Reviews
Whiskey on the Rocks (2024)
Borderline offensive.
Very hard to come to grips with the rationale behind Wiskey on the Rocks (WotR). Initially it feels like an attempt at genre mixing between drama documentary and humour. As it turns out, claiming WotR is inspired by actual events is probably a joke - if you find it funny you may, just, enjoy this series.
As events unfold it, pretty quickly, becomes apparent that WotR is an attempt at humour. A not particularly successful attempt. It's "kicking down humour". Almost all jokes rest on the premise of ridiculing "real people" - few of them deserving the ridicule. You can joke about anything, joke being the operative word. Bullying is a very different matter...
If you enjoy putting down individuals and cultures "just for the sake of it" this might be right up your alley. If you have moved on from that WotR is likely to fall into the "waste of time" category - and possibly leave a foul taste in your mouth.
Churchill at War (2024)
What a massive turkey.
No surprises here - if you are accustomed to Netflix documentaries of late. Rarely has so much flapping generated so little lift.
An apparently reasonable budget is spent in "all the wrong directions". With so much at fault it is hard to know where to begin...
The talking heads - plenty of them. Many of them with massive knowledge and experience, unfortunately mostly in, borderline, irrelevant areas.
The dramatisation - is cringeworthy. Never does one get the sensation that "we are in the midst of" a world crisis - let alone a world war.
Apparently some of Churchill's written speeches were brought to life by means of AI - why? Some of the most famous ones, that exist on audio files, were re-enacted. Arguably so that the difference between the great speaker and the AI version wouldn't be so blatantly obvious.
20 minutes into the second episode we are given a rendering of Churchill's "The fight on the beaches" speech, if that doesn't leave you... speechless - you may just get through the rest of the series.
Quite often, it can be good enough if a historical documentary "catches the spirit of the moment". Churchill at War fails on that level as it does on most other...
The Pirate Bay (2024)
Losing the battle - winning the war.
The Pirate Bay (TPB) is, a most watch worthy, non-formalistic, gripping drama-documentary.
The initial "disclaimer" is valid and, for once, on point; it is made with a view not to be precise - rather to capture the spirit of the moment, the debate and feelings TPB evoked.
It does so apparently well.
Added to that TPB successfully manages to capture the fears and trepidations - not only of those directly involved, but also of those doubting "the entire system".
TPB addresses, at least, three examples of historically interesting phenomena:
The "David against Goliath"
The relentless development of technology
The speed at which innovations can be disruptive
Added to the above it also highlights some of the issues that arise when a democracy, behaviourally, shifts towards a plutocracy - when capital attempts to "top-manage" a democratic society.
TPB has all the ingredients of a captivating drama - and then some. What, easily, could have become a formulaic Hollywood production manages to maintain an indie vibe - a vibe that feels particularly relevant given the topic.
The weaving of this drama-documentary comes together nicely. TPB is arguably a "must see" for anyone interested in the effects of disruptive technology - and also for those interested in the frailty of democracy...
Reträtt - Punk, pension & reflektion (2024)
One of the better...
...documentaries on "the passing of time".
Mikael Westerlund has created a little gem of a documentary in Reträtt: punk pension och reflektion.
He has successfully avoided the largest potential pothole - the one that would have made this documentary "too specific". By subtle use of language and constant guidance toward how "growing old" affects all of us - rather than how it affects specific individuals - this is a documentary that conveys a broader message.
"Your plane takes off in your twenties and comes in for landing when you retire" (paraphrased).
Arguably Reträtt: punk pension och reflektion will "only" bare relevance to those about to "land" - but it does so eloquently.
Ibelin (2024)
Biased - but that's, kind of, ok
Decades into the debate on on-line gaming; lack of clarity, with regard to pros and cons, seems to be the only clear conclusion:
Does the phenomenon represent the social numbing of generations with the collapse of empathy in its wake?
Is it "just" a form of escapism from the daily greys of life?
Is it a half-life offering an opportunity to live "another life" in parallel? If the latter how much is "that half" - and is it a half worth pursuing?
