amazing documentary about the charming and driven radio broadcaster and human rights activist Jean Dominique, who spent his life challenging the brutal regimes that controlled Haiti until his assassination in 2000. Through Demme's interview footage of Dominique and his wife and partner, Michele Montas, a vivid portrait of a fearless patriot and champion of the poor is rendered. An explosive biography and a wonderful testament to the power of a free press. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/06/23 Full Review Read all reviews
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Movie Info

Synopsis Haiti's first independent radio station, Radio Haiti-Inter, represented the thoughts of the common people, and Jean Dominique was the human rights activist and radio host whose voice inspired the spirit of revolution against Haiti's dictatorial regime. This intimate documentary telling Dominique's story includes historical footage of his fight for democracy as well as interviews with Dominique and his wife, Michéle Montas, conducted shortly before his assassination in 2000.
Director
Jonathan Demme
Producer
Jonathan Demme, Kevin McNamara, Peter Saraf
Distributor
ThinkFilm
Production Co
Clinica Estetico
Rating
PG-13
Genre
Documentary
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Apr 23, 2004, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
Nov 21, 2019
Box Office (Gross USA)
$226.2K
Runtime
1h 30m
Sound Mix
Surround
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