Review of Searching for Sugar Man (2012) by Thomas W — 29 Dec 2012

Seaching for Sugar Man is a (f-word expletive) fantastic documentary about a legendary 70's singer-songwriter who only learned of his "legendary/iconic" status nearly three decades after-the-fact.

Sixto Rodriguez (his stage name was Rodriguez) played the bar scene in Detroit in the early 1970's when his soulful voice and experienced, genuine and heartfelt lyrics won the attention of some record producers who allowed him to produce two different albums which both resulted in horrible sales.

As his chance at fame passed him by, little did he know -- well, he actually knew NOTHING about this -- his boot-legged recordings helped inspire a revolution of young Afrikaners and native Africans to rebel against apartheid in a racially-charged South Africa.

His discovery of the fact nearly 30 years later is the story of Sugar Man ... as two music enthusiasts in South Africa (circa the mid 1990's) made it their life's mission to find out whatever happened to the iconic Rodriguez (who is bigger than Elvis in South Africa).

Rumors of his grisly death propelled the two to discover the truth of what happened to the iconic singer, and their discovery of a very alive and well Detroit construction worker (who used to sing) ended up being more than they ever expected.

Searching for Sugar Man is a documentary about a fascinating human being as Rodriguez is a musician -- as he proves to many South African audiences -- but he is first-and-foremost a human being looking out for those around him.

I loved this documentary and was moved to tears a few times because of the simple, innate goodness found in this soul. His lyrics are powerful and moving ... and reflect a hard-lived life of one who observes, loves and cherishes.

What an excellent film ... it is a shame that Sugar Man is again going unnoticed.