First the negative. Ibelin completely fails on one of documentary's golden standards - the one requiring objectivity and a balanced presentation. This would, and arguably should, disqualify Ibelin from top ratings, however... Though stil heavily debated - one could argue that the potential downside to extensive on-line gaming has been argued so extensively as to become common knowledge.
For many Ibelin is likely to open up a whole new world... into a whole new world. It presents, borderline unfathomable, insights into the potential of virtual worlds - on their best behaviour. It also presents great insights into the world of being physically confined. It's a tearjerker, for all the right reasons. Ibelin IS a compassionate film full of empathy.
On a grander scale Ibelim may, just, balance out some of the more negative opinions with regard to what the cyber world has to offer - even if doing so by bending some of the "rules". Because... above all, Ibelin is an eye opener, and by so being - it does meet the first, and maybe most important, rule of documentary filmmaking.
Leaving Jesus (2024)
God, this is good...
Ellen Fiske delivers this documentary with eloquence; capturing, extraordinarily, strong people that are fragile in the moment - but brave at heart.
Leaving a religion can be, and often is, one of the most traumatic events in a person's life. For many it is not merely a change of belief - it's a disruption of an entire lifestyle. In its most traumatic expression it also comes with, various degrees of abandonment from the nearest and dearest.
Leaving Jesus doesn't scrutinise the methodology used in assisting those "trying to break free", which is probably a good thing as there is plenty to delve deeper into on that accord. What it does do is show a pallet of; some of the fears and trepidations facing those brave enough to embark on path less structured by religious dogma.
It is an interesting look into the turbulence the subjects are going through, arguably for two reasons. It provides insight into the emotional "rollercoaster ride ahead" potentially facing anybody considering "losing their religion". It also provides insights, for those that always have lived their lives "on the other side of the fence" by means of presenting the rationale of believers.
Leaving Jesus is arguably a "humanitarian must see". It has a compassionate approach void of any judgmental rhetoric and provides a subtle glimpse into a turbulent period of people's lives.
Koppla av (2024)
Yawn fest.
Never mind a laugh - if this even manages to bring a smile to your face, it would be quite an achievement. It's a shame... Bjorn Gustafsson is, arguably, one Sweden's best comedians.
Even with regard to comedy, it appears, there is some validity in the statement; "garbage in garbage out". This manuscript appears to be based on the notion that "anything" that comes "out of" a great comedian is funny - it is NOT.
One gets the impression that Mr Gustafsson, somehow, was duped into believing that "this is funny" and tha he, for reasons unknown, fell for it. Humor is a perishable commodity. "The ironic generation" was hilarious - but that was then. Attempting to package an inferior copy of it today just leaves a stale taste - and somewhat of a bewilderment with regard to how this managed to reach production.
One can but hope that poor scripting doesn't rub off too much. With the right material Gustafsson is a very apt comedian - one that ought to have many more years of excellence to deliver...
The Enfield Poltergeist (2023)
Pay attention NetFlix, pay attention HBO...
...This is how to make a documentary.
The Enfield Poltergeist, arguably, checks all the required boxes with regard to making a documentary.
There are no bombastic statements to be had here. Instead there is ample research into "a case". There is an eloquently balanced presentation of various facts and hypotheses where "all sides" are allowed to; not only present their views on a series of happenings but explain the rationale behind their conclusions.
For some documentaries the primary objective is to present a conclusion, for some it is to objectively present facts -so as to enable the viewer to form their own opinions.
The Enfield Poltergeist, most definitely falls into the latter - and it makes a stellar job of it. This is most refreshing in a time when documentaries of latter have had a tendency to present hypotheses as facts.
So there you have it, the story is told, the facts presented, now it's your prerogative to draw any conclusion you wish - and also respect anybody who's opinion may differ from yours.
D-Day: The Unheard Tapes (2024)
Way up there...
...amoung the best. A fresh approach to the WWII documentary format. Old audio tapes are "dusted off" and "brushed up" by means of AI technology. The new enhanced audio quality is subsequently brought to life by means of actor's lip syncing the tapes. This is good work, really good. There is an element of force placed on the production, one that comes up trumps. By "being stuck with" the audio recordings they have in their possession - they have to keep the general story along a thin line. This circumstance, alongside some excellent acting, provides some of the deepest character development seen in any WWII documentary. In turn we are rewarded with one of the holy grails of documentary filmmaking - the sense of being there.
