In Search of Beethoven (2009)

Director: Phil Grabsky.

Warning: This documentary will only stream until April 27th so act fast!

Ever since I saw Amadeus, the fascinating movie about the life of Mozart, I've been interested in learning more about the lives of history's great composers. I've always been intrigued by the geniuses that have changed the world. If you can't be one, at least learn to fake it. Since I'm too lazy to do any actual research on Mozart, Beethoven and the like I just scour Netflix for interesting documentaries.

Phil Grabsky is the award winning director of In Search of Mozart, according to Netflix anyway. For some reason Netflix doesn't actually carry In Search of Mozart (even on disc) even though they mention it in the description for this documentary. That annoys me, because while this may not be the most well done documentary I've ever watched, it was still great to learn about the genius of Ludwig van and I would have liked to have done the same with Mozart. Especially considering how closely the story of one impacted the other.

Mozart came first and left a big shadow, one that Beethoven strove to overcome for most of his career. He eventually did surpass Mozart (depending on your opinion) and completely revolutionized the way compositions were structured. What's really incredible is that he did most of it while being either partially or completely deaf. Talk about overcoming a disability. It also made him a very dark person. Imagine not even being able to enjoy the creations you slaved away at? That must have been torture, but he kept going, despite being suicidal. He was a fascinating guy, and while this documentary got a little bogged down at times it is a worthwhile watch just to learn more about the genius of Beethoven.

To add this documentary to your Netflix queue click here. 

According to Netflix this movie will stop streaming on 4/27/11. Of course, sometimes they lie.

The Standard 5:

Why is it in your queue? I like learning about geniuses.

Is it artsy? No, but it is about the life of an intense artist.

What stood out the most to you? The contemporary composers they interviewed in this documentary are pretty funny looking people.

What mood should I be in to watch this movie? In the mood to hear some great music and learn about how it was created.

What rating did you give it on Netflix? 3 Stars. 

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Michael Collins (1996)

Featuring: Liam Neeson, Julia Roberts, Aidan Quinn, Alan Rickman. Director: Neil Jordan

Warning: This movie will only stream for another week so act fast! You only have until April 6th.

Contrary to popular belief the Irish aren't a lucky people at all. In fact, I'd put them right up there with the Jews and anyone from Africa as being some of the unluckiest people in the world. Do you know how I know this? Anytime I've ever watched a movie about Irish history it has been partly inspirational but mostly tragic and depressing. If they weren't such a humorous, good-spirited and loyal people movies about them would be almost unwatchable.

This biographical tale follows the life of Michael Collins (played by Liam Neeson) who organized an uprising against the British Empire for Irish independence. For those of you who aren't very familiar with history, despite how classy the British sound, for the most part they were real sons of bitches for most of their history and ruled the world with an iron fist. This movie shows just how much respect they had for the Irish, very little.

Michael Collins' uprising was the first successful uprising against the British but it led to a controversial agreement that divided Ireland and led to even more violence. Some thought Collins a hero, others a traitor to the cause and this makes him a fascinating character study which Liam Neeson knocks out of the park.

I've always been a fan of Neeson and this just may be his best work. He gives a wonderful performance and supporting actors like Julia Roberts and Aidan Quinn give great performances as well. If you like historical biographies at all you should really check this one out. If you're Irish and have never seen this you need to queue it up right now. This is a really good movie.

To add this movie to your Netflix queue click here.

This movie will stream until 4/6/11.

The Standard 5:

Why is it in your queue? I like historical biographies and Liam Neeson is always interesting.

Is it artsy? No.

What stood out the most to you? Neeson's intense performance.

What mood should I be in to watch this movie? Great acting, great story and a bit of violence.

What rating did you give it on Netflix? 4 Stars. 

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The Pianist (2002)

No matter how good the movie is supposed to be it's still hard to get excited about watching a holocaust movie. It's just such a depressing topic and movies are generally used as an escape from reality. However, sometimes it is important to use the medium as a mirror to reflect the worst of what human beings are capable of. While he may or may not be a sleazebag, director Roman Polanski (himself a holocaust survivor) demonstrated a masterful touch in telling the story of Polish holocaust survivor Wladyslaw Szpilman.

Everyone's favorite lanky actor, Adrien Brody, gave a brilliant performance in this film that he'll probably never again be able to match. He apparently went to great lengths to realistically portray his character, going as far as actually starving himself during shooting. He was really incredible and definitely deserved the Oscar he received for his performance.

The story itself is gripping, horrifying and at times seems almost surreal. What the Nazi's did was so unbelievable that it even seemed unbelievable to the people it was being done to at times. It's an awful, depressing tale told in a brilliant and moving way. You really can't help being riveted by this movie. If you've never seen this movie before you should take the plunge and check it out. It really is a brilliant film.

Click here to add this movie to your Netflix queue. 

According to instantwatcher.com this movie will only stream until 3/15/11.

The Standard 5:

Why is it in your queue? Somehow I never got around to watching this movie till now even though it was supposed to be really good.

Is it artsy? No.

Most memorable moment? The guy towards the end that gives him the coat.

What mood should I be in to watch this movie? In such a good mood that it won't send you into depression.

What rating did you give it on Netflix? 5 Stars!

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The Story of India (2007)

I think India is a country that is hard for Americans to relate to. I can't imagine what living in a country with so much history would be like. It would take a life time to study the people that came through just one small town there. We're a new country, we rarely look to the past. Even when we do try to look back it's only for 250 years. People have been in India for 3000 years.

I've always been rather curious about India but I've never really gotten more than a cursory knowledge of it's history. I'm really glad I watched this 6-part documentary on Indian history because it really gives you a nice overview and a starting point. There is just so much bursting from the seams of Indian history that I don't envy the editors who had to choose what to cover and what to leave out. It couldn't have been an easy task.

I'm a fan of history. Back before Pawn Stars, and all these new reality shows on The History Channel, I used to watch it all the time. This documentary really reminded me of the early programming they had that I could watch all day. If you like historical documentaries, you should give this one a look and learn a bit about one of the world's great civilizations.

Click here to add this program to your Netflix queue. 

Streaming until 1/15/2012

The Standard 5:

Why is it in your queue? I love watching history shows and I'm also curious about India.

Is it artsy? Nope.

Best thing about the movie? Getting an understanding for the depth of Indian culture.

What mood should I be in to watch this movie? Ready to learn.

What rating did you give it on Netflix? 4 Stars.

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Walt & El Grupo (2008)

Now that Disney is this giant corporation I don't really think of them as having been founded by one guy with a vision. I also never really thought that there was a strong possibility that Walt Disney's brainchild might never have made it. In 1941 the Disney corporation was falling on hard times and the U.S. Government approached Walt about taking a goodwill trip to South America to curb the growing Nazi influence on the continent and in exchange the government would guarantee Disney's next three films. Yes, ladies and gentleman, the Disney corporation received a bail-out.

This documentary tells the story of that southern excursion and how it affected Walt and his staff creatively and from a personal perspective. It was interesting to watch and see the kind of person Walt Disney was and get some insight into how the company evolved. It does however get a little slow at points but I thought there was enough interesting content to keep me watching. If you're curious about the history of the Disney corporation, or just like learning about the past, you'll probably enjoy this documentary.

Click here to add this movie to your queue.

The Standard 5:

Why is it in your queue? Walt Disney is a rather fascinating character and I wanted to learn more.

Is it artsy? No, just an informative look at a very specific point of Disney's history.

Best thing about the movie? Hearing Walt talk about his thoughts on the creative process and business.

What mood should I be in to watch this movie? Looking for some informative programming.

What rating did you give it on Netflix? 3 Stars. 

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