Sidney

Sidney is an inspiring documentary that will ensure generations to come to love and appreciate the impact of Oscar award-winning actor, Mr. Sidney Poitier. The techniques used to tell his story, the events shared and the contributions to the film will keep viewers engaged. Described by producer Oprah Winfrey as one of the most extraordinary people she's ever met, Mr. Poitier would be proud of this documentary about his life.

Sidney reflects on the life and legacy of iconic actor, filmmaker, and activist, Sidney Poitier. Born and raised in the Bahamas, the film shows life for him once he arrived in the USA as a colored man and how he rose to become an icon and the first Black actor to win the Academy Award for Best Actor, despite racism and other obstacles. The documentary creatively tells Poitier's story in his own words from interviews from Ms. Winfrey's personal collection. Anecdotes from his family and heavy hitters such as Denzel Washington, Spike Lee, Halle Berry, and Oprah Winfrey herself included.

This film is truly a celebration of Mr. Poitier's legacy, the contributions he made, and a life well-lived. I love how the interview clips from the younger Poitier seamlessly blend together with the elder Poitier picking up the story. My favorite part of the documentary is the clip from Guess Who's Coming to Dinner when he says, "You think of yourself as a colored man. And I think of myself as a man," because it perfectly summarizes how he felt about himself and how he demanded other people to look at him. For me, this is what enabled him to break so many barriers and pave the way for other actors, including myself. The film does not hold back and includes some of Mr. Poitier's not-so-proud moments, which really help show the different sides of his complex life.

This film is about perseverance and being confident in who you are despite how the world sees you. I love that Mr. Poitier understood that he was not identified by his color and made sure everyone else knew it too, on and off-screen, even demanding scripts be rewritten to make his character stronger.

I rate Sidney 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. You can watch Sidney on Apple TV+ starting September 23, 2022. By Tiana S., KIDS FIRST!

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.

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.