Sidney

For those of us who have admired Sidney Poitier for decades, this reverential 2022 documentary will satisfy the desire for a respectful tribute to a genuinely impressive man who left a lasting legacy. Directed by Reginald Hudlin and produced by Oprah Winfrey (who is truly overwhelmed by her subject), the film benefits from Poitier's first-person narrative recorded some time before his death earlier this year. His recounting of his impoverished childhood in the Bahamas and Florida is moving. Then the parade of his classic films follows with the focus on aspects and themes that are quite familiar to us by now. The interviews with his children and especially his first wife Juanita are particularly revelatory. Their words resonate in bringing him to life with minimal blemishes.

First off, this is quite a good documentary. Not the greatest, but pretty good. A couple of complaints though. First off, there was too much Oprah Winfrey. I get that she was a producer, but she got too much screen time. Secondly, its pronounced pwa-tee-ay, not portier. If you are a lifelong fan of the great man, at least learn to pronounce his name, please.

Finally, why no mention of The Wilby Conspiracy? This is one of Sidney Poitier's best movies, and right up there with In The Heat of the Night in terms of righteousness. He and Michael Caine had great chemistry and it was sad that this excellent performance was overlooked.

This documentary on Sidney Poitier is an absolute must-watch.

He is near the top amongst my favorite actors and, for that matter, people; his book The Measure of a Man is required reading, because he reveals an extraordinary perspective on countless subjects gleaned from his life time of experiences.

This documentary is jam-packed with appearances and testimonials from Mr. Poitier inspired and associated with: his family, co-stars, friends, and various luminaries.

They all pour forth, with no small amount of affection, great love, and eloquence.

All of the accolades and encomiums fully deserving.

It is a fitting tribute to one of the greatest, most trail-blazing figures of our time.

What a man. What a heart. What a history.

Sidney Poitier was THE FIRST black man to explore many new grounds that no black man had walked before him. THAT simple fact catapulted Poitier into the spotlight of millions of black and white people during the sixties.

This exquisitedly made documentary (produced by long time friend and admirer Oprah Winfrey) focusses primarily on the roaring sixties, when alongside the rise of the civil movement his star rose to great heights on the silver screen.

The one thing that was most astounding to me though, was the story of his early childhood. He grew up without knowing what electricity or running water was. Without ever having seen a mirror. Coming to America was a tsunami of impressions, which forever molded his beliefs and goals in life. And he did all that in honor of his mother and father.

This is not some sentimental tearjerker story, no way, the guy really (and I mean really) HONORED his mother and father. As the youngest of the family he watched every move his parents made and how they interacted with others. His parents were his filmschool for life...

Highly recommended for any Sidney Poitier fan!

It is a nonstop, goosebump ride through the history of America and Sidney Poitier was the ever gentleman like and benevolent messenger, who all showed us what dignity and respect was. Besides being a marvellous actor!

I gave this film a 10 not just because Sidney Poitier was such a powerful light in his life, but because of the wonderful storytelling of his life. I found myself smiling for most of the duration of the film. The images and commentary from the people who knew him best are extraordinary. The addition of some private home movies is an added plus. The film is an honorable memorial for an honorable man. Not sure this world will produce another like him. Thank you for telling his phenomenal story. We did not forget about him. I am inspired by his life and the film brought back memories of my childhood movie going experiences and how they made me fee. Awesome job.