316. Sidney; movie review
SIDNEY
Cert 12A
111 mins
BBFC advice: Contains racist language, images of real dead bodies
Until his death, I hadn't realised that Sidney Poitier really did change the world.
Indeed, he became a hero among generations of black African Americans for whom he opened so many doors.
Reginald Hudlin's movie is produced by Oprah Winfrey who is among the many who say they owe their careers to Poitier.
Her tribute is among those of stars, both black and white, who tell of his huge impact while there are also archive interviews with him and contributions from his daughters.
They paint a picture of a man with high ambition while holding dear and maintaining strict personal values.
Sidney chronicles Poitier's life from his childhood in The Bahamas where his father was a tomato farmer.
Interviews with him and others relate to it being a poor but happy time in which he was cut off from the technological developments in the rest of the world.
In addition, he had never encountered racism because he had never seen anyone who wasn't black.
His views were dramatically expanded when he moved to Miami at the age of 15 and then on to Harlem in New York.
Peers tell how his acting talent emerged and opportunity finally knocked after many setbacks.
Poitier's story runs hand in hand with the Civil Rights movement and his work in this arena is widely discussed.
As is his relationship with activist Harry Belafonte, as well as his loves and losses.
It is a compelling and very thorough tribute to a man who truly seized the day. His like is rare and should be cherished.
Reasons to watch: Thorough biopic of one of the most important actors of all-time
Reasons to avoid: If you have no interest in cinema or civil rights
Laughs: None
Jumps: None
Vomit: None
Nudity: None
Overall rating: 9.5/10
Did you know? Sidney Poitier became a Bahamian ambassador to Japan, a position he held from 1997 until 2007.
The final word. Oprah Winfrey: "The film is an act of love for me for him. My opportunity to do this was my offering to him." Shoot
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