THE TOUCH OF AN ANGEL- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Visualizing the incalculable tragedy of the Holocaust, this riveting documentary resurrects the memories of Henryk Schönker, who witnessed the frantic attempts of German Jews to immigrate while escape from the Nazi death camps was still possible.”
1/16/15- Good reviews although the few reviews I found praised the topic more than the movie. TRDB.
Add comment January 18th, 2015
JOY OF MAN’S DESIRING- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “In a meditative look at modern work routines’ effects on humans, this abstractly crafted documentary explores the thoughts and anxieties of ordinary people who spend their days in loud and mind-numbing industrial environments.”
1/16/15- Very good reviews from critics and excellent ones from audiences. TRDB.
Add comment January 17th, 2015
GIUSEPPE MAKES A MOVIE- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “A near-star as a child actor, Giuseppe Andrews eventually returned to his family’s trailer-park home and began directing no-budget films about the outer edges of society. This riotous documentary chronicles the making of his movie Garbanzo Gas.”
1/15/15- Excellent reviews from everybody. TRDB.
Add comment January 15th, 2015
NATIONAL GALLERY- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “With more than 2,000 paintings spanning seven centuries, London’s National Gallery is alive with art and humanity — all of which are illuminated by documentarian Frederick Wiseman’s far-ranging lens.”
1/12/15- Excellent critical reviews and very good audience reviews. TRDB.
Add comment January 12th, 2015
THE SEARCH FOR GENERAL TSO- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Despite the popularity of General Tso’s Chicken in Chinese eateries throughout the United States, the dish’s origin remains a mystery to most. This globe-hopping documentary seeks out the enigmatic General Tso and his culinary legacy.”
1/2/15-Very good reviews for this film. TRDB.
Add comment January 4th, 2015
A SMALL SECTION OF THE WORLD- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “In a rural coffee-growing region of Costa Rica, a group of female plantation workers successfully pushed for systemic changes — which sent ripples of hope to other oppressed laborers around the world, as chronicled in this inspiring documentary.”
12/19/14- Just 4 critic reviews- 2 up and 2 down. Audiences have liked it very much. The NY Times called it a distressed company film blown up to feature length. I’ll give it a chance. TRDB.
Add comment December 20th, 2014
SAGRADA: THE MYSTERY OF CREATION- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “One of the most iconic structures ever built, Barcelona’s La Sagrada Familia is a unique and fascinating architectural project conceived by controversial genius Antoni Gaudi in the late 19th century. ”
12/19/14- Weak reviews from critics as well as audiences. TRDB.
Add comment December 19th, 2014
INSIDE THE MIND OF LEONARDO- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Leonardo da Vinci’s achievements in science and art represent the pinnacle of the Renaissance ideal. This fascinating portrait highlights the intellectual triumphs and deep frustrations that defined the life of one of history’s great geniuses.”
12/19/14- Terrible early reviews. TRDB.
Add comment December 19th, 2014
WE ARE THE GIANT- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “The Arab Spring comes to life in these interviews with activists from across the region who experienced the uprisings firsthand. Among them are a man whose American-raised son fought against Gaddafi, and the daughters of a man imprisoned in Bahrain.”
12/12/14- Weak reviews. TRDB.
Add comment December 14th, 2014
THE SALT OF THE EARTH- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “As this artfully crafted documentary proves, legendary Brazilian photographer Sebastião Salgado has created a spectacular body of work during his long career, capturing both the planet’s stunning beauty and humankind’s heartbreaking atrocities.”
12/12/14- Excellent reviews. TRDB.
5/4/15- A wonderful documentary. I felt like I was in a photographic museum with the photographer speaking in the ear phones. TRDB. At the Theater.
Add comment December 14th, 2014