Review of Searching for Sugar Man (2012) by Adam S — 23 Aug 2014
"Searching for Sugar Man" really is a special documentary. It's rare that a documentary can so drastically change the lives of so many people, but this Oscar winner has done exactly that.
In the early 70's, Rodriguez was just another of those names that tried for rock star status, didn't make it, and got on with trying to make a living. But in apartheid ravaged South Africa, where there was no contact with the outside world, Rodriguez became the voice of a generation. His album, "Cold Facts", was notably compared in this film to The Beatles' "Abbey Road" and Simon and Garfunkel's "Bridge Over Troubled Water", and he was an integral part of the eventual fall of the infamous regime. In this film, two fans set out to try and find what happened to their hero. Is he alive? Why did he only make 2 albums?
It's a truly gripping film, with Craig Bartholomew and Stephen "Sugar" Segerman acting as perfect chaperones into the world of Rodriguez fandom, and the man himself appearing and sharing his own paths. It's a truly remarkable feat of filmmaking that needs to be seen to be believed.
A perfect documentary.
This review of Searching for Sugar Man (2012) was written by Adam S on 23 Aug 2014.
Searching for Sugar Man has generally received very positive reviews.
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