Posts filed under 'Documentary/History'
THE WAY WE GET BY- Premise by Netflix. “Whenever Iraq War veterans return to the U.S. via Bangor, Maine, senior citizen volunteers Bill, Joan and Jerry are at the airport to greet them. This moving documentary profiles their personal stories and the impact they’ve made on countless lives. As they share their kindness and support through handshakes and hugs, these compassionate greeters strengthen their community, their country and themselves. ”
11/20/09–2009. Directed by Aron Gaudet. I just saw this and while it was very interesting to watch for about 45 minutes the second half became redundant for me. It was more about a group of lonely people, some on their own, all elderly, some veterans and some women as well who find meaning in their lives by greeting soldiers who are going to or coming from Iraq to thank them for what they’ve done or are about to do. Netflix Streaming. TRDB
Tags: documentary
November 21st, 2009
DEFAMATION- Premise by Netflix. “In addition to gathering thoughts from political scientist Norman Finkelstein, filmmaker Yoav Shamir examines contemporary anti-Semitism and the possibility of a modern-day Jewish holocaust in his incisive documentary. Surprisingly amusing and unquestionably thought-provoking, Shamir also profiles other figures such as Anti-Defamation League director Abraham Foxman and explores topics such as Israel’s influence on American foreign policy.”
5/10- Very good documentary about anti-Semitism. The movie takes nothing for granted and examines the view that anti-Semitism is insignificant and that the ADL’s mission prevents it from being objective. Clearly controversial, I enjoyed the film. TRDB.
Tags: documentary
November 20th, 2009
THE SUN- Premise by Netflix. “From renowned director Aleksandr Sokurov comes a piercing historical drama about Japan’s emperor Hirohito at the end of World War II. Faced with his country’s defeat and the renunciation of his divine status, Hirohito must establish his own identity. Sokurov’s exquisite cinematography accentuates this examination of diplomacy and personal responsibility as Hirohito agrees to meet with American Gen. MacArthur in an attempt to move Japan forward.” Very good review from the NY Times.
November 19th, 2009
ENDGAME- Premise by Netflix. “Confidential political negotiations between South African government representative Prof. Willie Esterhuyse (William Hurt) and African National Congress President Thabo Mbek (Golden Globe nominee Chiwetel Ejiofor) lead to the peaceful demise of apartheid. Taking place in a bucolic British country estate, the talks are fraught with tension, but together the two men find a common path in this engaging Pete Travis-helmed drama.”
2/10- Very good docudrama- well acted and as far as I can tell fairly accurate too. TRDB.
Tags: docudrama
November 10th, 2009
HIDING AND SEEKING- 2004. Directed by Menachem Daum, this documentary is about an American Jew who is concerned that his adult sons who live with their families in Orthodox communities in Israel may be learning to hate those who are not Jewish, just like fanatics in other religions. He takes his sons to Poland to meet the non-Jewish family that his wife’s father and her two uncles thereby planting a seed of doubt in his sons as to their thinking. Very well done and I liked the movie. Netflix. 11/09
Tags: documentary
November 8th, 2009
THE BEACHES OF AGNES- Excellent reviews for this self-documentary about Agnes Varda, the filmmaker. Good reviews.
November 5th, 2009
THE GOOD SOLDIER- Premise by Zap2it. “Five combat veterans discuss conflicting feelings over what they did in the name of duty.” Documentary. Read one review about this documentary and it was unflattering.
November 5th, 2009
FIGHTER- 2003. Directed by Amir Bar-Lev. A documentary about Jan Wiener, a Czech Jew who escaped through Europe, got to England and became a fighter pilot and hero. An old friend and he retrace his steps through Europe and have a conflictual relationship that explodes on screen. Great movie!! 9/03
Tags: documentary
November 1st, 2009
A WOMAN IN BERLIN- 2008. Premise by Netflix. “Play Preview Based on the best-selling diaries of an anonymous German woman who survived the Soviet invasion of Berlin at the end of World War II, this gripping drama tells the story of a photojournalist’s (Nina Hoss) forbidden relationship with a Soviet officer (Yevgeni Sidikhin). After being sexually assaulted by members of the invading Red Army, she turns to the officer for support, but soon finds herself falling for him.” This movie has received very good reviews and I look forward to seeing it.
11/10/09- I just saw this movie and agree that it was very good. Written and directed by Max Farberbock and starring Nina Hoss. It’s really about one woman’s manner of survival from the rapes the Berlin women suffered at the hands of the Russian soldiers. TRDB
Tags: drama, Foreign
October 31st, 2009
FOOD, INC.- Premise by Netflix. “Drawing on Eric Schlosser‘s Fast Food Nation and Michael Pollan‘s The Omnivore’s Dilemma, director Robert Kenner‘s documentary explores the food industry’s detrimental effects on our health and environment. Kenner spotlights the men and women who are working to reform an industry rife with monopolies, questionable interpretations of laws and subsidies, political ties and rising rates of E. coli outbreaks.” Good documentary for anybody who eats.
Tags: documentary
October 21st, 2009
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