Is The Five Obstructions Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, The Five Obstructions is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Documentary movies.
It features a runtime of 90 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
The Five Obstructions Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2003, The Five Obstructions emerges as a significant entry in the Documentary domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of In 1967, experimental filmmaker Jorgen Leth created a striking short film, The Perfect Human, starring a man and women sitting in a box while a narrator poses questions about their relationship and humanity. Unlike standard genre fare, The Five Obstructions attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Documentary is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Five Obstructions features a noteworthy lineup led by Jørgen Leth . Supported by the likes of Lars von Trier and Claus Nissen , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of The Five Obstructions (2003) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.9/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
The Five Obstructions Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: The Five Obstructions is a Documentary film that presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
The Five Obstructions Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: The Five Obstructions concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to documentary resolution.
The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the documentary themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Five Obstructions reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Five Obstructions?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Documentary films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want solid genre entertainment
The Five Obstructions Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Worldwide Gross | $279.0K |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
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Full Cast & Crew of The Five Obstructions
- Jørgen Leth – Voice-over (from Det perfekte menneske) / Self - Director / +
- Lars von Trier – Self / Obstructor (segment "The Conversations")
- Claus Nissen – The Perfect Man (from Det perfekte menneske) (archive footage)
- Majken Algren Nielsen – The Perfect Woman (from Det perfekte menneske) (archive footage)
- Daniel Hernandez Rodriguez – The Perfect Man (segment "Cuba")
Top Highlights
Jørgen LethVoice-over (from Det perfekte menneske) / Self - Director / +
Lars von TrierSelf / Obstructor (segment "The Conversations")
Claus NissenThe Perfect Man (from Det perfekte menneske) (archive footage)
Majken Algren NielsenThe Perfect Woman (from Det perfekte menneske) (archive footage)
Daniel Hernandez RodriguezThe Perfect Man (segment "Cuba")
Jacqueline ArenalThe Perfect Woman (segment "Cuba")
Vivian Rosa(segment "Cuba")
Patrick BauchauThe Perfect Man / Voice-over (Brussels) / Speaker (Cartoon)
Alexandra VandernootThe Perfect Woman (segment "Brussels")
Marie DejaerMaid (segment "Brussels")
Where to Watch The Five Obstructions Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
MUBI
MUBI Amazon ChannelParents Guide & Age Rating
The Five Obstructions has not been officially rated yet.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.9/10, and global collection metrics, The Five Obstructions stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2003 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Five Obstructions movie hit or flop?
The Five Obstructions has received mixed reviews with a 6.9/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is The Five Obstructions worth watching?
The Five Obstructions is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Documentary movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch The Five Obstructions online?
The Five Obstructions is currently available for streaming on MUBI. You can also check for it on platforms like MUBI, MUBI Amazon Channel depending on your region.
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