South of the Border

Radio Times“Polemical documentary about political change...” Stone's film blends potted revisionist history and a series of cosy chats with the politicians in question. He is getting a provocative alternative viewpoint across — and in an engaging and entertaining way, too...

Channel4 Film“Packed with big characters and epic storytelling...” Whether moments are relevant to the politics at issue is open to discussion, as are the facts on display. But regardless of where that discussion might lead, Stone is determined to start it. And start it he does...

Time Out film“A spirited and necessary primer, not the last word on its subject...” Critics claim the film is unbalanced, and, yes, Stone’s film is a president’s-eye view of their countries – but when that same view is so routinely distorted or ignored elsewhere, there’s a need for this film...

The Telegraph“Clueless...” Stone’s interviewees come across as smart enough to face a bit more probing, but he does almost none, relying on the wily Chávez for deadpan jokes about which facility he’s building Iran’s nukes in...

Little White Lies“Disposable, shallow, arrogant...” We are left with little more than a PR stunt for ambiguous Third World governments. Rabble-rousing, zingy and infused with a pseudo-inspirational sense of liberal celebration, this is a genuine film devoid of genuine research...

The Independent“You may applaud his cocking a snook at the American media...” It becomes clear that Stone is ill-equipped to conduct a serious political analysis of the continent. He gets amazing access to national leaders and yet, face to face with them, he doesn't even look interested in what they have to say...

Guardian“More Alan Partridge than Walter Cronkite...” Stone's pompous clowning sits uneasily with the bracing political changes being charted. As the film draws on, it becomes clear that the only dictator in sight is Stone himself...

Empire“Any unfortunate moral or political blemishes politely ignored...” Stone is right in saying that the voices of these leaders are either ignored or distorted by western media. But complex issues need nuanced questions and tenacious interviews, not the fawnings of a political fanboy...

Total Film “Oliver Stone gets chummy with Chavez...” “I’ve never seen such energy!” gushes Stone of his new best friend, setting the tone for a film as “fair and balanced” as the right-wing media it so roundly castigates...

Variety“At first seems like a natural pairing with Michael Moore’s 'Capitalism'..” But the two helmers are miles apart: Where Moore worships a sentimentalized Average Joe, Stone kneels before King Power. Fascinated with left-wing strong men, Stone rarely has time for the Everyman...