A Man's Story

Osvald Boateng is a self-made man in a world based on connections and wealth. Osvald's god-given talent, drive, and singular drive to succeed as a men's tailor on Savile Row is a fascinating story.

This movie doesn't tell much about Ozwald's beginnings being raised in London by parents from Ghana. Included is one sentence from his mother telling how as a child he taught himself how to construct suits at home with sheets of brown paper cluttering the apartment. The movie tells the story of Ozvald after he's already become famous, then loses his first foothold in the fashion business as well as his first wife, only to meet another muse/wife who gives him the confidence to rebuild another fantastic empire. He's a brilliant talent in the most meticulous Savile Row tailoring techniques, but mixes up the classic cashmere, gabardine & chalk stripes w/dazzling jewel toned fabrics stimulated by his Afrocentricity and color genius & creates the most exquisite men's clothing imaginable.

I had already seen his stunning menswear before I saw this movie, and knew he was an extraordinary talent. However I never knew much about how difficult it is to sustain an empire such as the one he built from dazzling talent and sheer guts. He was the first black designer on Savile Row. The prejudice he must have faced is barely mentioned in this movie. He jokes about how he turned it around to his advantage when he was the only black man in Red Square when he visited Russia with his second wife.

He dresses Prince Charles, Hollywood nouveau riche brothers like Forest Whitaker & Jamie Foxx and Dubai billionaires in the finest and coolest threads a man can buy. His men's wear shows in Paris and London are unreal spectacles of glamour with gorgeous men of all races walking around in clothing out of a dream world. However, behind the scenes, you get to experience Ozwald's frustration and chaos when there are power failures and no lights on the runway, promoters that won't let his crews begin work until deposit checks arrive, etc. He briefly discusses his horrendous struggles w/bankers in a perilously cutthroat business. One season, his entire collection was stolen by "burglars". He's a workaholic, and his beautiful Russian model wife eventually gets lonely since he's never around, and cheats on him which breaks his heart, and thus, he divorces again.

This is a fascinating documentary of a one-of-a-kind character. I wish it was longer. I'd love to see footage of his childhood, where he grew up and taught himself to sew. I'd love to see interviews with people who knew him when he first broke into the fashion business. This kind of drive is so rare, it's mesmerizing to watch this man who started as the least likely character one could imagine to compete with the likes of Giorgio Armani become a respected peer and icon at the top of the profession where as a child he dreamed he belonged. He literally made his dream come true, but the cost was his personal relationships. His children will probably do just fine. Amazing story. Great movie.

A Man's Story is all i hoped for and more, after seeing R J Cutler's The September Issue, and A Man's Story back to back to indulge my fashion alter ego. Whereas Cutler's camera clumsily follows Anna Wintour and the industry's biggest names, whom are carefully shown to positively cower before her, Varon Bonicos's camera is an extension of time and space. I know its wrong to compare films as both different but with Fashion film sadly, they all seem to follow the same path ie that of a brand PR extension. The September issue is only really about Vogue and not the technically dreary woman who sees fashion as a business and "The September Issue" a brand extension , director R J Cutler is indeed a great filmmaker, and I feel that under the circumstances his creation was amazing but after seeing Varon Bonicos's A Man's Story - oddly underrated breakthrough documentary film about black UK tailor and men's guru designer Ozwald Boateng - I now retrospectively crave the reality of A Man's Story in "The September Issue" and indeed in all the fashion documentaries i have watched other than perhaps Valentino's last. In my opinion Bonicos's crafted this genius movie without upsetting Mr Boateng and really getting into the heart of Ozwald Boateng's luxury and golden pillared reality that has become his life. I look forward to Varon Bonicos's next fashion documentary, perhaps Mr Armani would make sense .RR

It is very interesting and exciting work that watches like a scripted movie, yet it is a documentary that shows insides of the industry and the life of "a man" on the example of talented British designer, Ozwald Boateng. What make it different from the other documentaries? Is that we are able to witness the ups and downs in life of Ozwald Boateng for the period of 12 years(Wow! Long time), which shows the dynamic of personal and professional journey through that period of time! Well done to director, Varon Bonicos, who was able to capture the significant moments to create this masterpiece! Must See for everyone, especially men, as it may help to look at the bigger picture of life, business, love and evaluate and prioritise things in life.

A Man's Story. This was a great documentary film and really fantastic to find out afterwards that the director Varon Bonicos filmed for a full 12 years. I absolutely recommend this film to anyone who needs a shot of hope, or faith or passion in their lives . I found myself watching this film and thinking about what went right and wrong in my life. Also found myself checking style in all areas of my life. I was so surprised to see so many stars particularly enjoyed Will Smith and the Queen of England. How do you get those people into a documentary.

As a film student this documentary represents everything that I am currently studying ,and even trying to emulate. The style and pace of the film was a sensation and edit was like butter. The 12 years slipped by. I just wish i knew what has happening now and waiting for part 2. Waiting for Varon Bonicos next film and saving to buy an Ozwald Boateng suit. Congratulations to all involved in this masterpiece.