Posts filed under 'Documentary/History'
HEIST- 2012. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “A new, groundbreaking feature documentary about the roots of the American economic crisis, and the continuing assault on working and middle class people in the United States. Heist boldly reveals the crumbling structure of the U.S. economy – the result of four decades of deregulation, massive job outsourcing, and tax policies favoring mega-corporations and wealthy elites.”
3/2/12- Good reviews in today’s NY Times and from others as well. TRDB.
Tags: documentary
March 2nd, 2012
BETTER THAN SOMETHING: JAY REATARD- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “This documentary chronicles Tennessee garage rocker Jay Reatard from his humble beginning through to his cult stardom and untimely death at age 29. Performance footage accompanies interviews with the punk singer’s family, friends and colleagues.”
3/2/12- A barely OK review in today’s NY Times but other reviews were much better, especially audience reviews. TRDB.
Tags: documentary
March 2nd, 2012
WHERE ARE YOU TAKING ME?- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this easygoing documentary, American filmmaker Kimi Takesue journeys to Uganda and films the everyday activities of average Ugandans — from guests at a wedding reception and patrons at a hip-hop nightclub to ordinary passersby in the street. Guided through the rough-and-tumble city of Kampala by African-born writer Sam Okello, Takesue also chronicles the work at a refuge for former child soldiers once caught up in the country’s civil war.”
3/2/12- A few early positive professional reviews but poor audience reaction. TRDB.
Tags: documentary
March 2nd, 2012
PATRIOCRACY- 2012. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Americans are polarized and angry. In the crossfire, the loudest voices drown out reason and facts with fear and anxiety. Patriocracy explores the extreme polarization in America that cripples the country from tackling its most serious problems. Whether it’s the national debt, healthcare reform, the war on terror or illegal immigration, Americans are shouting at each other instead of listening to each other.”
3/2/12- Weak review in today’s NY Times and elsewhere also. TRDB.
Tags: documentary
March 2nd, 2012
ART IS… THE PERMANENT REVOLUTION- 2012. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “The anger and outrage captured by graphic artists have defined revolutions through the centuries. Printmakers have depicted the human condition in all its glories and struggles so powerfully that perceptions, attitudes and politics have been dramatically influenced. And the value and impact of this art is even more important today. In the new documentary, Art Is… The Permanent Revolution, three contemporary American artists and a master printer help explain the dynamic sequences of social reality and protest. Among the wide range of 60 artists on display are Rembrandt, Goya, Daumier, Kollwitz, Dix, Masereel, Grosz, Gropper, and Picasso. While their stirring graphics sweep by, the making of an etching, a woodcut and a lithograph unfolds before our eyes, as the contemporary artists join their illustrious predecessors in creating art of social engagement.”
3/2/12- Excellent reviews including the one in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
Tags: documentary
March 2nd, 2012
JIRO DREAMS OF SUSHI- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “This delectable documentary profiles sushi chef Jiro Ono, an 85-year-old master whose 10-seat, $300-a-plate restaurant is legendary among Tokyo foodies. Ono is also a father, whose sons struggle to live up to his legacy and make their own marks.” Good early reviews. TRDB.
3/9/12- Weak review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
8/20/12- As noted above this documentary is about the Japanese master of sushi. He has earned and kept the Michelin 3 Star rating even with his basement, no toilet restaurant that holds a mere 10 people. Rave reviews for this film but I felt that there was a bit too much hero worship and a bit too little about the making of the sushi itself. You should definitely see it however. TRDB. Netflix.
Tags: documentary, Foreign
February 28th, 2012
PAUL GOODMAN CHANGED MY LIFE- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “This documentary explores the little-known life of best-selling author Paul Goodman, “the most influential man you’ve never heard of.” He may not be widely recognized by name, but his book Growing Up Absurd became the bible of the New Left.” Good reviews. TRDB.
Tags: documentary
February 20th, 2012
LAST DAYS HERE- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this poignant documentary portrait, an aged and gaunt Bobby Liebling — the former lead singer of the heavy metal act Pentagram — rallies to restart his life after decades of disappointment and drug addiction.”
3/2/12- An OK review in today’s NY Times and very good reviews from most other sources. TRDB.
Tags: documentary
February 17th, 2012
THE MINER’S HYMMS- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Using a variety of stunning visuals, documentarian Bill Morrison examines the evolution of a close-knit British mining community, from the troubled economic times of the 1930s through the turbulent 1960s and the divisive labor movements of the 1980s.”
2/9/12- Great reviews and a very good one in today’s NY Times as well. TRDB.
Tags: documentary
February 9th, 2012
SPLINTERS- 2012. Synopsis by RottenTomatoes. “Splinters is the first feature-length documentary film about the evolution of indigenous surfing in the developing nation of Papua New Guinea. In the 1980s an intrepid Australian pilot left behind a surfboard in the seaside village of Vanimo. Twenty years on, surfing is not only a pillar of village life but also a means to prestige. With no access to economic or educational advancement, let alone running water and power, village life is hermetic. A spot on the Papua New Guinea national surfing team is the way to see the wider world; the only way.”
2/3/12- OK review in today’s NY Times as well as good professional reviews in general. OK audience reaction so far. TRDB.
Tags: documentary
February 3rd, 2012
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