This is one of the WWII documentary "must sees" - way more for its depth than its breadth.
Stasi FC (2023)
Excellent weaving...
Using football as a reference point to understand the evil ongoings behind the iron curtain is an excellent approach. Systemic corruption can be "a hard thing to wrap your head around". By looking into the lives of footballers and behind-the-scene ongoings in sports organisations - the systemic oppression of citizens becomes relatively easy to comprehend.
One could argue that "the football aspect" is somewhat light weight and that other groups with other occupations were in a far worse situation, but that may be missing the point. Stasi FC shows the reach and extent of a controlling state - rather than those worst affected.
Stasi FC is also commendably short, it packs a pretty big punch over one episode - thus avoiding the irritating habit of late, the one where most documentaries are stretched out way too far.
Stasi FC is not a "must see" but it does offer a compelling glimpse into times, one wishes were, of the past.
Automobilen: Det Övergivna Skatemonumentet (2024)
Right out of the skate park...
There has been a boom in the documentary format of recent. Sadly, as often with massively increased output, quality has been an issue. Not only has quality suffered but, probably due to pressure from the streaming corporations, "information density". "Stuff" that either should have been scrapped at the drawing board or, at the very least, confined to one brief episode - is stretched way beyond the point of boredom.
Automobilen stands out like an oasis in the current documentary wasteland and hits the documentary sweetspot. It covers a genuinely interesting topic at the required pace.
WHAT is of historical interest and WHO decides what constitutes our cultural heritage? Automobilen argues the "historical value" of an old skate park - and does so very well. It also, subtly, raises the question on a grander scale - the "what and who". And with that comes an itch; is it only the grand and pompous that is protected by default, are those in charge blind to the more subtle parts of our cultural heritage - and if so, is there more stuff we need to champion for their survival?
Automobilen is a tasty morsel, well and truly worth watching.
Peter Mangs - en seriemördares hemlighet (2024)
A growing problem...
There is a trend of recent - one of some bewilderment that; raises some concern for the "documentary format" in general and is, to say the least, irritating.
Apparently it is OK to:
Have some crackpot idea that needs validating. Trying to confirm this theory and when there is no proof that any of it has any validity whatsoever - go ahead and make a documentary anyhow. Not only that but then drag it out over several episodes while leading on that there is some kind of reveal coming up.
There is apparently a "mad man" at work here and, judging by what this documentary presents,it is not obvious who it is. This is a train wreck of a documentary - at least with regard to the topic is supposedly covering. If you, on the off chance, are interested of a glimpse into the mind of its maker, John Mork, you may consider this a treat.
Einstein and the Bomb (2024)
Nonsensical
Virtually nothing to see. This whole production is a paradox. If you know "anything" about Einstein there is nothing to pick up, if you don't - there are far better better offerings with regard to understanding the Great Mind. As other viewers have eloquently stated; it is a mind blowingly poor production - one that, maybe, found it's roots in a board room rather than in a passion for the great man.
The whole escapade can, pretty much be summarised in a couple of sentences...
Einstein presented the physics that, amoung other "things" proved the link between matter and energy. In so doing he facilitated the development of the nuclear bomb. Einstein had mixed feelings with regard to this achievement. His desire to put an end to Nazi-Germany by beating them in the race for nuclear capability won "the internal battle" over his pacifist ideology.
Later in life, especially when it turned out that Germany lost the war "anyhow" and the acquired nuclear capacity was used on a large civilian Japanese population... he felt guilty.
That, in essence, is what is covered In Einstein and the Bomb - and it is done so pretty poorly.
Building the Ultimate (2020)
Avoid
One of the porest documentary series made to date - if indeed it is a documentary. Most likely this is an infomercial in disguise - and if it is, it has most definitely overstepped ALL the criteria of ethical journalism.
