It was a very interesting year for documentaries as all of the 5 documentaries I saw this year were vastly different but they were all unique in a different perspective. I already saw Life Itself, about the late film critic Roger Ebert, and I think it was a great movie. And, all of the others were refreshing in entirely different ways and none of them disappointed me and did not get me to go to sleep. So, here are the five that I did see...
Citizenfour (2014), R, 4 stars
This is the most riveting documentary of the year showing us a portrait of how personal privacy has destroyed people's reputations in America. Since we are in the digital era, everybody has to be extra careful on what we put on the Internet or other sources. This movie also deals with Edward Snowden being in trouble as to how he sort of leaked secret information from the NSA and other government agencies. It is an important film to witness and to learn so we cannot become one of the targets on the Internet.
Jodorowsky's Dune (2014), PG-13, 3.5 stars
Have you ever seen the movie, Dune? I haven't because I heard it is one of the most awful movies of all time and I retreated from that film like a plague. However, it is a well-fitting tribute to a Chilean director who wanted to tell his own story and vision in his way but did not have the opportunity to seek it. It is pure and nostalgic to see an artist coming out on what he feels regarding that notion. It is what any passionate moviegoer or film student would want to see.
The Overnighters (2014), PG-13, 3.5 stars
This movie has a heartbreaking portrait of job seekers trying to pursue the American Dream in the North Dakota oil fields. There are images and profiles of men being sad and desperate of telling us how hard it is to acquire some security in getting a job or trying to find a job up in the cold region. It is a great to see a pastor care for those people opening up an "overnighters" program for in-and-out job seekers to sleep in the church. However, he has to deal with his personality and reputation with his care for the men or with the community. It is fascinating.
To Be Takei (2014), Unrated, 3 stars
It is a fine documentary, nevertheless, it is a film that has a predictable outline of how to structure the documentary and it lacks depth but it has emotion especially in the section where he marries his husband. We follow George Takei's life, an actor and as an activist, from his stardom to his marriage. And, when we come out of this movie or finished with it, we feel more sympathy and respect towards him. It is a decent documentary at best.
Comments
Post a Comment