Searching for Sugar Man

Score: 8/10

Recommendation: A must see, if you can find it.

Summary: A great documentary about a lost music icon.

Review: Sixto Rodriguez was a folksinger during the 1970s. His music wasn't very successful, but it was very well received and impactful. However, when his music made it to South Africa it was given new life. Becoming a symbol of the youth, Rodriguez's music would influence many people and even the political structure of South Africa. When a few fans heard varying rumors about his suicide they begin a search for the truth, only to find that their musical hero is indeed alive and well. What follows is how a forgotten musician is given a second chance at fame, in a country he's never been to.

    For a documentary this film was very narrative, meaning at times it was more like a regular movie. There are times when an interview has ended and the background music kicks in, only for it to become a music video of sorts. This documentary honestly felt less like a bunch of information being shoveled down my throat and more like I was watching a story unfold right before my eyes. There are many long and gorgeous shots of the South African coastlines and the cityscapes of Detroit. The documentary even had animated segments that served as scene transitions.

    It wasn't very clear as to what the film's director was trying to convey in terms of the theme, but you could easily tell that this subject was important to them. They clearly did their research and the choice of people they choose to interview demonstrated their dedication to telling this story. If I had to assign a theme to this documentary, I'd say it has more of a mystery feel. I say this because of how information is presented, a lot of it has a "cliffhanger" sense of presentation. It works very well with this film.

    Overall, this documentary was fantastic. It starts off a little slow, but if you give it time then it becomes a movie that you just can't bring yourself to stop. I highly recommend that you see it.



Spencer Brook