[A] sterling example of journalistic documentary, clearer, fairer and more engrossing than any of the sensationalistic newspaper or magazine stories about ELF.
— Andrew O'Hehir, Salon.com
Grade: A...The film sweeps us up like a thriller...a fantastic moral ambivalence.
— Owen Gleiberman, Entertainment Weekly
The film's sobriety and carefully balanced arguments make it an exemplary piece.
— Stephen Holden,The New York Times
5-stars: [The] filmmakers raise questions and stir public debate about the definition of terrorism, especially in the post 9/11 security environment...very compelling.
— Jennifer Merin,About.com Documentaries