THE SUPRIME PRICE- 2014. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Director Joanna Lipper elegantly explores past and present as she tells the remarkable story of Hafsat Abiola, daughter of human rights heroine Kudirat Abiola, and Nigeria’s President-elect M.K.O. Abiola, who won a historic vote in 1993 that promised to end years of military dictatorship.”
10/3/14- Just 4 professional reviews and they are all good. TRDB.
Add comment October 6th, 2014
LAST HIJACK- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “In forlorn Somalia, piracy is a perilous but tempting career option for men seeking work of any kind. This partially animated documentary focuses on Mohamed Nura, who — despite his family’s opposition — has become an expert in the dangerous trade.”
10/3/14- One of 2 movies opening this week on the same topic, this documentary got very good reviews also. TRDB.
Add comment October 6th, 2014
KEEP ON KEEPIN’ ON – Synopsis by Netflix. “Legendary jazzman Clark Terry is profiled in this touching documentary that traces the trumpeter’s long career. At age 89, he begins sharing his passion and experiences with an aspiring jazz pianist — Justin Kauflin — who’s 66 years Terry’s junior.”
10/3/14- Excellent reviews all around. TRDB.
Add comment October 6th, 2014
THE CULTURE HIGH- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Deep moral divisions and scientific controversy continue to fuel America’s political debate regarding the legalization of marijuana. This engrossing documentary examines the arguments of the warring factions behind the decades-long debate.”
10/3/14- Just a few reviews and they are excellent. Audiences have loved it. TRDB.
Add comment October 6th, 2014
A PEOPLE UNCOUNTED- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Journey into the world of the Roma – a people who through the ages have been both romanticized and vilified in popular culture, politics and art, and who have endured centuries of intolerance and persecution.”
10/2/14- Very good reviews. TRDB.
Add comment October 2nd, 2014
NAS: TIME IS ILLMATIC- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Providing a behind-the-scenes look at the making of hip-hop icon Nas’ debut album, this earnest documentary also delves into the musician’s deep connection to his roots in New York City’s Queensbridge public housing project.”
10/1/14- Excellent reviews. TRDB.
Add comment October 2nd, 2014
THE DECENT ONE- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “One of the prime architects of the brutal Nazi regime, Gestapo commander Heinrich Himmler was also a dedicated family man, as this documentary illustrates with items from a newly discovered cache of his personal diaries, correspondence and photos.”
10/1/14- Fair professional reviews but audiences have uniformly disliked this documentary. TRDB.
4/21/16- Not many answers to the fundamental question here but still an amazing movie based on the newly discovered cache of Himmler’s personal papers. TRDB. Netflix.
Add comment October 2nd, 2014
FILTHY GORGEOUS: THE BOB GUCCIONE STORY- 2013. Synopsis by Neflix. “Porn publisher and business visionary Bob Guccione is the focus of this candid documentary that recounts the story of his meteoric rise and fall. Guccione had a unique influence on 1960s culture, but his later ventures proved far less successful.”
10/2/14- This movie managed to hold my interest and I enjoyed it even though besides being informative it was a form of love-fest to Guccione by those closest to him with essentially little negative about the man himself. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.
Add comment October 1st, 2014
CODEBREAKER- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “This biopic follows the life of Alan Turing, the pioneering computer scientist who saved countless lives in World War II as a codebreaker. Turing was also gay, and his shameful treatment by the British government led to a tragic conclusion.”
9/29/14– A fascination documentary about a complex man. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.
Add comment September 30th, 2014
THIS AIN’T NO MOUSE MUSIC- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Who better to provide Americans with an intro to the roots music of their nation than a German-born count who fled Europe in the wake of World War II? This documentary shines a light on that man — Chris Strachwitz — and the music he championed.”
9/26/14- Very good critical review. TRDB.
Add comment September 26th, 2014