Review of Life Itself (2014) by Louise D — 22 Oct 2016

SPECIAL 1000TH FLIXSTER REVIEW!

I would like to begin this review with a story. Back when I was discovering my passion for movies early in high school, I remember exploring many reviewers and film critics and coming across Roger Ebert's reviews. The way he wrote about movies instantly spoke to me. He was honest about his opinion and didn't care if everyone else hated or loved the film he was reviewing. He was also big on considering the audience when reviewing a film which many critics might forget to do. I fell in love with every review I read written by him, whether I agreed or not. He was truly an inspiration. Then one day he passed away, and I remember it like it was yesterday. It was April 4, 2013. I was being inducted into the National Honor Society in my high school, so I should have been excited, but hours before the ceremony, I discovered someone who had inspired me and taught me so much was gone. It was a tough day for me but after viewing this film, I'm glad he didn't have to suffer any longer.

No onto what I thought about this film. This is a masterful documentary. It is deeply moving and truly a celebration of Ebert's life. I might be biased since I am so fascinated by him and his passion for film. It's emotionally draining at times, but it shows him as a man who always looked on the bright side of things. It touched me that someone in his condition who couldn't even physically speak anymore fought hard to keep pursuing what he loved, watching and writing about films. If you are passionate about movies, or film criticism, you have to see this movie. It's one that will break your heart but will also make you feel a kind of hope you don't feel often. Roger Ebert might have been the biggest influence I've had in my life, and this movie just solidified that for me. A great film about an incredible individual, the best documentary I've seen so far.