Searching for Sugar ManMovie Reviews

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Written August 24, 2012
Searching for Sugar Man

by gavinjonas

Wonderful, moving story of Rodriguez and his impact on South Africa during the 70's. Loved the movie, the story, the glimpses into an apartheid era South Africa.
Highly Recommend.
- 8 out of 9 found this review helpful.
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Written August 14, 2012
Mystery of Sugarman Solved

by dougcolombo

This is an amazing documentary about a 70's artist that myself, America and most of the world have never heard of, but was and still is a huge hit in South Africa. Although the foundation of the story revolves around two men from different parts of the globe searching for information on a lost Rock and Roll artist, It ultimately is a story of resilience, resistance and a tale about how one person can have an affect on millions of people without ever knowing it. It is not necessary for me to explain anything beyond that, I'd like for you to see it and discover it for yourself, but "Searching for Sugar Man" the nickname of one of the people searching for him, and coincidentally also a song by the artist is a must see movie and a front runner for the documentary of the year come Oscar time. Please see it and thank me after you do.
- 12 out of 18 found this review helpful.
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Written September 16, 2012
You've Got to See Sugarman!

by lindademars

This documentary is amazing. Little bit mystery, little bit travelogue, little bit history...LOTS of great music and a story about how we can inspire people that we don't know about and have never seen. Your mind won't wander for even a minute, and you'll add some new tunes to your IPod when you get home...
- 9 out of 12 found this review helpful.
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Written October 7, 2012
A Profound Story.

by Show Me Move Me Change Me

This was the most profound and mesmerizing film we've seen in decades. We were humbled by the revelations of our connection to each other, even others we've never met, thousands of miles away and to the need to wait and pay attention to the day before us and have faith for how or lives will unfold. I agree with this review from the Chicago Papers:

The information they eventually dislodge about Rodriguez suggests a secular saint, a deeply good man, whose music is the expression of a blessed inner being. I hope you're able to see this film. You deserve to. And yes, it exists because we need for it to.
- 5 out of 5 found this review helpful.
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Written August 26, 2012
Best movie in years!

by rkolotkin

Don't miss this one. It is moving, uplifting and inspirational! A real winner.
- 6 out of 7 found this review helpful.
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Written August 15, 2012
A MUST FOR ALL WHO LOVE MUSIC AND A PORTRAIT OF A REAL, HONEST, ADULT FAIRY TALE. UPLIFTING!!!

by Peneflix

This remarkable, magical documentary featuring a musician/composer who unbeknownst to him nurtured a revolution...

Director Malik Bendjelloul discovers "Rodriguez" (album "Cold Fact") at a Cape Town record shop, "Mabu Vinyl"; hence the glorious resurrection commences. "Searching for Sugar Man" is an exceptionally compelling film with dynamic contracts; the brutal, unrelenting, unforgiving winters of Detroit, bifurcated by the luxurious, lush landscape of balmy Cape Town; loneliness of a man treading gloveless, through snow- entrenched streets, a guitar his solitary companion, versus the monumental idolatry of South African audiences; touching, insightful commentaries by his friends and daughters, contrasting with astonishment, worship of young, idealistic fans...

***For full review visit peneflix (dot) com!!!
- 11 out of 17 found this review helpful.
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Written October 26, 2012
Searching For Sugar Man

by BARUCH12

Excellent Documentary. Although this music is not of my generation, I enjoyed it very much. Actually never really knew of Rodriguez until last couple of months. Should go see it.
- 5 out of 5 found this review helpful.
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Must Go!
Written August 31, 2012
SEARCHING FOR SUGAR MAN

by rwnyc7711

One word: TRANSFORMATIVE! Funny, that word repeatedly came to mind as I watched this incredible docu-story of an extraordinary artist: Rodriquez. This selfless, humble artist SHINES, being Rodriquez. It takes a truly special individual to accept family responsibility over material success. He was grateful for the amazing recognition and welcome that he received in South Africa, but ever so humbly. Not an ounce of resentment or scorn toward those that may or may not have reaped the rewards of his truly blessed talents. Life is reality (fairly close to the words he actually used in the movie) and he just had to support his family in the only way he knew how (physical labor) when his music failed to produce the rewards and recognition that he so justly deserved. This is a "Run, don't walk to see this" movie.

