THE LAST OF THE UNJUST- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “This dark documentary examines the history of Theresienstadt, the Nazis’ model ghetto created to counter rumors about mistreatment of interned Jews. Director Claude Lanzmann interviews Benjamin Murmelstein, one of the ghetto’s last living witnesses.”
2/7/14- Excellent reviews all around. The NY Times liked it also. TRDB.
Add comment February 7th, 2014
PETER BROOK: THE TIGHTROPE- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Famed theater director Peter Brook reveals his approach to teaching and working with actors in this documentary filmed by his son, Simon Brook. The passionate Brook guides a cast of stage veterans through exercises meant to hone their onstage skills.”
1/31/14- Just a few reviews as of now. The NY Times liked it. TRDB.
Add comment January 31st, 2014
HANK: FIVE YEARS FROM THE BRINK- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “From Joe Berlinger, the director of the “Paradise Lost” trilogy, comes this documentary about U.S. Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson and his efforts to convince Congress that only a trillion dollar bailout of Wall Street would prevent economic ruin.”
1/31/14- A weak review in today’s NY Times. Just a few others noted and they are mixed. TRDB.
Add comment January 31st, 2014
BREAKING THE FRAME- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Envelope-pushing artist Carolee Schneeman talks about her disarming aesthetic — and her cats — in this all-encompassing documentary portrait that boasts a soundtrack of music by her late companion and collaborator, James Tenney.”
1/31/14- A good review in today’s NY Times. Other critics have liked it also. TRDB.
Add comment January 31st, 2014
RETURN OF THE VIOLIN-
1/26/14- I saw this movie at the Palm Beach Jewish Film Festival and while I did enjoy it I felt that it was nowhere as good as “Orchestra of Exiles” which preceded it. Both were about the fate of Jewish musicians during the Nazi era. TRDB.
Add comment January 27th, 2014
MERCEDES SOSA: THE VOICE OF LATIN AMERICA- Synopsis by Netflix. “The story of Argentinian superstar Mercedes Sosa comes to life through film clips spanning her 60-year career and interviews with her contemporaries. The documentary also delves into Sosa’s personal life and reveals how it influenced her music.”
1/24/14- Weak reviews for this documentary including the review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
Add comment January 27th, 2014
VISITORS- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Completely devoid of dialogue and backed by a soundtrack by Philip Glass, this description-defying cinematic showpiece explores humans’ reactions to technology and media in beautiful black-and-white clarity.”
1/24/14- The NY Times and most other critics were positive about this movie but it sounds very, very different as it consists solely of black and white images of faces. TRDB.
Add comment January 27th, 2014
PAPIROSEN- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “This award-winning portrait of director Gastón Solnicki’s family weaves excerpts from 200 hours of home movies with interviews with his grandmother. The film captures generations of his Jewish family, and more than just the special occasions.”
1/24/14- A good review in today’s NY Times and from others as well. TRDB.
Add comment January 26th, 2014
LIFE IS STRANGE- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Sharing stories of fractured childhoods, this sobering documentary recounts the experiences of Jews whose lives were forever changed by World War II. The film also includes interviews with Shimon Peres, Walter Kohn, Robert Aumann and Uri Orlev.”
1/24/14- Today’s NY Times called this movie “a useful, if slightly redundant, oral history.” TRDB.
Add comment January 25th, 2014
AATSINKI: THE STORY OF ARCTIC COWBOYS- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Laplander brothers Aarne and Lasse and their families share a rugged but rewarding life as reindeer herders in the northern reaches of Finland. This artful documentary chronicles a year in the herders’ lives in a beautiful but challenging landscape.”
1/24/14- The NY Times gave this a good review in today’s issue. TRDB.
Add comment January 25th, 2014