Posts filed under 'Documentary/History'
AHEAD OF TIME- Premise by Netflix. “After becoming the world’s youngest Ph.D. at the age of 20, accomplished journalist and humanitarian Ruth Gruber journeyed to the Soviet Arctic, covered the Nuremberg Trials and bravely escorted America-bound Holocaust refugees. This inspiring documentary weaves together archival clips, vintage photos, candid interviews and verité footage of the still-lively 97-year-old Gruber to create a remarkable biographical portrait of a largely unsung hero.” Good review in NY Times 9/10/10.
Tags: documentary
September 11th, 2010
CHOSIN- 2010. A documentary about the Korean War by Brian Iglesias describing the brutality of the war through talking heads. OK review in NY Times 9/10/10.
September 11th, 2010
KINGS OF PASTRY- 2009. Premise by Netflix. “Acclaimed documentarians D.A. Pennebaker and Chris Hegedus venture inside the deliciously cutthroat Meilleur Ouvrier de France, the legendary French pastry competition, to capture this fascinating account of what it takes to be the best pâtissier. Held every four years, the contest separates not only the yolks from the whites but the amateurs from the artisans. Renowned chefs from around the world let their tempers fly as they vie for the crown.” Very good reviews.
3/11- Very good reviews for this documentary but I cannot understand why. No passion in this movie but oh those pastries. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.
Tags: documentary
September 9th, 2010
THE RED CHAPEL- 2009. Synopsis by Netflix. “While in North Korea under the pretext of a cultural exchange, two Danish-Korean comics and a subversive journalist with a video camera attempt to ridicule their host nation’s oppressive regime but encounter moral dilemmas and political manipulation. A bold look at the ethics of deceit, director Mads Brügger‘s darkly humorous documentary (and an award winner at Sundance) provides a rare glimpse inside one of the world’s most secretive societies.” Average professional reviews but very good audience acceptance. TRDB.
10/5/11- Interesting only because of the intended deceit of the production but not enough to keep me involved and I turned it off. TRDB. Netflix.
Tags: documentary
September 3rd, 2010
JEAN-MICHEL BASQUIAT: THE RADIANT CHILD- 2009. Premise by Netflix. “Controversial, charismatic artist Jean-Michel Basquiat is the subject of this insightful documentary from director Tamra Davis, who has uncovered a never-before-seen interview with the artist conducted before his untimely death at the age of 27. Also featured are numerous interviews with people who knew and loved Basquiat, a survey of his thought-provoking artworks, little-seen archival materials and footage of the artist at work in his studio.” Very good reviews.
11/10- Well done documentary but I just couldn’t get into the character or his art. The movie seemed to be a hype for Basquiat just as his friends hyped him when he was still alive. TRDB. Netflix.
Tags: documentary
September 2nd, 2010
RACING DREAMS- 2009. Premise by Netflix. “From go-kart champs, NASCAR winners are bred — or so goes the thinking of the drivers (and their families) involved in the World Karting Association’s National Pavement Series. This documentary follows three of the series’ top contenders. Although small in stature, the adolescent racers harbor big dreams as they hit speeds of 60 to 70 miles per hour in their quest to ascend the first rung on their way to NASCAR in this film from Marshall Curry.” Great reviews.
11/10- Very good documentary reminding me of what it takes for a child to be single minded in pursuit of a dream and what it takes from the parents to keep the dream alive. TRDB. Netflix.
Tags: documentary
September 2nd, 2010
HOWL- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “James Franco steps into the shoes of famed Beat poet Allen Ginsberg in this star-studded biopic centered around Ginsberg’s poem “Howl” — and the widely publicized obscenity trial that followed its publication in 1957. Documentarians Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman (The Times of Harvey Milk) direct, with an A-list ensemble cast that includes Jon Hamm, David Strathairn, Alan Alda, Jeff Daniels, Mary-Louise Parker and Paul Rudd.” Mostly poor reviews.
1/11- I just could not get into this film– boring and relying on gimmick to make it presentable. TRDB. Netflix.
Tags: documentary
September 2nd, 2010
WINNEBAGO MAN- 2009. Premise by Netflix. “This entertaining documentary explores the phenomenon of Jack Rebney, who became an Internet sensation after a grainy, nearly 20-year-old video of him furiously swearing up a storm while filming a Winnebago sales video made the rounds online. Traveling to a mountaintop, filmmaker Ben Steinbauer tracks down Rebney — who’s become known in underground circles as the “Angriest Man in the World” — and tries to discover what makes the loner tick.” Very good reviews.
1/11- More a documentary about “viral videos” and their effects as much as about Rebney and basically who cares about him anyway? I had my fill quickly and turned it off. TRDB. Netflix.
Tags: documentary
September 1st, 2010
THE OATH- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Oscar-nominated director Laura Poitras’s documentary tells of two men whose fateful meeting in 1996 led them on a journey that would include Osama bin Laden, the horrific events of 9/11, Guantanamo Bay and a brush with the U.S. Supreme Court. Shot in Yemen, this intriguing film is the second installment — after My Country, My Country — of Poitras’s “The New American Century” trilogy about post-9/11 America.” Very good reviews.
10/10- Fascinating documentary about two men involved with Jihad, one who has foresworn 9/11 type violence and one who was imprisoned at Guantanamo. Very good. Netflix.
Tags: Documentary/History
September 1st, 2010
SOUNDTRACK FOR A REVOLUTION- 2009. By Bill Guttentag. Premise by Netflix. “Music was a powerful tool in the American civil rights movement, spreading a message that was difficult for many to hear and serving as an energizing force for nonviolent protest. This documentary celebrates that intersection of movement and music. Featuring new performances of freedom songs by artists such as Mary J. Blige, Wyclef Jean and John Legend, the film also includes archival footage and interviews with civil rights leaders.” Very good reviews.
10/10- Interesting documentary about the civil rights movement which would stand alone even without the music. TRDB. Netflix.
Tags: Documentary/History
September 1st, 2010
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