It took a while, a couple of episodes, for this reviewer to realise "things were not adding up". There is a "forced amount" of praising the presented companies - that should have been an early warning signal. But that could have been chalked up to simply being poor journalism. Then the "technical data" began to blur, that's a pretty big giveaway for something aspiring to be a documentary. The focusing on how great the company behind a product is - rather than wherein the greatness lies is a bit blatant.
Then came the over-rhetoric and exaggerations. As an example, In the "train episode", we are told that AGV is "the world's fastest means of transport" and that Italian italo is "the world's foremost train" . Note, If you will, the choice of wording - it's deceptive.
Why this particular kind of con artistry isn't banned is baffling - apparently it's ok to not only steal people's time - but also stuff their minds with false information. This is one of the most obvious "don't see". If you have any interest in any of the presented topics you are way off spending time finding something that actually is a documentary covering the subject.
Fiktiv granskning - En grävande historia (2022)
Wow...
"Lost for words" initially appeared to be a suitable description - but that would have been a paradox. Most of us have seen negative reviews, full of vitriol, that seem to have been written in affect or even anger. Never really understood why until Fiktiv Granskning appeared on the silver screen. Then, suddenly, the irrational became rational.
All of those "I wish I could have my time back" suddenly made sense. As did those "this is the worst film I have ever seen". It's ugly, poorly structured, criticism. But this is, on a personal basis, such a time when a film is so bad that; the ability to skilfully structure any form of criticism becomes an overwhelming task. All the "where to begins" become a inaccessible rambling.
So in short; this is, arguably, one of the worst films ever made. The "second star" is based on there not being any malice or, indeed, any harm done... other than the wasted time.
Allt för Sverige (2011)
Feel Good
Without any Swedish ancestry - I still believe Allt for Sverige (AFS) to be television excellence. The format is nothing short of genius. It is a docu-soap that manages to avoid, almost, all the "nastyties" normally associated with the genre. In fact; whereas most docu-soaps focus on raising conflicts between the contestants, AFS is committed to draw out the best in people and only rarely loses its focus on positivity.
Allt for Sverige is centred around patriotism - not nationalism. The definition between the two has becomes blurred of late, so some explanation may be in order: Patriotism is founded on pride of place, pride of where you live. Patriotism does NOT exclude the possibility for others to be equally patriotic about another "culture, town, country or region" - nor does it exclude others from joining in.
So there you have it. AFS is a show that is intended to, not only make Swedes proud of their country but also to, invite others to feel welcome and "at home" in her culture and surroundings. Achieving the objective requires some, pretty blatant, bragging about Sweden as a whole... and that's fine.
A more harsh review may claim that: AFS is a feel good docu-soap that is grossly over-rhetorical. It may firther argue that there are no holds barred in creating the make believe; "everything in Sweden is utopian".
But that would be missing the point. AFS is, like any other show in the format, "rigged for effect". The difference here being that it is not "conflict" it is rigged to create. You are more likely to end up with a warm fuzzy feeling and, maybe, a more positive outlook on the world in general and Sweden in particular - and, surely, that has one up on irritation frustration and anger.
Of course it's a must see. Who doesn't need to see the world from a lighter more positive perspective - even if it is partly a fantasy?
Mapplethorpe (2018)
Painting by Numbers
Maybe, maybe Mapplethorpe was as simple and one dimensional as Timoner would have us believe - but somehow that doesn't feel very probable. If you exclude Script and Direction Mapplethorpe is, arguably good work. But that's a big "if".
The feeling is that; there were so many "musts" to cram in that they inhibited character development and the potential of a complex, yet natural, flow. What we are left with is a cineastic version of "Painting by numbers" - a version with not many nuances on the palette.
The lack of nuance is apparent throughout, ranging from; how Mapplethorpe conceptualised his work and how it was executed, to a rather stereotype visualisation of "what gay people are like" - with plenty of other generalisations in between.
It's a shame, the subject should have a stunning array of complexities to showcase - the relationship with Patti Smith for one. Hopefully someone more "finely tuned" will make a more tantalising attempt at some stage.
Cyborg Society (2023)
Inspiring and daunting.
Probably just about as "spot on" as possible at this stage of the game.
