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Documentary

Carmine Street Guitars (2019): Cast, Ratings & Box Office

Carmine Street Guitars (2019) movie poster

Carmine Street Guitars is a 2019 documentary directed by Ron Mann, starring Kirk Douglas, Eszter Balint and Dave Hill. It runs 1 hour 20 minutes and earned $44,253 worldwide. Critics gave it 97% on Rotten Tomatoes and 82 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.2/10.

IMDb rating
7.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes
97%
worldwide gross
$44.3K
Echo Score
78
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Carmine Street Guitars (2019) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 20m (80 min)
Director
Ron Mann
Genre
Documentary
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Carmine Street Guitars About?

The premise of Carmine Street Guitars without spoilers.

Carmine Street Guitars is a New York City workshop and a celebrated institution, where master luthier Rick Kelly handcrafts exceptional guitars. The film offers a glimpse inside the shop over five days, revealing the artistry, passion, and deeply rooted tradition involved in creating instruments treasured by musicians around the globe. Viewers witness the meticulous process, from selecting the wood to the final polish, and learn about the history and legacy of this unique craft.

Carmine Street Guitars Themes & Keywords

· 6 tags
  • new york city
  • greenwich village manhattan new york city
  • guitar shop
  • guitar making
  • guitar maker
  • guitar
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Cast & crew

Carmine Street Guitars Cast

Kirk Douglas leads the cast, with Eszter Balint and Dave Hill. Directed by Ron Mann; 10 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Carmine Street Guitars

· 6 more
From the director

More from Ron Mann

More films directed by Ron Mann, best-rated first: Tales of the Rat Fink, Grass, Go Further and Altman.

Full filmography
Ratings

Carmine Street Guitars Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Carmine Street Guitars 97% on Rotten Tomatoes and 82 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.2/10. Our Echo Score gives it 78/100, strongest in sensory experience (88) and weakest in rewatch factor (65).

78 /100

Carmine Street Guitars Echo Score Breakdown

Overall, Carmine Street Guitars excels as a thoughtfully crafted portrait of artisanal guitar making, offering an absorbing glimpse into a fading craft. Critics and viewers consistently praise the film's evocative presentation of woodwork and the artisans' dedication, noting its affectionate tone and understated style. However, the deliberate pacing and occasional scripted setups may challenge viewers seeking narrative momentum. The documentary's niche focus yields a distinctive and inviting atmosphere that resonates most strongly with gear enthusiasts and New York aficionados.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 85

    In terms of art and craft, Carmine Street Guitars delivers richly detailed visuals and meticulous editing that highlight the texture of aged woods and the precision of instrument assembly. The cinematography captures subtle shifts in light and color, supporting the film's gentle pacing. Some setups feel orchestrated, yet the overall production design sustains an authentic workshop ambiance.

  • Character & Emotion 70

    When it comes to character and emotion, the documentary presents sincere moments with Rick Kelly and his apprentice, conveying genuine passion for the craft. Performances feel natural, though conversational segments sometimes lean on scripted exchanges, limiting spontaneity. Emotional resonance peaks when the film focuses on the artisans’ dedication, offering modest intimacy but stopping short of deeper personal insight.

  • Story & Flow 68

    In terms of story and flow, the film unfolds at a deliberate pace that invites contemplation of each crafting stage. The narrative structure is straightforward and coherent, though its leisurely tempo may feel prolonged to some viewers. While the documentary maintains a consistent theme of tradition versus change, it offers limited tension or unexpected developments.

  • Sensory Experience 88

    When examining the sensory experience, the film excels in melding auditory and visual elements to immerse viewers in the guitar workshop. The soundtrack balances ambient workshop sounds with gentle musical interludes, reinforcing the tactile nature of the craft. Visually, the color palette remains subdued and cohesive, enhancing the focus on material textures and artisanal detail.

  • Rewatch Factor 65

    When considering rewatch value, Carmine Street Guitars offers rewarding observations on repeated viewings for dedicated enthusiasts. The focus on craftsmanship yields subtle details that emerge over time, though its niche subject may limit widespread reengagement. Viewers who appreciate meticulous process and artisanal nuance will find the documentary retains modest lasting appeal.

Box office

Carmine Street Guitars Box Office

Carmine Street Guitars grossed $44,253 worldwide.

2019 box office

Worldwide gross

$44.3K

US & Canada
$44.3K
Videos

Carmine Street Guitars Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Carmine Street Guitars.

Carmine Street Guitars (Trailer)

Seen Carmine Street Guitars?

FAQ

Carmine Street Guitars FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of Carmine Street Guitars, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Carmine Street Guitars?

Carmine Street Guitars runs 1 hour 20 minutes (80 minutes).

When was Carmine Street Guitars released?

Carmine Street Guitars was released on April 24, 2019.

Who directed Carmine Street Guitars?

Carmine Street Guitars was directed by Ron Mann.

More films by Ron Mann

Who is in the cast of Carmine Street Guitars?

Carmine Street Guitars stars Kirk Douglas, Eszter Balint and Dave Hill, among 10 credited actors.

How much did Carmine Street Guitars make at the box office?

Carmine Street Guitars grossed $44,253 worldwide.

How is Carmine Street Guitars rated?

Carmine Street Guitars has 7.2/10 on IMDb, 97% on Rotten Tomatoes, 82 on Metacritic and 72% on TMDB.

Does Carmine Street Guitars have a post-credit scene?

No. Carmine Street Guitars has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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