Documentary Film Reviews

Documentary Movies
Miscellaneous Documentary

2 days ago

dbin78 reviewed Barbarossa and the Towers of Italy in Documentary Movies:

Barbarossa and the Towers of Italy (2008) is a wonderful and interesting historical documentary about the torries (watchtowers) that adorn the coastlines of Italy and the role they played to thwart pirate attacks. Alex Cord narrates the film with passion and takes us into the lives of the Vigili and Saracen Pirates.

The film uses video, images, artwork, animation, and re-enactments to tell the history. I particularly liked the few moments of "down time", not excessive, but just enough to allow you to digest the information before going on to the next topic. Sequences of re-enactments help us visualize the events of the past by using period dress and filming on location; one in particular was movie like that truly conveyed the fear of a pirate attack.

8 out of 10 - If you are a history buff, plan on visiting Italy, or even live there, this is a must see documentary! You can tell a great amount of research went into ensuring accurate details where given.

Dain Binder
http://www.dainsmoviereviews.com/2009/11/barbarossa -and-towers-of-italy.html

0 comments

votes 5 Helpful / 0 Funny / 0 Agree / 0 Disagree

5 days ago

jaywilton reviewed Undisputed 2002 in Boxing Movies and Documentaries:

There may be an Undisputed II;Undisputed was based on the Mike Tyson "rape conviction"-and Tyson recently won a fight against a photographer.'Undisputed II'
would have a tough act to follow in what I think was some of the best work by Ving Rhames,Wesley Snipes and Peter Falk.A basis for 'Undisputed' was speculation that Tyson had gotten his ass kicked in a prison fight;if II is made,it will be because there is speculation that Tyson got his ass kicked in prison by a photographer.

6 comments

votes 3 Helpful / 0 Funny / 0 Agree / 0 Disagree

22 days ago

dbin78 reviewed Hidden Beauty in Documentary Movies:

Hidden Beauty (خفية الجمال) is a short documentary by Olga Sapozhnikova that looks at the role of women in Arabian society. Four Arabic women living in the United Arab Emirates are profiled in this enlightening film that shows an often unseen side of their lives while dispelling conceptions the West may have. They are attaining power and respect while maintaining their family duties and continuing to regard men.

Jamilya Al Zaabi is the only women working for an ambulance service saving many lives and has received a personal visit by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum; ruler of Dubai. She is windowed and raises five children while working and offers great commentary. Rym Ghazal, a journalist, gives compelling stories of her life and struggles with Tuberculous and leads a life that makes settling down difficult. Ahlam Shalabi left home with nothing, having skills that did not fit a women; without a mans help she has attained astonishing success in business that afforded her the ability to entertain her interest in art. Joanna Maria Lipponnen was raised in Finland and wishes for a strong Arabic man to take care of her.

All these women show their commanding beauty and views of Arabic life. It was also interesting to hear thoughts about what the abaya represents. This film is wonderfully narrated and has beautiful music accompanied by good cinematography; I recommend watching it if you have the opportunity.

Dain Binder
http://www.dainsmoviereviews.com/2009/11/hidden-beauty-documentary-review.html

0 comments

votes 3 Helpful / 0 Funny / 0 Agree / 0 Disagree

32 days ago

dbin78 reviewed A Passion for Giving in Miscellaneous Documentary:

A Passion for Giving (2009) is a unique look at why people give. Director, producer, and cinematographer Robin Melanie Leacock heads out with her camera to answer the question through enlightening and fun interviews. Intertwining joyful music, thought provoking quotes, attentive narration, and additional footage with the interviews ties everything together into an excellent film.

Alexandre de Lesseps discusses the reasons for his humanitarian work in Burma while representatives of His Holiness the Dalai Lama offer their wisdom. Millennium Promise CEO, Jeff Flug, talks of how many people live on a dollar a day; we also hear from Doctors Without Borders that offer immunizations and other services in those regions. Other notable interviewees are Fran Lebowitz, Richard Branson, Darryl McDaniels (DMC), and John Sykes. In addition, with more importance in my opinion, are talks with everyday people about the acts of kindness they perform along with the benefactors of their giving. An emotional talk with a man on the streets of New York shows his loss of hope that no one is willing to help. Animals are also in need of help and there are wonderful segments on the subject.

Did you know an entire village of 160 dwellings can be built in Burma for $15,000 USD? Thinking about that is truly astounding; although a lot of money for most, it isn't much when many people donate small amounts. Equally important is donating time to programs such as Meals on Wheels and Habitat for Humanity (both organizations I have had the pleasure to work with and highly recommend spending a day with them).

9 out of 10 - This is a very well done documentary that brings you into the minds of those that give and introduces us to the amount of organizations and people trying to make a difference. It is not a call to action or solicitation, just a pure look at the passion for giving; although, it has made me want to give more. You can watch the premier on PBS in November in the NY area on 11/7 and again on 11/24 on stations WLIW and WNET, respectfully.

Dain Binder
http://www.dainsmoviereviews.com/2009/10/passion-for-giving-documentary-review.html

0 comments

votes 3 Helpful / 0 Funny / 0 Agree / 0 Disagree

79 days ago

Bluesman55 reviewed Triumph of the Will in Documentary Movies:

One of the masterpieces of documentary film. A must-see for followers of the CURRENT political scene. Compare the presentation of the "leader" image with today's television news, and you may have your eyes opened. All hail the great leader, indeed.

0 comments