10/10 - I wonder...
Two men try to track down what happened to their favorite 1970's recording artist. It's a simple premise, but this story retells the events that span over 30 years or so. The artist in question, Sixto Rodriguez, released two albums to little fanfare in the United States. In fact, other than the album's producers it seems like no one has heard of him. Those who had heard of him, really believed in him and yet he was a commercial failure. Through bootlegging and anti-establishment protests, Rodriguez's two album's became quite prolific in South Africa in the 90's. He became a music icon in that part of the world, and the mystery of who he was bloomed from this unexpected popularity.If you intended to watch this film, which I highly recommend, then do yourself the favor of not researching Rodriguez or anything about this movie before watching it. This is a movie best watched blind. It's an experience of learning about this artist and digging into his background with those who make the doc.
Everyone should see Searching for Sugar Man. It has this remarkable universal appeal, because it tells the story of a man who had nothing besides his great passion. Rodriguez was a sort of vagabond. He performed from club to club, often turning his back to the audience. Fans who recognized that passion kept his music alive in this far away police state, where his albums sat with other iconic artists. It's a story that shouldn't be real, it should be preposterous. This journey of discovery is something with so much universal appeal, I think anyone who offers their time to this film will be satisfied.
Without fail, the film is engulfed by the very music that inspired it. I found it easy to see what others saw in his music. There is a familiar warmth, emotion, and ease to his music. I also have a great appreciation for a documentary like this that illuminates beautiful visuals. It can be difficult to break the mold of sit down interviews and archival footage, but Searching for Sugar Man strives to be visually inspiring. The combination of those two elements, the sounds of Rodriguez and the sights of South Africa, give this movie a unique texture that's quite memorable.The documentary shares both a beautiful people story, and the fascinating experience of discovery. It's quite touching because it really is a remarkable story. These are the kinds of stories that reach out and remind us that individuals are capable far beyond the reach we assign to them. I feel like this is the kind of story that audiences need to have, not just to enjoy, but to fill their souls.
IMDb - Searching for Sugar Man (8.2)
Wikipedia - Searching for Sugar Man
Rotten Tomatoes - Searching for Sugar Man (95%)
Amazon.ca - Searching for Sugarman
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