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Documentary

In Pursuit of Silence (2017): Ratings

In Pursuit of Silence (2017) movie poster

In Pursuit of Silence is a 2017 documentary directed by Patrick Shen. It runs 1 hour 21 minutes and was made on a reported $400,000 budget. Critics gave it 90% on Rotten Tomatoes and 70 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.1/10.

IMDb rating
7.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes
90%
Echo Score
70
Metascore
70
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In Pursuit of Silence (2017) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 21m (81 min)
Director
Patrick Shen
Genre
Documentary
Original language
English
Budget
$400K
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is In Pursuit of Silence About?

The premise of In Pursuit of Silence without spoilers.

This documentary explores humanity's complex relationship with sound and silence. Through a global journey, it contrasts peaceful moments, such as a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, with vibrant, noisy celebrations like a Mumbai festival. The film invites viewers to reconsider the importance of quiet and appreciate the beauty found in both tranquility and the sounds of everyday life.

In Pursuit of Silence Themes & Keywords

· 3 tags
  • denali national park
  • silence
  • noise
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Crew

The Director of In Pursuit of Silence

Directed by Patrick Shen.

Ratings

In Pursuit of Silence Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave In Pursuit of Silence 90% on Rotten Tomatoes and 70 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.1/10. Our Echo Score gives it 70/100, strongest in art & craft (80) and weakest in story & flow (55).

70 /100

In Pursuit of Silence Echo Score Breakdown

Overall, In Pursuit of Silence excels as a thoughtful and visually expressive documentary while showing moments of uneven pacing and narrative depth. It blends persuasive factual exploration with a contemplative tone that many find restorative, yet some sequences feel heavy-handed or diffuse. The film’s meditative approach and elegant imagery create a compelling experience, even if its structural coherence varies. On balance, it provides an engaging reflection on silence, tempered by occasional lapses in focus.

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

  • Art & Craft 80

    In terms of Art & Craft, the film’s cinematography and visual composition are consistently praised for their elegance and clarity. Reviewers highlight a measured visual essay approach, with well-framed natural landscapes and minimalist editing that amplifies the thematic focus on quiet. Direction is generally assured, though some moments are noted as heavy-handed in their presentation. Overall, the visual execution remains a clear strength.

  • Character & Emotion 60

    When it comes to Character & Emotion, the documentary cultivates a contemplative atmosphere rather than traditional character depth. Emotional resonance arises through audience reflection and restorative tone, but there is limited personal storytelling or relational development. Performances by experts are sincere yet functional, serving primarily to deliver factual insights. Consequently, emotional engagement is present but modestly paced and reflective rather than dramatic.

  • Story & Flow 55

    In terms of Story & Flow, the film offers a broad exploration of silence without a conventional narrative structure. Pacing varies, with early segments sometimes feeling diffuse before more compelling examinations of noise pollution later on. Arguments cover diverse topics but often remain surface-level, limiting dramatic momentum. While factual insights are engaging, the overall coherence and narrative drive are intermittent, resulting in a mixed storytelling experience.

  • Sensory Experience 80

    When it comes to Sensory Experience, the documentary excels in its use of visual and auditory contrasts. The elegant photography and minimalist editing underscore a meditative soundscape that elevates natural ambient noises. The soundtrack is understated yet effective, reinforcing the thematic exploration of quiet and noise pollution. Overall, the film’s cohesive visual style and sound design create an immersive sensory environment.

  • Rewatch Factor 60

    In terms of Rewatch Factor, the film’s meditative approach and informational depth may offer value on subsequent viewings. Viewers appreciative of restorative sequences and visual poetry are likely to rediscover nuance in the imagery. However, the absence of a strong narrative arc and occasional heavy-handed segments can diminish enthusiasm for repeated exposures. As a result, its lasting appeal is moderate, favoring contemplative audiences.

Videos

In Pursuit of Silence Trailers & Videos

2 videos: 2 trailers.

IN PURSUIT OF SILENCE Festival Trailer
  • Trailer IN PURSUIT OF SILENCE (official trailer)

Seen In Pursuit of Silence?

FAQ

In Pursuit of Silence FAQ: Runtime, Release Date & Director

Runtime, release date, director, budget, ratings and post-credit scenes of In Pursuit of Silence, each answered in a sentence.

How long is In Pursuit of Silence?

In Pursuit of Silence runs 1 hour 21 minutes (81 minutes).

When was In Pursuit of Silence released?

In Pursuit of Silence was released on June 23, 2017.

Who directed In Pursuit of Silence?

In Pursuit of Silence was directed by Patrick Shen.

More films by Patrick Shen

What was the budget of In Pursuit of Silence?

In Pursuit of Silence had a reported budget of $400,000.

How is In Pursuit of Silence rated?

In Pursuit of Silence has 7.1/10 on IMDb, 90% on Rotten Tomatoes, 70 on Metacritic and 63% on TMDB.

Does In Pursuit of Silence have a post-credit scene?

No. In Pursuit of Silence has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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