2014 Directed by Jennifer M. Kroot
Over seven decades, actor and activist George Takei journeyed from a World War II internment camp to the helm of the Starship Enterprise, and then to the daily news feeds of five million Facebook fans. Join George and his husband, Brad, on a wacky and profound trek for life, liberty, and love.
"To Be Takei" profiles the man who, in his lifetime, went from a Japanese-American internment camp, to "Star Trek," to the forefront of gay-rights activism. Jennifer Kroot's documentary touches on the life of George Takei, following him as he lives his life, congenially sharing the wit and wisdom acquired through a his decades of acting and activism.
Talking heads, vintage footage, and slices of life combine for the film that documents Takei and his various endeavors. Takei, his costars, his husband, and his fans wax about the Captain of the USS Excesior and his life's triumphs and obstacles. It is an interesting life, and the documentary touches on the struggles of being a Japanese-American during the World War II era…
"There's a billboard with Bill Shatner and he's got this tape over his mouth... as well there should be." ~ George Takei
I don't watch a lot of documentaries, but every now and then something catches my eye. In this case, it was the celebrity subject -- actor/activist George Takei -- who is best known for his role as Lieutenant Sulu on the original TV series Star Trek.
Director Jennifer M. Kroot brings us insights into many aspects of Takei's life, from his internment as a Japanese-American during World War II to his closeted homosexuality and his insecurities as an Asian actor vying for roles on television and in movies. We get to know his life partner (now husband) Brad…
Ooooh my!
-George Takei
The national treasure that is George Takei is brought to us by director Jennifer M. Kroot in this documentary that surpasses any flawes it might have by "Being Takei".
Takei's charisma and occasional brutal honesty about himself easily makes up for the sometimes lackluster manner in which the doc is put together. It's not just the fact that he's entertaining and has lead an interesting life, but he's surprisingly candid about subjects that don't always paint him in a good light when he has nothing to gain from it. Honesty like that is rare in Hollywood.
From the internment camps to Star Trek to equal-rights activist and his new found online popularity, the road map of his life is as unique as he is. It's campy and touching all at once, just what you'd expect.
This sweet, weird little doco will confirm your long held belief that Takei is a national treasure. and that Shatner is a colossal dick.
Engaging doc about actor, activist and Facebook star, George Takei.
Takei seems like a sweetheart but his husband is a little bit... off. Is it me or does he really seem to be determined to milk Takei's celebrity status for all its worth?
Actor George Takei, best known for his role in Star Trek, has his life story told here in this solid, yet sometimes too brisk documentary. The man has lead an interesting life, from being put in an internment camp as a child for being Japanese, discovering as a teen he was gay, and then working his way through Hollywood while hiding this major part of himself for decades, and then eventually coming out and become something of a gay icon (particularly on the internet).
The problem with the documentary is that it feels too quick, sometimes glossing over significant moments, or at least feeling like things are being glossed over. I sort of felt like I knew most of the…
A great documentary about the life of a truly fascinating actor and activist that unfortunately dips heavily into fawning fan service. - ▲
196 To Be Takei. What a pleasant man and movie. Makes want to watch more OG Star Trek and Nimoy stuff too. #366Days #366Movies #DLMChallenge
To Be Takei gave a glimpse into the world of George Takei. Following Takei’s story growing up: from his childhood throughout his success on Star Trek, his advocacy for gay rights, personal life and even his journey with social media - To Be Takei was a very honest look at the man himself.
The documentary feels genuine - although a tad unstructured at times. I would have liked to see more of Takei’s personal life to get a better grasp of the person he is away from the podium. From what we see he is considerate and kind and isn’t afraid to poke fun at himself.
My only gripe with the film was that it spent a considerable amount of…
Having heard George Takei talk about important events in his life at different conferences and enjoying his online presence, I really wanted to like this documentary. It was okay.
The big problem I found was the chaotic jumping around on the timeline. There were so many times that I needed to reorient myself with a scene change ... just where and when are we? That distracted significantly from the message.
If you do not know about George Takei's life ... and it is amazing how many Americans still don't know about the Japanese - American interment camps ... you will find a good "primer" here. It is shocking the games that were played with human lives.
It is sad, too, the extremes of intolerance that are still on display. Again, I believe there would have been more power if there had been more of a consistent, chronological order.
An informative, yet curiously uninvolving documentary.
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