Critic Reviews

• V.A. Musetto, New York Post

  Fawning and generic.

• Kenneth Turan, Los Angeles Times

  Though this artful film by German documentarian Sebastian Dehnhardt does not stint on inside-the-ring footage, its main attraction is the intense interpersonal dynamic between the brothers.

• Stephen Whitty, Newark Star-Ledger

  It's a no-nonsense look at what it takes to become a champion - and what it takes out of a man to hold on to that title.

• Jeannette Catsoulis, New York Times

  For those who care about the winning and losing of championship belts, the film's slow-motion attention to pugilistic style and powerhouse punches is thrillingly instructive.

• Ronnie Scheib, Variety

  The two-hour pic's lack of economy makes for heavy slogging, with no boxing minutiae too small for exhaustive exposition.

• David Fear, Time Out New York

  A standard if formless ESPN hagiography, complete with a cheesy cop-show score and little sense of who these guys are outside of the ring.

• Alex Zane, Sun Online

  A bit more blood, sweat and tears would have improved the scorecard.

• Andrew Pulver, Guardian [UK]

  Perhaps more could have been made of the older Klitschko's move into Ukranian politics, now such a hot potato - but that might be asking a bit much.

• Jim Slotek, Jam! Movies

  It's a story that commands attention, even for non-boxing fans.

• Ron Wilkinson, Monsters and Critics

  Great action footage combined with learned interviews. The steely-eyed Klitschkos contrast with the hype and flamboyance of the profession fight scene with amazing impact.

• Brent Simon, Shockya.com

  Klitschko at least showcases behemoth athletic champions who are worthy of role model status for reasons other than just their physical accomplishments.

• Annlee Ellingson, Paste Magazine

  Despite a confusing opening sequence and a disappointingly anticlimactic ending, Klitschko makes for a thrilling boxing documentary.

• David Noh, Film Journal International

  There's enough boxing footage, of course, to satisfy avid fans of the sport, but the brothers' personal history is the real attraction here, with its fascinating revelations about their homeland and culture.

• Alison Willmore, AV Club

  The result isn't quite a puff piece, but it feels like it's building up the brothers' self-approved mythology rather than getting under their skin.

• Rob Humanick, Suite101.com

  You don't have to be a sports fan to find poetry in their story and beauty in what these bodies are capable of.

• Jennifer Merin, About.com

  If you want to cheer for the Klitschkos, this profile will be enough for you. If you want to understand them, you'll need more.

• Lauren Wissot, Slant Magazine

  Smartly, Dehnhardt's film eschews hype and goes far beyond mere talk.

Read all 17 critic reviews