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
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