Searching for Sugarman Review- By Michael Carlisle

Title: Searching For Sugar Man
Director: Stephen Segerman
Year: 2012
Country: UK
Language: English

Searching for Sugar Man is an odd and unique documentary that takes us on an incredible journey that gets more difficult as time passes. The immaculate use of archival footage make agents of the audience, filmmaker Stephen Segerman enlists us on his thrilling quest to find one of the world's most mysterious musicians. Shrouded in strange stories we attempt to look for a musician named Sixto Rodrigues. He is as much an enigma as he is a legend. If you are like me and haven't heard of this man before, you will be quite surprised at the twists that unfold before your eyes.

Sixto Rodruigues' legend can be compared to that of Elvis Presley, though he does not have as much fame or worldwide fans. He signed with A&R records, got amazing reviews, dropped to albums and then seemingly vanished only to appear in the spotlight years later. This time he appeared in Cape Town, South Africa and was a sensation. 500,000 copies of his album sold and his music was used for anti-apartheid rallies.As his impact grew so did the stories. What happened of this man?  Did he kill himself? Was he murdered? Is he still alive? Many theories but no answers. This of course helped spring forth Rodrigues reputation, a mystery wrapped in a riddle served with a side of enigma.

The rise of social media has made it easier to find Rodrigues. He appears to have been a great man with a great message. Someone who spread the gospel and helped the poor and beaten down. It is no wonder that his songs were used in anti-apartheid rallied. Rodrigues was a great humanitarian. I don't feel this small summary is a spoiler, mainly because there is far more great story that I have omitted for the sake of intrigue.

The film itself is inspiring and bold. It tells the story of a great man who was often misunderstood. The rumors about him nearly destroyed his reputation. Like Schindler's List this film has inspired me to be a greater person, a kinder person who will help those less fortunate. I have nothing to say but good things about this film. It is incredibly  bold in it's vision of finding this "sugarman". A beautifully made film about a beautiful human being. Few documentaries are as emotionally powerful and will make you self reflect afterwards like this one.

In conclusion, 2012 has been an amazing year for documentaries. From This is Not a Film to Whores' Glory, this year shows that documentaries are truly astonishing art.forms. Searching For Sugarman is not an exception, informative and uplifting for all the right reasons. If you are not affected by this film you may have a heart of stone. Watch it then watch it again. Praise it! 5/5