New & Oscar-Nominated Documentaries To Watch Now
BROOKLYN CASTLE triumphs as an underdog tale of unlikely chess masters -- kids from Brooklyn's immigrant or impoverished homes -- who consistently hold their place as the best junior high chess team in the nation. Guiding them in chess strategy and competition skills are team coach Elizabeth Vicary, a chess master herself, and John Galvin, the junior high's vice-principal who scrambles for every penny the team gets to compete nationally. The film follows the challenges faced by the five competitors in their family lives as well as in the championship matches, telling an emotional story about how these kids' aspirations have been lifted beyond the poverty line through the mental rigors of chess and the dedicated encouragement of adults.
We also have two additional noteworthy documentaries, each nominated for an Academy Award (the Oscars will be held in less than two weeks, on February 24). SEARCHING FOR SUGAR MAN is an uplifting film about the 1970s folk singer Rodriguez, whose music became the heartbeat of South Africa's anti-apartheid and progressive student movements. But Rodriguez seemed to have disappeared from the face of the earth, and this film solves the mystery of what and how that happened. The film has rekindled international acclaim for this unassuming musician -- we're happy to be hearing his songs on our local public radio station and offering this fantastic film in our stores. (Also, see our article on "must-see" music documentaries.)
THE INVISIBLE WAR is also up for an Oscar on the 24th and an Indie Spirit Award on February 23, the only film documentary to span these two major awards ceremonies. Oscar-winning director Kirby Dick has made a powerful film about sexual abuse in the military and issues of justice, service to one's nation, and the power to cover up an appalling record of rape. It's investigative documentary filmmaking at its best, for the film that prompted former Defense Secretary Leon Panetta to announce reforms before he left office. Kirby Dick has said, "this movie was made to change policy," but he adds that military investigations must still be taken out of the chain of command. February 14, 2013, is 1 Billion Rising Day, a nationwide day of action protesting violence against women, and this is one important film that just might get you off the couch and dancing in protest along with others this coming Thursday.
The Rotten Tomatoes score, a compilation of reviews of professional film critics, for THE INVISIBLE WAR is 100%, 96% for SEARCHING FOR SUGAR MAN, and 98% for BROOKLYN CASTLE. Where else can you be assured that your $3.99 is going to enlighten, entertain, or astound you? Don't wait for the Oscars; cast your own vote now by choosing one of these powerful documentaries.
