Most people know the lasting legacy of Harry Belafonte, the entertainer. This film unearths his significant contribution to and his leadership in the civil rights movement in America and to social justice globally.
This timely and thorough account of the extraordinary life of Harry Belafonte finds so much in its subject that it almost suffers by an over-abundance of material.
No wonder that Susanne Rostock’s film proves an inspiring watch, even if it does rather gloss over how his wives and children fit into the picture.
There's so much more to Belafonte than the Banana Boat Song and Rostock does a fine job revealing it in a fitting celebration of a mighty talent. Altogether now: "Day, me say day-ay-ay-o..."
The man's good works are plain to see, but his personality remains an enigma.
This is a fascinating portrait of a man who has always had the courage of his convictions.
This is a fascinating but very lop-sided film that largely skims over its subject's private life.
If, like me, you've always dismissed Harry Belafonte as a syrupy calypso crooner, this humbling documentary will come as a revelation.
Excellent.
A rewarding watch and an inspirational, informative history lesson which begins more strongly than it ends.
There are some despicable stories of discrimination here, but also inspiring ones of how something as simple as taking a dip in a segregated hotel pool helped break down barriers. But while such things help bring his story alive, the film could have benefitted from some personal insights into the toll this took on him and his family.
The early civil rights period can't help but be more fascinating than others, but Belafonte isn't giving up the fight against injustice just yet.
Edinburgh Filmhouse, Edinburgh from Friday June 8, 2012, until Thursday June 14, 2012. More info: www.filmhousecinema.com
Dundee Contemporary Arts, Dundee from Friday June 15, 2012, until Thursday June 21, 2012. More info: www.dca.org.uk
Glasgow Film Theatre, Glasgow from Tuesday June 26, 2012, until Thursday June 28, 2012. More info: http://www.glasgowfilm.org/theatre/
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