THE OTHER MAN F.W. DE KLERK AND THE END OF APARTHEID- Synopsis by Netflix. “Filmmaker Nicolas Rossier trains his lens on one of modern political history’s most enigmatic figures, President F.W. de Klerk of South Africa, who presided over the end of the nation’s apartheid era and the release of his successor, Nelson Mandela.”
2/6/15- Weak early reviews from audiences and critics. TRDB.
Add comment February 7th, 2015
ON THE WAY TO SCHOOL- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “This inspiring documentary follows four persevering schoolchildren from different corners of the world as they go to great lengths — literally — to obtain an education, overcoming disabilities and danger in the process.”
2/6/15- I’ve seen just 4 professional reviews- 3 down and 1 up. Audiences have liked it. TRDB.
Add comment February 7th, 2015
MATT SHEPARD IS A FRIEND OF MINE- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Bringing the modern legacy of hostility toward gays into sharp and searing focus, the uniquely cruel murder of Matthew Shepard in 1998 had a stunning effect on the American public. This poignant documentary recounts his brief life and grisly death.”
2/6/15- Great reviews from critics and audiences alike. TRDB.
11/10/15- What can I say? A great, overwhelmingly sad documentary. TRDB. Netflix.
Add comment February 7th, 2015
MAD AS HELL- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Filmmaker Andrew Napier’s intriguing documentary traces the rise of provocative political commentator Cenk Uygur, from his public-access TV days to becoming the creator and host of the wildly successful YouTube show “The Young Turks.”
2/6/15- Very weak professional reviews but very good audience ones. I’ll vote no for now. TRDB.
Add comment February 7th, 2015
CALL FOR HELP- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Following the catastrophic earthquake that struck Haiti in 2010, the Global Disaster Immediate Response Team adopts radical strategies in its efforts to relieve the starvation and suffering of the nation’s shattered population.”
2/6/15- This sounded like it might be interesting but it has received very poor reviews, including the one in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
Add comment February 7th, 2015
BALLET 422- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Offering a backstage look at the creation and realization of a ballet by choreographer Justin Peck, this fascinating documentary chronicles the intense artistic effort behind the production, the 422nd new work staged by the New York City Ballet.”
2/6/15- Very good critical review and excellent audience reviews as well. TRDB.
7/2/15- I enjoyed this documentary very much as it portrayed the various aspects of a new ballet and brought them together quite well. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.
Add comment February 7th, 2015
1971- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “In 1971, eight antiwar activists broke into a Pennsylvania FBI office and made off with a treasure trove of documents revealing a massive illegal surveillance program. More than 40 years later, they’re finally talking about the burglary.”
2/6/15- Excellent reviews from critics and audiences alike. TRDB.
Add comment February 7th, 2015
MANNY- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Manny Pacquiao’s storied boxing career is only a small part of the turbulent and inspiring story of his life, captured in this detailed documentary. After fighting his way out of the poverty of his youth, Manny was destined to become a national hero.”
1/23/15- Weak reviews for this film. TRDB.
Add comment January 23rd, 2015
MISS HILL: MAKING DANCE MATTER- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “A woman whose life was defined by her love of dance, Martha Hill emerged from a Bible Belt childhood to battle great odds in legitimizing the art form in America, becoming a leader of modern movement and Juilliard’s founding director of dance.”
1/23/15- Very good early reviews for this documentary. TRDB.
Add comment January 23rd, 2015
ABOVE AND BEYOND- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Chronicling a little-known slice of history, this absorbing documentary looks at a diverse group of veteran World War II pilots who defied the U.S. Neutrality Act and volunteered to fly for Israel at a critical moment in its battle for independence.”
1/21/15- Friends have seen this and liked it very much. TRDB.
1/30/15- Very good reviews from critics and audiences. TRDB.
3/5/15- Just saw this and enjoyed it. The movie looked into the men as well as their heroic deeds. TRDB.
Add comment January 22nd, 2015