Amy. Directed by Asif Kapadia. (2015)

Engrossing, riveting, unsettling and ultimately heartbreaking.

It's the story of an incredibly natural and talented jazz vocalist who tragically became a reluctant pop star. Even if you weren't a big fan of her music, this is a must-see. The film is full of revealing intimate footage taken by friends, family and business associates and it gives the movie an almost voyeuristic feel.

The trajectory of her rapid ascent is thrilling but the slow, painful decline is especially hard to watch. The movie is definitely an affirmation of her life, her astonishing talent and legacy but the filmmakers pull no punches. It's very much a warts-and-all portrait of her. But watching it made me realize how much I miss her. She left us far too soon.

5 stars and 2 BIG thumbs-up. Don't miss it.

_________________
I think, therefore I am not sure.

I know in this internet age of loving to hate on most anyone,
Amy Winehouse was an easy target. But, quite truthfully , people
would have to be totally blind and jaded with the need to hate not
to see, however troubled that girl became, she really did have talent.

Sadly , most judge and mock her for the troubles and ignore the
rest of here short but talented life. Not making comparisons here,
but if the world wide web of hate was around when Billie Holiday
was alive she would most assuredly also be dished on with venom
for her shortcomings as well.

I thought it was a well balanced account.
Too quick to rise, too tough to handle.

A true talent burdened with many difficulties and not enough support. Support that mattered.
I wish she could have pulled through and carried on, so much good music would have resulted, and a happier life would have been achieved for so many involved.

Fame is a dangerous thing. Not that I would know.

Peace.

_________________
Oh, this again.....

true, heartbreaking I saw her in belgrade at "that" gut wrenching concert, when I heard of her death on the radio I shed a tear, youd have to be a stone not to considering I loved her voice and her phraseology

Where are you guys finding this documentary ?

We rented it from Netflix but I think it's probably available from Redbox too and most of the premium cable outlets (HBO, Showtime, Cinemax etc.) should be showing it now.

There's a lot of great live performances in the movie and if I had a decent sound system hooked up to my TV buying the Blu-ray would be a no-brainer.



Tony Bennett says she could have been in the same rarified air as Billie and Ella. That's some pretty heady praise.

_________________
I think, therefore I am not sure.

I was fortunate enough to see her early in her career. She came on as support for The Roots in London. She was electric.

Will check out the doc. Thanks for the recommendation.

I've been wanting to see the doc. I don't pay attention to the so-called entertainment news. The girl was a killer talent and she is up there with the best. It is too bad addictions took her down. She won't be the last.

_________________
1963 Fender Precision Bass
Ampeg SVT and Ampeg 8x10 cabinet

Addiction,the gift that keeps on giving.

Amen to all that's been said here. Another remarkable talent lost all too soon.

_________________
Now young faces grow sad and old, and hearts of fire grow cold,
We swore blood brothers against the wind, now I'm ready to grow young again.

No Surrender

Wow. That was gritty and mesmerizing with no punches pulled. Not many years to go from a fresh faced, bright eyed young lady to an emaciated junkie. Her husband was like poison to her - what a toxic mix. Her father seemed more like a pimp. I liked how Tony Bennett was so gentle and encouraging with her during their recording session - what class. Such a tragic, tragic story. What a great, great talent. Thanks for the recommendation, hifi.