Sidney

Follows the life and achievements of Poitier, from growing up in The Bahamas without water or power, through his move to the States, where he finds his colour presents disadvantages and dangers. It then moves to his early acting career through theatre and onto film, particularly in the fifties and sixties and then to a time directing and his wider importance and influence in the World.

Three things stick out in this well made, linear birth to death documentary. Firstly, it serves as a reminder of how appallingly people of colour were treated in the forties and fifties in the US and how much had to be endured and indeed how much danger Poitier was frequently in. This section provides perhaps the most personal elements, with Poitier speaking direct to camera, really quite movingly. Secondly, how much of a man of principles he was, only taking films and adjusting some scenes, that reflect the principles his parents had taught him - although in fairness, and well done to the makers for including it, it does highlight his playing away from home with Diahann Carroll. Finally and most importantly, as evidenced by the esteem he is clearly held in by a top list of celebrity talking heads here, he clearly is regarded with genuine awe by so many for what he has done for civil rights in film and more widely. Well worth catching - a nice guy.

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.

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!

A documentary about the life of actor and director of theater and cinema Sidney Poitier.

The film captures every event from the actor's biography, starting from how he was born in the Bahamas in 1927 and ending with what influence he left behind for most people.

His films had a tremendous impact because they destroyed the barriers between blacks and whites, as well as gave a new breath to the black population, which later resulted in Blaxploitation, where Sidney himself no longer had much fame, but as the ancestor was a big figure.

In addition to his illustrious career in cinema, with the help of which he got into the first ranks of American bohemia, Sidney also conducted political activities defending the rights of blacks in North America.

And, of course, the film does not bypass the off-screen life of the actor, revealing him from the unpleasant side, unfortunately not as much as we would like.

And everything is backed up by comments from leading figures in the media industry from Oprah to Spike Lee, including Sidney himself, who was filmed for the film, although it is clear that he plays a role in talking about himself.

"Sidney" (2022) is a very solid documentary covering the life of the Black Bahamian/American actor, director, politician, and father-figure, Sidney Poitier. The film serves as a great introduction to the legendary figure.

Presented as a typical biographical documentary. This film covers Poitier's life and legacy through interviews from his early career up to his final years. Poitier's personal intentions and beliefs are more thoroughly explained by him and popular culture figures like Oprah Winfrey (who is a producer for this film).

The documentary is not groundbreaking by any means and can seem a little dull despite covering the life of one of the most important and interesting cultural figures in history.

In truth, the life of Sir Sidney Poitier deserves a more in-depth look with a docuseries, but this film remains a very good introduction to his life. Poitier's legacy as a Black actor, leader, and father-figure broke down color-barriers and paved the way for all persons of color to break free from type-cast roles and pursue their own artistic control.

Watch this film even if you have never seen one of Poitier's films as you will still be greatly inspired by this legendary figure.