Iris

When I saw IRIS for the first time, the advertisement of Zenni Optical.

She has been so energized and creative. I am already a big fan of her now.

She is so straight up and honest in her life and dedicated to her husband all her life.

Her husband said, "it's not dull marriage. Nobody knows what she does at the end. " It's so cool. And he said that he met her for the first time, he felt fate. "Something about her," he said.

And they don't have kids and never wanted so I felt the same way. I've watched this movie twice already.

Forget "The Devil Wears Prada" and "September Issue", this is the story of a woman that lives fully and artfully. She is in tune and educated on trends in fashion, art and the history that stimulates and influences them. Her manner of presenting herself to the world is a celebration of being alive and living in the world for all it's worth. See it, get some tips, ideas and encouragement on emancipating yourself and living to your fullest!

One of the best lines, "I don't like pretty" "Pretty is boring" She goes on to explain that when you're not "Pretty", you must learn something to be able to take care of yourself in life. Also, Iris thinks cosmetic surgery to look younger is ridiculous and can't be bothered, she dignifies aging in women and doesn't apologize for herself. She isn't critical in the Donald Trump "Apprentice" sense, she shares her knowledge and encourages young people to really study and go for what they're interested in. She is Brilliant!

Zen...The Power of Now...Engaged....Enlightened Thank you SUNZNC for the narrative, that does in fact, provide what I sense is exactly the point of the movie. No, I haven't seen it yet, still in my queue. I say that because it's obvious to me that your succinct summation of what the film communicates about Iris.

However, context or maybe bettered described as your perspective based on your personal lens.

Maybe because it's the subject matter. IMHO the Fashion Industry is certainly a contrived & brutally narcissistic jungle unto itself. That defines success as the outcome of an aggressive natural selection, survival of the fittest (i.e. competitive) mindset. Summarized in this movie/title "The Devil in Prada" whose captures it perfectly. So yes,it would hard to view Iris through that lens, which defines success in the most superficial of ways.

The point, which we all have heard but few of us embrace, is the concept of doing what you love. Not for fame, ego or money. Just being engaged in life on those very spiritual terms is truly significant. Being actively engaged, motivated by your passion and fully present is what makes those daily pursuits so rewarding.

Not about what she did but who she is.... Luke warm if your concept of excellent means scalding hot.

If you've ever seen September Issue and found that interesting you will find this a companion piece to that film. I found myself wondering if Anna Wintour had seen this and what she would think of it. I think she would have found this Luke warm.

Here is a 90 year old woman still going strong, still sharing items she's collected over the years, pieces of clothing, jewelry and accessories. She has no intentions of slowing down. She does interviews, goes to shows showing little signs of tiring. But is this inspirational? Is it fascinating? Not really. Something was lacking here and it isn't her fault. The filmmakers ask a few questions but never dig too deep. Some of the scenes we see here were much more artfully done in Devil Wears Prada and even September Issue itself. This couple traveled the world to buy things and it could have been more interesting had they shared some great stories about the places they had visited. Instead it was just buy this, buy that, spend money on this, spend money on that. It all sort of seemed plastic and not meaningful.

I do indeed appreciate Iris and her taste in fashion and her ability to go on at 90. But what was it all for? There is no deadline, no assignment. What was her job specifically? And for how long? It's all a bit vague and becomes tiring.

Iris is a great documentary, particularly if you have a passion for fashion. Iris Apfel is a 94-year-old woman who embraces her unique eye for fashion and style. She takes the simplest things from shops and stores all over town and dresses them up in a variety of ways. She accessorizes her clothing by accenting them with very large and unique pieces of jewelry. Large pearl necklaces with big, bright colorful bracelets are only a few items that Iris uses. She believes each outfit needs to have color and sometimes lots of it. A lot of designers and fashion icons love her style and creativity.

The message of this documentary, produced by veteran documentarian Albert Maysles, is "success is a sacrifice." Iris talks about how she always wanted to have kids, travel and have a successful career. She realized that she could not have it all and be successful. She did not want her kids to be raised by someone else. So, she chose to purse her career and travel the world with her husband, Carl Apfel. Although Iris did not have kids as she once hoped, she still feels successful and that her life has made a positive impact in the fashion industry.

Iris is very witty, funny and inspirational. Even in her 90s, she continues to educate young aspiring fashion designers. She believes it will be a lost art if people do not learn the history of fashion and its origin.

The film Iris is a wonderful documentary. It is perfect for girls and boys ages 13 to 18-years-old who aspire to learn more about the fashion industry. Even if you are not in the industry and want to watch a good film about a wise woman who continues to inspire others, this film is a perfect selection. Iris will be released in select theaters April 29, 2015. I give this movie 4 out of 5 shining stars.

Reviewed by Kendyl P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic. For more reviews by youth, go to kidsfirst dot org.