Tag Archives: Documentary

The Square (2013) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4): The chronicle of their historical revolution

 As the chronicle of a historical event which was one of the defining points during the Arab Spring, Oscar-nominated documentary “The Square” throws us right into the Egyptian Revolution of 2011 and its aftermath. Through its close and intimate look … Continue reading →

Posted in Movies | Tagged , | 2 Comments

20 Feet From Stardom (2013) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4): Unnoticed singers beyond spotlight

  “20 Feet From Stardom” is a vibrant documentary about the talented vocalists who have been largely unnoticed by many of us despite their considerable contribution to the American music industry during the 1960-80s. As shown in the archival footage, … Continue reading →

Posted in Movies | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Dirty Wars (2013) ☆☆☆(3/4) : An expanding picture of War on Terror

What is told in Oscar-nominated documentary “Dirty Wars” is not so surprising or shocking to you if you have paid attention to how far the US government has gone during its War on Terror since 9/11, but what it shows … Continue reading →

Posted in Movies | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Life Itself (2014) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4) : You certainly lived it fully, Roger

 As one of the most influential film critics of our time, late Roger Ebert surely had an interesting life to be told, and Steve James’ documentary “Life Itself”, which is based on his memoir published in late 2011, is as … Continue reading →

Posted in Movies | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

Scenery (2013) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4) : Their lives and dreams in Seoul

Just by simply observing and listening, “Scenery” gives us an experience both familiar and alien. As introducing a group of various foreign workers in Seoul one by one, this calm, quiet documentary looks around the various hidden corners here and … Continue reading →

Posted in Movies | Tagged , | Leave a comment

The Gatekeepers (2012) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4) : Their secret jobs and their serious concerns

The interviewees of Oscar-nominated documentary “The Gatekeepers” have fascinating stories to tell. They worked behind the scenes as the soldiers of a long, messy conflict still continuing at this point, and they are quite willing to talk about those turbulent … Continue reading →

Posted in Movies | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

The Act of Killing (2012) ☆☆☆☆(4/4): This is one nutty filmmaking

 This is one nutty filmmaking. “The Act of Killing”, an absurd and chilling documentary about how the perpetrators of one atrocious political purge are still enjoying impunity along with power in public even after more than 40 years, has a … Continue reading →

Posted in Movies | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

Stories We Tell (2012) ☆☆☆1/2(3/5/4) : Their stories about her mother

  There is one secret to be revealed in the middle of Sarah Polley’s intimate documentary “Stories We Tell”, but, while it is surely a crucial turning point in its compelling narrative and I don’t dare to reveal it to … Continue reading →

Posted in Movies | Tagged , | 7 Comments

West of Memphis (2012) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4): Their long way to the justice they deserve

What is told in the documentary “West of Memphis” is still outrageous and infuriating to watch although I have already heard and known a lot about one evil crime which shocked the whole town, three suspects who were wrongfully accused … Continue reading →

Posted in Movies | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Searching for Sugar Man (2012) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4) : Searching for a forgotten musician

Some people said life is third-rated novel, but we hear about incredible life stories stranger than fiction from time to time, and the story told in “Searching for Sugar Man” is such a case. This documentary introduces us one musician … Continue reading →

Posted in Movies | Tagged , , | 1 Comment