Cyborg Society (CS), as a project, had seemingly many potholes to stumble into - the end result avoided enough of them to become a fascinating documentary. In difference to many before it, CS manages to escape the, dry, Q&A approach. Instead it uses the 59 minute running time to start weaving a fabric representing the emotional ride we are embarking on.
To a large extent; letting Ameca, a bona fide cyborg, be part of the discussion - rather than part of the topic discussed - is instrumental in the; stirring of emotions and generating of opinions. It's crafty weaving. By edging it/her/him, more and more, into the discussion a sense of familiarity starts creeping in and with that come the seeds of empathy... alongside those of fear.
CS may not answer any of "the big questions" associated with AI, but it does have the ability to "fast forward feelings" on the subject. Which of the many aspects that make the most profound impression is likely vary between viewers, but many are likely to feel; one step closer to the topic.
Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones (2023)
Over-wrapping
This is what happens when good intentions get distracted by a large ego. Facts are bundled together after which subjective conclusions are stretched way too far - all while falsely implying "a scientific seal of approval".
It's a shame. If kept on the "rhetorical straight and narrow" - "Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones" - would have presented some interesting hypotheses alongside the possibility to believe there is a viable way forward, "believe" being the operative word. Dan Buettner's use of over-rhetoric throughout, likely, undermines most critical viewers ability to engage in his theories.
NetFlix' initial disclaimer "The following series is designed to entertain and inform - not to provide medical or health advice." is foreboding of what is about to follow. That sentence, pretty much indicates "the issues with this series"; it presents beliefs in a way that deceptively resemble facts. Beliefs are fine, if you want to adhere to them - but that should be by free choice not by implying factuality. If the disclaimer didn't give it away, the introduction provides further hints; "They all follow roughly the exact same formula".
The use of "roughly" and "exactly" as descriptive in the same sentence is fine example of what unfolds as a whole - blurryness. The "trick" that is being pulled is by means of an "old and proven recipe"; put forth a mulitude of facts, draw some uncorroborated conclusion and then wrap them up together, and present them as "sort of scientific".
Dan Buettner appears earnest in his beliefs - his attempts to package said beliefs in "an air of science" less so. He definitely comes across more as a preacher than a scientist. The frequently used over rhetoric doesn't naturally peg him in any part of the scientific community.
It's a shame... the subject being addressed is, arguably, important and the effort put in seemingly great. Much good work (and some bad) is done on a belief basis - it's a shame Buttner doesn't show it for what it is.
David Bowie: Finding Fame (2019)
Documentary Excellence
Arguably one of the best documentaries, on any subject, ever.
Rarely has there been an opportunity to enjoy journalistic work dig so deep and so unbiased. Completely mind blowing. No sensationalism, no flirting with the audience - just pure journalistic excellence. Francis Whateley I commend you; you are a scholar, a gentleman and an extraordinarily rare creature - a true journalist.
David Bowie: Finding Fame delves deep and shows much. It does so and presents, in earnest, what it finds. There is so "seducing the masses", no bias and no pointing of fingers. It is a delicacy of a documentary not only when it comes to documenting David Bowie's early career - but, also, in how any documentary should approach any subjec.
Looking next to the obvious and putting great effort in depicting the subtle truth restores faith in the documentary format.
The Diplomat (2023)
Not a homerun but...
...for the first time, in a long while, NetFlix shows that they have some sort of ability to deliver an "intelligent series" with both engaging qualitiies and complexity.
Sure... The Diplomat opens itsel to the usual barrage of criticism; this is not how diplomacy works and, from there, it is possible to unleash an array of "stuff" that wouldn't be so in the real world. This is, however, fiction and rightfully makes no excuses for using the "fictionally granted" creative license.
The Diplomat IS a skilfully crafted intellectual thriller - slightly reminiscent of watching others play a game of chess. Just as a game of chess doesn't factually correctly depict an actual war, The Diplomat doesn't show us the diplomatic ongoings behind the scenes. But it does show us what some of the mind games may feel like - and that's pretty rewarding.
This is not excellence but it is certainly watch-worthy, especially when considering the meagre supply of intellectually challenging dramas in recent times.
