Posts filed under 'Documentary/History'

AIN’T IN IT FOR MY HEALTH: A FILM ABOUT LEVON HELM

AIN’T IN IT FOR MY HEALTH: A FILM ABOUT LEVON HELM- Synopsis by Netflix. “As a drummer and vocalist for The Band, Levon Helm contributed to some of rock’s most enduring classics. This eye-opening documentary examines what happened after the group dissolved, and the demons that haunted Helm until his solo comeback in 2007.”

4/19/13- An OK review in today’s NY Times saying that it may be a gift primarily to fans. TRDB.

Add comment April 19th, 2013

AROUSED

AROUSED- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Get up close and personal with 16 of the most successful women in the Adult Film Industry as they shed their clothes for an intimate photo shoot with Director Deborah Anderson.”

4/17/13- Poor reviews in general and in today’s NY Times as well. TRDB.

Add comment April 17th, 2013

THIS AIN’T CALIFORNIA

THIS AIN’T CALIFORNIA- 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “This fascinating documentary explores the underground skateboarding subculture in the repressive East Germany of the 1970s and ’80s, following three passionate skaters through their childhood and teen years, and into adulthood as Germany reunified.”

4/12/13- Good reviews all around for this documentary, including the review in today’s NY Tims. TRDB.

Add comment April 13th, 2013

THE REVOLUTIONARY

THE REVOLUTIONARY- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “At 91, American citizen Sidney Rittenberg reflects on his 35 years spent in China, where he was a member of the Chinese Communist Party and an active participant in the Chinese communist revolution.”

4/12/13- A very good review from today’s NY Times and from other critics as well. TRDB.

Add comment April 13th, 2013

AMERICAN MEAT

AMERICAN MEAT- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “This eye-opening documentary provides a sympathetic contrast of factory-type farming, where thousands of animals live in crowded conditions, and open-grazing farming, which results in fewer animals but better conditions for both humans and livestock.”

4/12/13- A weak review in today’s NY Times but other critics have liked it more. TRDB.

Add comment April 13th, 2013

HERMAN’S HOUSE

HERMAN’S HOUSE- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “After 40 years in solitary confinement, Herman Wallace was asked to design his dream house, which forms the centerpiece of this sobering documentary. The project, helmed by art student Jackie Sumell, drives home the impact of decades of solitude.”

4/9/13- Just a few early reviews for this documentary and they are all good. TRDB.

4/19/13- A good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

Add comment April 9th, 2013

SMYRNA: THE DESTRUCTION OF A COSMOPOLITAN CITY

SMYRA: THE DESTRUCTION OF A COSMOPOLITAN CITY- 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Archival photos and film reveal the glorious Greek city of Smyrna, a pinnacle of cultural tolerance until its destruction in 1922. Historians and descendants from the region discuss Smyrna’s legacy and the efforts to ensure it’s never forgotten.”

4/5/13- An OK review in today’s NY Times and from others as well. TRDB.

Add comment April 5th, 2013

BERT STERN: ORIGINAL MADMAN

BERT STERN: ORIGINAL MADMAN- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “After quickly rising from mailroom boy at Look Magazine to an internationally sought-after photographer in the 1950s, visual pioneer Bert Stern has led a fascinating, tumultuous life and photographed many of the world’s most beautiful women.”

4/5/13- A weak review in today’s NY Times and weak reviews in general. TRDB.

Add comment April 5th, 2013

CODE OF THE WEST

CODE OF THE WEST- 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “This political documentary follows a 2011 attempt by Montana lawmakers to repeal the state’s medical marijuana law — the first U.S. state to do so. The film portrays the complexities of the legislative process and the emotions raised by the issue.”

3/29/13- There are only a few professional reviews and they are mixed. Audiences have not liked it, however. TRDB.

Add comment March 29th, 2013

RESCUE IN THE PHILLIPINES

RESCUE IN THE PHILLIPINES- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “This absorbing documentary chronicles the story of a handful of men — including future U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower — who hatched a plan during a series of late-night poker games to save 1,300 Jewish refugees from the Nazis.”

Here’s what Rotten Tomatoes had to say–“”Rescue in The Philippines” is a one-hour documentary of the previously untold story of how the five Frieder brothers, Cincinnati businessmen making two-for-a-nickel cigars in pre-WWII Manila, together with Manuel Quezon, the charismatic first president of the Philippines, Paul McNutt, US High Commissioner and former governor of Indiana (preparing for his own presidential campaign) and an ambitious Army Colonel named Dwight Eisenhower – helped 1,200 Jews escape the Nazis and immigrate to the Philippines.”

3/29/13- A very good review in today’s NY Times and elsewhere as well. TRDB.

Add comment March 29th, 2013

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