Protagonist

PROTAGONIST explores extremism and the limits of certainty. Inspired by Greek drama, this visually arresting documentary weaves together the stories of four men -- a German terrorist, a bank robber, an "ex-gay" evangelist, and a martial arts student -- each consumed by personal odysseys.

“The film's sheer boldness -- [director Jessica] Yu uses puppets, and the work of 5th Century B.C. Greek dramatist Euripides to illustrate the timelessness of her subjects' dilemmas -- should make it a must-see among doc fans and artfilm cinephiles.” (John Anderson, Variety)

“The four men who relate their life stories in “Protagonist,” Jessica Yu’s enthralling documentary exploration of people with obsessive needs for control and self-mastery, are all disillusioned (and extremely articulate) true believers. When they were younger, they were certain they had found the Answer. One embraced terrorism, another crime, a third martial arts and the fourth missionary Christianity as ways of transcending painful, oppressive childhoods that left them with feelings of inadequacy and shame.” (Stephen Holden, New York Times)

“Yu's rousing, difficult-to-classify exercise in parallel storytelling is surprisingly accessible, and all the more insightful for it.” (Aaron Hillis, Village Voice)

“The film makes a lasting impression as it delves into an unfashionable territory: character as fate rather than a function of pharmaceuticals.” (Sheri Linden, Hollywood Reporter)

“Stirring.” (Wesley Morris, Boston Globe)