I'll make this quick, because I rarely write reviews, but TSI warrants major praise.
So much commentary on so many different issues presented... But it's not just the way the film is constructed (which is marvelous), but the fact Kicklighter doesn't try to overemphasize some social justice message, or an opinion on the arts, or opera, or trans rights. It simply--for the most part (there were 5 seconds where it does not do that at all, and it's sort of awkwardly funny)--observes. Which I know firsthand is such a difficult tone to strike in this type of documentary, to put a more or less objective spotlight on a subject and the subject matter they bring to the forefront. Never a dull moment either in a story that, on paper, you would never expect to be this intensely riveting.
Anyway. Absolute must-see. And if it's not shortlisted for an Oscar, something's amiss.
So much commentary on so many different issues presented... But it's not just the way the film is constructed (which is marvelous), but the fact Kicklighter doesn't try to overemphasize some social justice message, or an opinion on the arts, or opera, or trans rights. It simply--for the most part (there were 5 seconds where it does not do that at all, and it's sort of awkwardly funny)--observes. Which I know firsthand is such a difficult tone to strike in this type of documentary, to put a more or less objective spotlight on a subject and the subject matter they bring to the forefront. Never a dull moment either in a story that, on paper, you would never expect to be this intensely riveting.
Anyway. Absolute must-see. And if it's not shortlisted for an Oscar, something's amiss.