Documentary

Bobi Wine The People’s President documents five years in the life of a man who used his musical success to challenge the corrupt and autocratic rule of Uganda’s president. The movie succeeds in meshing music and politics in an intriguing mix.

20 Days in Mariupol is not a feel-good movie. But if you have any doubts about how horrible war is, or even if you don’t, you need to watch this film. (5*)

The Eternal Memory successfully captures the loving relationship with a wife trying to give care to her Alzheimer’s-afflicted husband. It also tries to paint, unsuccessfully, a parallel picture with his work as a reporter in Chile during the Pinochet regime. (3.5*)

A good but disturbing film documenting the struggle of a 13-year old rape victim in rural India and her father as they seek justice and, in the process, start social change.

Four Daughters is a fascinating and unique that tells a tough story of a broken Tunisian family. It also raises questions about artifice and filmmaking ethics. (3.5*)

All That Breathes is a different kind of documentary that tells its story of three Indian Muslims ministering to the needs of a bird, while exploring humanity’s relationship to the natural world. (4*)

All the Beauty and the Bloodshed is an amalgam of two different films, sharing a common person, photographer Nan Goldin. Most viewers will likely find this one a little unsatisfying. (3*)

A House Made Of Splinters is the story of 4 pre-teens who can no longer live with their families because of parental alcohol dependency. The kids tell their stories while the camera records their honest and heart wrenching feelings. A remarkable film. (4.5*)

Attica (4*) – Disturbing presentation of the four days of the deadliest prison riot in US history. It probes not only the riot, but also fundamentals of racism. This isn’t fun, but is perhaps necessary.

(3.5*) Writing with Fire is a profile in courage, telling the story of untouchable women changing Indian society. A case where the subject matter overwhelms the filmmaking.

(3.5*) Ascension is, on the surface, a study of China’s economy. But it also turns a mirror on our own!

(3 Stars) An intriguing, but small film. Not a major effort.

(4.5 Stars) A startling and innovative approach to learning about animals. May make you cry!

(4 Stars) A remarkable film documenting how a summer camp experience turned into a national political movement. A movie of commitment and hope.

(4 Stars) Well told story of the culture clash when a Chinese business tries to run an American factory.

(3.5 Stars) Documentary of young skateboarders growing up in a decaying industrial town. Much admired by both audiences and critics.

(4 Stars) My favorite of this year’s documentaries, this is a decade-long study of rural black culture in Mississippi told in a very different movie style similar to Cubism.