Review of Amy (2015) by Spencer S — 29 Jul 2015

The Life of Amy Winehouse is equivalent to a tragedy, a long winded rise to fame and prosperity and the crumbling empire of physical and mental stability. Amy Winehouse died far too young, there's no disputing that, but the way it went down leads to a heartwrenching exploration into personal flaws, the destructive force of the media and fame, the lack of proper parenting, and the horrors of drugs, alcohol, and bad relationships ring strong throughout Amy's life and her eventual tragic death.

Whether or not you knew Winehouse in detail or only in name, Amy is Asif Kapadia's tribute as well as study of Winehouse as a human being, while there is glory there is also flaws, there is a good side to every bad side, those who may argue on whether or not Winehouse is portrayed to positively or negatively may remain but the film deserves more credit than those who dismiss it, it shows Winehouse for who she was with the limited resources it has, through interviews, video, pictures, and phone calls, the film has done it's best to paint Amy Winehouse for who she was, and it makes it all the more tragic for her suffering and eventual defeat at the hands of alcohol.

Amy doesn't shy away from the ugly truth but it doesn't judge for who Winehouse was or her actions but gives to us a clear portrait of the young star, her artistry, her talent, and her mistakes and turmoils; in the end, by showing us humanity, Amy has triumphed.