One can only hope that through this movie and the release of his CD , this humble, selfless man can accomplish whatever he desires for him and his beautiful family.
- 7 out of 9 found this review helpful.
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Written December 16, 2012
Very interesting

by lizard in Arlington

I knew nothing about this movie before I went to see it. My mother-in-law said she had read about it in the NY Times and that it had great reviews, so my husband and I decided to go and see it in Shirlington. I was really amazed by the story and found it to be very sad and happy at the same time. It was such an interesting story about this man who I knew nothing about. I would definitely recommend to go and see this film.
- 5 out of 5 found this review helpful.
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Written September 21, 2012
A Must See Film!

by curlygirlmirl

"just saw an unbelievable documentary called "Searching For Sugar Man". It's about an amazing 60s musician named Rodriquez. Buy his music!" - Jonah Hill
***searchingforsugarman.com
- 5 out of 5 found this review helpful.
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Must Go!
Written September 18, 2012
Incredibly uplifting

by fredslink

Best documentary I've seen. The story is too incredible to create!! Here's the hope that people that are truly deserving of having their talents heard eventually have them heard!! Hard to find a theater showing the movie, but take a trip and take the family to this one!!
- 5 out of 5 found this review helpful.
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Must Go!
Written October 21, 2012
What a great movie

by All gold

What a great story. I wish I knew about Rodriguez earlier, after his first tour in South Africa, I could have been enjoying his music earlier. Great film. Go see it.
- 4 out of 4 found this review helpful.
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Written December 27, 2012
Searching for a wider release

by everyweek60706

This is the one on 60 Minutes. It was at the Chicago Film Festival. It's at Gene Siskel Friday at 8pm. Other than that who knows? There was a three PM showing Sunday, no trouble getting in. It's very much a documentary. That gets old at times, but the music is great and the story rousing. The oldest daughter Eva steals the show every time she's interviewed. I ended up buying both albums (not hard to find now!), just google Sixto. Admittedly I don't exactly follow South African politics, but I don't understand how this guy is all but given credit for ending apartheid. His late nineties concerts seem to be attended soley by the fairest, if you see what I mean. By the way, after two weeks of receiving the two albums I'm still playing Cold Fact in my car every day, every time I go anywhere. The fact Rodriguez spent nearly thirty years doing day labor after putting out an album better than those of Springsteen, Dylan, or the Stones, just to name a few multimillionaires...
- 4 out of 4 found this review helpful.
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Must Go!
Written August 6, 2012
Searching for Sugar Man

by sandyErivers

Late 60's Detroit...apartheid in South Africa...Johannesburg's underground music...a music industry today that is no different than 40, 30, 20 years ago....a man who disappears...not just any man - a man who writes beautiful lyrics...a man who understands and feels emotion, personal and for the times...back then and even more so...today. The "sound" of his legacy that carried through the years is inspirin...and humbling.

This is a documentary of two men who are relentless in finding this beautiful musician and their quest is rewarding, inspiring, and for the rest of us...humbling. It is a gift.

SEE IT!
- 9 out of 14 found this review helpful.
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So-so
Written May 9, 2013
Expected so much-- naturally disappointed

by HenryOrient

A couple of flaws really turned me off to this flick. Much was made of SRod's death in the beginning of this movie. Then, we learn he is actually alive and there's not one word about his "suicide," or "death." These are not events given to interpretation--either the man is dead or he is not, especially when he supposedly shot himself on stage for everyone to "see." Then only toward the end of the movie is there some glossing over the 'suicide." Where are the explanations? More importantly, there is no delving into why SRod is this cult hero. Many singers bellow out catchy lyrics, or contagious tunes and never become stars, much less cult figures. We never understand why SRod is so big in South Africa and nowhere else. As a piece of expository film making, ie elementary documentary, it is good, but there is no satisfying analysis or investigation into the mystery that has just been presented.
- 4 out of 4 found this review helpful.
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ladykatieb I've watched Searching for Sugar Man twice this week.

8 hours ago.

aggerj Watched two amazing documentaries this weekend: Searching for Sugar Man and Queen of Versailles.

8 hours ago.

pygy80 Watched #searchingforsugarman the other day....unreal and a must watch. #recommended

10 hours ago.

TamehMayu Just watched "Searching for sugar man".What an unbelievable story of one of the greatest artists of our generation.Sixto Rodriguez lives on!

19 hours ago.