Documentary

The Eternal Memory

The Eternal Memory (2024.21, Heartbreaking , Okay )

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*)

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Attica

Attica

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.

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Writing with Fire

Writing with Fire

(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.

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Ascension

Ascension

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

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Summer of Soul

Summer of Soul

(4.5*) Summer of Soul is exhilarating, fun, and informative. Definitely take this stroll through Black music of the late 60s!

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Time

(3.5 Stars) A somewhat troubling film about the unjust impact of long sentences on Black families.

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Collective

(4 Stars) An important story about government and corporate corruption and the role of the press in exposing it.

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Crip Camp

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

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For Sama

(5 Stars) A powerful and personal journal of five years in Aleppo. Best Syrian-war documentary yet.

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Free Solo

(3.5 Stars) Winner of the Documentary Oscar, it tells a riveting tale of Hannock’s climb of El Capitan. It is an awesome story, but I’m not sure how much movie skill was involved here.

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Minding The Gap

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

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RBG

(2 Stars) Interesting, and fairly standard documentary, but a bit overly sympathetic to the subject. Everyone has a few flaws.

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