Don't Be Nice (2018) User Reviews

Real and raw without being harsh

[christinaelocin · 10/10 · 6 September 2018]

This year Macon Film Festival and Bronze Lens Film Festival brought amazing programming to their audiences via Don't Be Nice, a documentary about the 2016 Bowery Slam Poetry team from New York. Don't Be Nice takes the audience on a unique journey that no one saw coming. In speaking to Nikhil Melnechuk, one of the producers and the director of the Bowery Poetry Club, he mentioned they wanted to make a documentary of the slam team's journey to nationals, but they didn't know who was going to be on the team. The audience at the slam votes, and the winners end up on the team. The five team members: Ashley, Mega, Noel, Joel and Tim com together to push themselves to be the best poets and performers they can over the 10 weeks leading to the 2016 National Poetry Slam Competition, which was held in Atlanta, GA. The filmmakers follow the five poets, but without making a reality show, which is refreshing. Documentary focuses on the work. Lauren, one of the team's coaches, is constantly telling the poets that they have to do the work. The poems have to be specific, and universal; they should strike an emotional cord with the audience and author. The team explores many hot button topics in their poems, from identity, to rape and child molestation, racism and police brutality, to joy. At one point Lauren says, "The living experience is an archive and we can access it, if we're bold and brave enough to go there." In Don't Be Nice, there are definitely moments that make you smile and laugh, juxtaposed with moments that make you think and/or cry. Throughout the film, we watch the poets expose themselves raw with true vulnerability, strength and grace. The film is an open and honest story of triumph and failure that writers and readers, and any other member of the audience can relate to. I give the award wining documentary 5 of 5 stars, a standing ovation, a 10.0, and a whole lot of snaps. If provided the opportunity, see the film.

FANTASTIC Documentary!

[stratosfear-14684 · 10/10 · 24 July 2018]

This was my favourite documentary at the 2018 Toronto Hot Docs Festival. It educates, inspires and shows us that we're all in this sometimes crazy world, together.

EVERYONE SHOULD SEE THIS

[cdelre-82658 · 10/10 · 19 October 2018]

Wow. Just wow. This documentary is powerful. It is funny. It is beautiful. It is in your face in the best way. It is necessary. It moved me like no film has in a long time. Thank you for making this.

Awesome

[hbj-06610 · 10/10 · 10 November 2018]

Art in its rawest, best form...seen from deep inside. Excellent film making choices, from form to music to cinematography. Even pushes the slam to new and relevant meaning.

See it, you won't be sorry, it will make you re-examine yourself.

Don't be nice...but do go see this movie!

[cathybmail · 10/10 · 9 August 2019]

Whether or not you know much about slam poetry before seeing this movie, and even though you can learn a lot by Googling it (you'll get that reference after you see the film :)), you will still be overwhelmed by the heroic honesty, intelligence, creativity, passion, humility, and love captured in this film. Go in!

The creative process in action

[jesseseamon · 10/10 · 30 June 2019]

Don't Be Nice captures the group creative process in a sincere and heartfelt way. Challenges the viewer, and is entertaining as well.

Personal, Inspirational, emotional, intelligent, artistic, necessary

[innerviewer · 10/10 · 16 February 2019]

This was an excellent documentary.The editing and sound score delivered this film to me with power and subtlety at the same time. Capturing what ,at it's heart expresses itself yet I felt as if I was there in a very personal way. I recommend it to everyone who draws inspiration from films, writing and the power words have to lift us up or expose our emotions to the light. There is so much it offers, for me more than one viewing is a requirement.

Wipe Out

[pmarice · 10/10 · 19 October 2018]

Incredible. Hardest work to capture the intensity, depth of emotion and truth. This film did accomplish their goal.

Who said Poetry was Dead?

[jhugval · 9/10 · 8 November 2018]

I went to see Don't Be Nice at the Guelph Film Festival with no idea what I was in for. This film definitely explores some of America's best modern poetic output and the feelings and experiences that the young poets are attempting (and succeeding!) to communicate. I got quite an education in empathy, especially with regard to young black Americans and the uphill battle that they still have to fight, just to walk down the street with their heads held up high.

Amazing film

[kberne · 10/10 · 29 October 2018]

In this film we are honored to be brought into the creative lives and processes of some truly amazing slam poets. Their coach, Lauren, pushes and supports each poet to get to the heart of their work, to keep writing past their emotional stop signs. The performances of the Bowery Club's work is a cut above the other teams in its powerful impact. A must-see film that would be useful in high school and college classes.

Provoking

[leslieminniti · 9/10 · 14 October 2018]

Intense personal life expressions of 7 young NYC poets collaborating in national Slam competition. Drawing on authentic experiences, their work reveals the uncomfortable social truths they wrestle with and brings the viewer to the table.

Poetry Takes on Visual Excitement

[kerrqui · 10/10 · 26 August 2019]

A recent winner at The Middlebury New Filmmakers Festival, Don't Be Nice was an all out force of filmmaking. Layer upon layer of heartfelt emotion captured with a deft hand. Kudos!!