America's Heart and Soul

Rating:
Summary: Truly Soulful
Review: For some reason that is curious to me, this movie has gotten a bad rap. You have to see it for yourself to decide, but I found it uplifting, funny, sometimes strange - and completely gorgeous to watch.

It is a collection of about 25 short vignettes of people doing what they love - pursuing their passions. Some of those passions are odd - like gluing stuff to your car - and some are astounding - like the cliff dancers of Bandaloop. Some are soulful and some are funny. But all of them are heartfelt and just beautifully presented.

I don't know how it got positioned as "the antidote to Farenheit 9/11", because it is not political, not polemical, and completely unrelated! About the only thing the two movies have in common is that they are both "documentaries" - although I have my doubts about Moore's film being a documentary at all.

Louis Schwarzberg has done a magnificent job of capturing some of the glories of this country - both the people and the scenery. I say, "good on ya," Louis. I can't wait to own a copy - and give one to my family and friends. I highly, highly recommend it for a change from the routine garbage presented as fact. It's just a lovely piece of filmwork.

Rating:
Summary: Everyone needs to see this film!
Review: I saw this DVD and I have to say that I loved it. This movie tells is a simple way what makes this country great. It is freedom and the people of this country. It is because of our freedom that people can be what they want to be. The people in the documentary are just your average Americans but their stories draw you in. The visual part of the movie is absolutely beautiful!

Rating:
Summary: Should be required viewing for all Americans!
Review: This is a very uplifting, inspiring film! I can see why this is viewed by some as the "antidote for Farenheit 9/11", as it paints Americans in an optimistic, yet realistic way- as strong, independent, creative, brave, and enduring. It came at a time when Moore was spewing his hate and loathing, and it was like a refreshing breeze to me. Americans are strong, independent, creative, brave, and enduring. And this film exemplifies those traits in the stories of a handful of Americans, from all walks of life, ages, and backgrounds.
It saddened me greatly that my husband and I were two of only three people in the theater, that appeared to be below the age of 50, though. I highly suggest this film to families- watch it with your kids and teens.

Rating:
Summary: a celebration of the human spirit
Review: This uplifting, brilliantly filmed and edited documentary focuses on people with the courage and strength of spirit to follow their own path, and the freedom in America that makes the expression of what are sometimes odd and inventive, and even bizarre pursuits a reality. It is about those rare souls willing to live life on their own terms, and live out the dream that is in their hearts.
The creation of Louis Schwartzberg, the concept is wonderful, and the cinematography stunning. With the exception of the steelworkers struggling to keep their town and plant alive, all these stories of human ingenuity are positive and sometimes quite humorous, like the fantastic decorated cars, and the man from Colorado with the ham bullet.

Among the many images and stories that linger in my mind are the extraordinary gravity-defying, cliff-hanging ballet, the glowing, beautiful Mosie Burks, as she sings her gospel music and spreads her joy, the wisdom of the Appalachian weaver who says "I've been broke, but I've never been poor", ex-con and Olympic boxer Michael Bennett, helping kids to re-make their lives as he has done, and Klezmer clarinetist David Krakower playing the marvelous music of his heritage.

This is a film one could see numerous times because it is packed with content, dazzling visuals, and an overall upbeat outlook; in fact, there is no way one could absorb all that is in this film in a single viewing, or even two or three viewings.
Filled with music that delights the spirit, like Mosie's gospel songs, New Orleans jazz from James Andrews, rock 'n' roll from the Pino brothers, Marc Savoy's Cajun tunes, David's soulful clarinet, some fabulous salsa dancers, and much more. The soundtrack is by Joel McNeely with a song by John Mellencamp. Bravo Mr. Schwartzberg, for this film that celebrates creativity, and the greatness of this magnificent land. Total running time is 88 minutes.