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From Amazon.co.uk
Rodriguez, outside of a circle of pre-existing fans, might not be the most famous musician on the planet. But he makes a fascinating subject for the documentary Searching For Sugar Man. Put together in part by the producer of the excellent Man On Wire, Searching For Sugar Man centres around a flop album released by Rodriguez, which went on to build an audience over the decades that followed. But what happened to Rodriguez himself? That’s where the film comes in, and it’s an engaging tale it has to tell.
It’s a terrific documentary, this. Touching, mysterious and centred on a genuinely intriguing subject matter, there’s a lot to grab your interest here. After all, is Rodriguez a myth, the film asks? If not, is he aware of the impact his music has had? The film plays its cards very close to its chest, and is all the better for it.
There’s material beyond the film to be found on the disc, and it digs deeper in the story as part and parcel of that. So you get an interesting commentary track, as well as a making of piece as well. It supplements the main feature extremely well, too, and makes Searching For Sugar Man a surprising and very worthwhile purchase. Especially, ironically, if you’ve never heard of Rodriguez before. --Jon Foster
Product Description
The Academy Award-winning producer of Man on Wire unveils the incredible and moving story of Rodriguez, a ‘70s U.S. rock icon who never was.
In the late ‘60s, a musician was discovered in a Detroit bar by two celebrated producers who were struck by his soulful melodies and prophetic lyrics. They recorded an album that they believed was going to secure his reputation as one of the greatest recording artists of his generation. Despite overwhelming critical acclaim, the album bombed and the singer disappeared into obscurity amid rumors of a gruesome on-stage suicide. But a bootleg recording found its way into apartheid South Africa and, over the next two decades, it became a phenomenon. Two South African fans then set out to find out what really happened to their hero. Their investigation led them to a story more extraordinary than any of the existing myths about the artist known as Rodriguez. This is a film about hope, inspiration and the resonating power of music.
Bonus Features
In the late ‘60s, a musician was discovered in a Detroit bar by two celebrated producers who were struck by his soulful melodies and prophetic lyrics. They recorded an album that they believed was going to secure his reputation as one of the greatest recording artists of his generation. Despite overwhelming critical acclaim, the album bombed and the singer disappeared into obscurity amid rumors of a gruesome on-stage suicide. But a bootleg recording found its way into apartheid South Africa and, over the next two decades, it became a phenomenon. Two South African fans then set out to find out what really happened to their hero. Their investigation led them to a story more extraordinary than any of the existing myths about the artist known as Rodriguez. This is a film about hope, inspiration and the resonating power of music.
Bonus Features
- Making Of
- Commentary with Director Malik Bendjelloul and Sixto Rodriguez
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
46 of 46 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
I have just pre-ordered this DVD because it made such a profound impact on me when I saw it on the big screen at the Tyneside Cinema.
It is a brilliant film. I already liked his music but I came away in awe of the man. He is everything the average, dumb-head pop star isn't. He's talented, inconspicuous and meek and a very kind, gentle human being. One of the things that almost moved me to tears was the bit in the film where his daughter says the money he latterly earned from his success he gave away to the poor of Detroit. Brilliant! I hope I would do that in the same situation!
It's a film filled with drama and emotion, telling a story chronologically and with powerful imagery from Detroit and Cape Town backed up by spine-tingling music from the man himself.
If you don't enjoy and even love this film I will be frankly amazed. He is playing at the Sage Newcastle on 24th Nov - I CAN'T WAIT!!!!!!!
It is a brilliant film. I already liked his music but I came away in awe of the man. He is everything the average, dumb-head pop star isn't. He's talented, inconspicuous and meek and a very kind, gentle human being. One of the things that almost moved me to tears was the bit in the film where his daughter says the money he latterly earned from his success he gave away to the poor of Detroit. Brilliant! I hope I would do that in the same situation!
It's a film filled with drama and emotion, telling a story chronologically and with powerful imagery from Detroit and Cape Town backed up by spine-tingling music from the man himself.
If you don't enjoy and even love this film I will be frankly amazed. He is playing at the Sage Newcastle on 24th Nov - I CAN'T WAIT!!!!!!!
30 of 31 people found the following review helpful
By shawnf
Format:DVD
I am South African and I loved this film. A trip down memory lane like no other. Every song brought back memories of the times we lived in, how we wished to change the landscape we found ourselves in. To actually find about the man who made us question our government, our religion, our parents - was simple marvellous. To discover more about how he lived his own values. To meet his family, to be reminded of ones own family. I really hope he tours again. To see him in the flesh like the lucky few who have would be a highlight of my life. A true inspiration.
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
By David Lusher
TOP 1000 REVIEWER
Format:DVD
This beautifully made documentary is, like the story of Rodriguez, irresistible. How a musician, long forgotten in his own country, can be a superstar in another without him being aware of this is a screenwriter's dream. I suppose the story seems even more fantastic in our modern hot-news, hooked-up, internet-driven world. This is an absorbing film about a modest man whose music was played, recorded and released in the US in the early 1970s. His records 'Cold Fact' and 'Coming From Reality' did nothing and he quietly faded into obscurity. Meanwhile, in South Africa, his music quietly and steadily gained cult status. No-one knew anything about the musician until a journalist started digging. What he found was extraordinary and this film tells the story. Highly recommended. The albums are superb too.
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4.8 out of 5 stars
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
I can't believe it!
I am utterly amazed no-one had heard of him. He was so much part of my youth in Australia in 1979.
Its such a trip down memory lane.
Its such a trip down memory lane.
Published 5 hours ago by Looking for great things
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great story
Great story, good film about this musician. If you love music, well worth a watch!! You will love the music
Published 1 day ago by Spanny granny
5.0 out of 5 stars
Everyone should watch this
This is the most brilliant film. I have already seen it twice and would watch it again! The story is amazing, all the more so because it is true. Read more
Published 5 days ago by elizabeth p
5.0 out of 5 stars
Amazing Story
An incredible story, about an incredible man, filmed and produced by a man entranced with his talents, to produce a film worthy of every award and a soundtrack that will have you... Read more
Published 10 days ago by JaneyB
5.0 out of 5 stars
Gem of a movie - of a lost "star" - singer song writer
I loved this movie. It tells the story of Rodriguez. A talented singer song writer who clearly has issues. Read more
Published 13 days ago by U.S. in UK
5.0 out of 5 stars
A brilliant film
Amazing story, but true. An excellent dvd which i highly recommend. It won an oscar for best documentary, and is probably better than many major films.
Published 17 days ago by Lez
5.0 out of 5 stars
Buy it!
You may not understand the hype if you did not grow up in South Africa where Rodriguez has always been popular, but this is a wonderful true story and the awards are deserved.
Published 21 days ago by Karl Kroger
5.0 out of 5 stars
love this DVD
I loved this dvd. I didn't realise the story of sugarman, had the music when i was young and always presumed he was famous. I recommend this to everyone!
Published 22 days ago by sr
4.0 out of 5 stars
Really great
Liked the movie a lot, but really loved the music - its fantastic, and the story is really interesting, can't belive that Rodriguez didnt become famous all around the world, he is... Read more
Published 23 days ago by Dorthe
5.0 out of 5 stars
I found what I was looking for ...!
Very speedy service ...product as described ....Searching For Sugar Man [DVD] and anxious me = one very happy customer !!
Published 23 days ago by Uwe Ebersbach
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