BITTER HONEY- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “This compassionate documentary examines the common practice of polygamy on the island of Bali, interviewing the members of three families and focusing on the often-harsh treatment of wives in polygamous marriages.”
10/31/14– Not many critical reviews but so far they are positive. TRDB.
Add comment October 31st, 2014
ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Centering on the children of Burmese refugees who fled an oppressive regime in their homeland and settled in the border areas of Thailand, this inspiring documentary underscores the youngsters’ resilience in the face of bleak conditions.”
10/31/14- Weak reviews. TRDB.
Add comment October 31st, 2014
REVENGE OF THE MEKONS- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Formed during the rowdy and anarchic punk-rock era of the late 1970s, the Mekons established themselves as one of the most creative and adventurous bands of the day. This engaging documentary chronicles the still-going group’s more-than-30-year run.”
10/29/14- Very good reviews for this movie. TRDB.
Add comment October 30th, 2014
THE GREAT INVISIBLE- 2014. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “On April 20, 2010, the Deepwater Horizon oil rig exploded in the Gulf of Mexico in a blaze of fire that could be seen 35 miles away, killing 11 workers and causing the worst oil spill in American history. THE GREAT INVISIBLE, the first comprehensive overview of the incident and its aftermath, is the result of four years that Alabama-born Brown spent traveling in the small towns and major cities all around the Gulf, talking to those affected.”
10/29/14- Excellent reviews. TRDB.
Add comment October 30th, 2014
RED DOT ON THE OCEAN- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Leaving behind a tough childhood and years of life on the streets, Matt Rutherford reinvented himself as an intrepid sailor. This inspiring documentary recounts his solo circumnavigation of North and South America, a nonstop voyage completed in 2012.”
10/24/14- Just 3 reviews– 2 up and 1 down but it does sound interesting. TRDB.
Add comment October 28th, 2014
GLEN CAMPBELL: I’LL BE ME- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “When country music giant Glen Campbell was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2011, he chose to make his condition public. He then began his farewell tour — a remarkable musical journey chronicled in this affecting documentary.”
10/24/14- Excellent reviews from critics and audiences as well. TRDB.
9/2/15- A great documentary about a serious subject, handled with love. Plenty of music as well. TRDB. Netflix.
Add comment October 28th, 2014
CITIZENFOUR- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “This tension-fueled documentary from filmmaker Laura Poitras follows her 2013 journey to Hong Kong to meet with whistleblower Edward Snowden as he was preparing to release a wealth of classified government documents.”
10/24/14- Great reviews all around. I can’t wait to see this one. TRDB.
11/1/14- Watching this movie I felt like I was watching history being made. Very well done and again brings up the big question for us as to whether Snowden is whistle-blower or a traitor but clearly the movie has its own agenda. TRDB. At the Theater.
Add comment October 28th, 2014
ALGORITHMS- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “An intriguing look into the lives of three sightless Indian chess players, this observational documentary follows the youngsters as they compete in blind chess tournaments, led by an unflagging mentor who also happens to be blind.”
10/24/14- Very mixed reviews including some pretty bad ones but the subject is fascinating and I’ll probably see this one eventually. TRDB.
Add comment October 28th, 2014
WATCHERS OF THE SKY- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Paying tribute to four pioneers of the global campaign to end genocide, this feature-length documentary details their efforts to protect the powerless. Blending cinema verité with interview footage, the film highlights their successes and failures.”
10/17/14- Very good reviews. TRDB.
Add comment October 18th, 2014
A REQUIEM FOR SYRIAN REFUGEES- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this potent documentary, Syrian civil war refugees detail the desolate lives forced on them by the seemingly endless conflict. Interspersed among the tales of misery are stories of redemption and hope, all scored to Gabriel Fauré’s “Requiem.”
10/17/14- Just 3 reviews– all good including the one in today’s NY Times. All said that it was difficult to watch this heavy documentary but that we have to. TRDB.
Add comment October 18th, 2014