Exhibition On Screen: Pissarro: Father of Impressionism (2022)
The art of documentary filmmaking perfected.
This is a documentary covering art, Impressionism, but by a stroke of genius - it is in itself a work of impressionistic art. By gently "touching" all relevant points around Pissarro - Bickerstaff does exactly what the impressionists did so skilfully; gives away just enough for the viewer to get the impression of the great man. It would be a fair assumption that this is no coincidence.
History is always open to interpretation and some may argue that someone other, than Pissarro, is "The Father of Impressionism" but that has little to no baring on the quality of this work.
Sometimes... you get the feeling that you may have dished out that tenth star a bit too flippantly. Bickerstaff's presentation of Pissarro, and indeed Impressionism as a whole, not only hits the documentary sweet spot, he hits it right out of the park. He creates a sense of loss, a loss of that eleventh star to hand out on rare occasions.
For anyone remotely interested in Impressionism - this is a "must see".
Million Dollar Pigeons (2022)
Oh yes...
Million Dollar Pigeons is not only what it says on the box - it's contents are well blended and cover, just about, every aspect a novice on the subject may require. We are provided; a glimpse into the "sport", the different motivations that drives the various practitioners and behind the scene footage of various profiteers.
On the whole Fitzgerald has hit the documentary sweet spot; in a neat little package he has managed to convey a feeling for what his subject "is all about". If all documentaries were this well structured there would be a lot to learn in a short space of time.
Even the dramaturgy is pretty decent - arguably "anything pigeon" couldn't have been made any more exciting or interesting - especially for someone starting out with no knowledge and little interest in the subject.
True History of the Kelly Gang (2019)
THANKS FOR SCROLLING THIS FAR DOWN THE REVIEW LIST.
Writing reviews on films that already have hundreds written about them is, usually, a pointless and futile endeavour. There is, however, a feeling that, when it comes to The Kelly Gang, a fair amount of confusion with regard to the quality of this work.
The whole point of IMDb is to, or at least is supposed to, be democratic in the sense; everybody has "one say" and everybody has a right to their opinion. The much too commonly used "don't listen to the negative/positive reviews" is not only a paradox, it is also counterproductive and against the whole IMDb concept.
There is however an inherent problem with the, simple, presentation of an average score for a film. Without the knowledge of standard deviation we don't know if "a 6,5" is "a load of fives and sixes" or "a load of ones, twos, nines and tens". This shortcoming becomes particularly obvious when it comes to The Kelly Gang.
The film, obviously and apparently, has stirred up a lot of negative; emotions and opinions - all valid if written in earnest. So for once the, usually presumptuous statement, "you will eather love it or hate it" may come into play here.
So what to recommend? This is arguably absolute top tier moviemaking and quite a few viewers are likely to appreciate it as such. It is apparently, also arguably, offensive rubbish. Being a firm believer of the former and not quite understanding the latter - the recommendation is that this is a "must see".
Not wanting to dish out poor advice, the recommendation will come with a caveat; if you are not happy with what you are seeing after 20 minutes - stop watching - there is no point getting upset over a fictional movie, or even wasting your time. You not only have a right to your opinion - it is appreciated and exactly what IMDb is supposed to convey.
For those of us who enjoy; novel ways of storytelling, a quirky approach, risk taking and pushing the envelope - Justin Kurzel's work is a rare treat, so rare that is borderline excellence.
Uppdrag granskning (2001)
Sweet and Sour
Rating 1-10 depending on episode.
Swedish, public service, investigative series.
Much of the work is, doubtlessly, extraordinarily fine journalism. But, and it's a big but, at times Uppdrag Granskning veers far from excellence, deep into the taboos of journalism - primarily the one of having a preconception of where the investigation is going to lead. At times it also misses to focus on core issues and delves way to deep into micro analysis and populistic rhetoric.
At its peaks Uppdrag Granskning, arguably, provides Pulitzer worthy material, at its troughs it wouldn't pass one of its own, better, investigations. In so behaving it requires; objective scrutiny from the viewer that itself should, at all times, be providing.
It is a must watch - but it is a must watch critically.