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8

FilmPhonicJul 4, 2015

We all remember the media frenzy that surrounded the latter part of Amy Winehouse’s life, but like he did with the late Ayrton Senna, director Kapadia manages to capture the essence of a complex personality intertwined with a prodigiousWe all remember the media frenzy that surrounded the latter part of Amy Winehouse’s life, but like he did with the late Ayrton Senna, director Kapadia manages to capture the essence of a complex personality intertwined with a prodigious talent, all the while crafting a compelling narrative and emotionally manipulating the audience, plus providing a window into the eternal conflict of “Art Vs. Commerce”.

‘Amy’ spans the colorful singer’s life from an upbringing that is blamed for her troublesome personality and vulnerability, to her refreshing early career as a Jazz singer with integrity all the way through her many personal issues with relationships and substance abuse, coinciding with her explosion of worldwide fame and everything that came with it.

Asif Kapadia has proved to be a supremely effective “compilation” documentarian, taking existing footage and combining it with techniques like striking “drone” aerial shots and audio-only interviews spliced with intimate photographs and scrolling song lyrics, the result is an unusually dynamic for a documentary and whatever your emotional response may be to the subject, it does make sure you respond.

With unprecedented access to her life and death, ‘Amy’ paints a picture of a uniquely talented young lady who’s strong-willed personality, formed by her childhood, also resulted in a vulnerability and self-destructive nature that was too much to bear when combined with the unwanted pressures of celebrity and the ruthless nature of the modern media.

Rather cleverly the audience is left to decide whether her death was avoidable if not for the demands of the music-industry-machine and actions of those around her, or whether this was just another of those inevitable tragedies with those who fly too close to the sun.

The Bottom Line…
‘Amy’ is powerful thought & emotion provoking work, a candid look at the troubled and ultimately tragic life of a prodigious talent and reluctant global superstar, an expertly crafted documentary from a director who’s quickly becoming a pro at capturing the beauty within tragedy.… Expand

7 of 7 users found this helpful70

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9

StevieGJDJul 6, 2015

I really liked this film. Though I thought I knew about Amy Winehouse and her tragic demise, my ignorance was revealed by watching the film. The use of concert footage, personal videos, prior broadcast interviews and intimate audioI really liked this film. Though I thought I knew about Amy Winehouse and her tragic demise, my ignorance was revealed by watching the film. The use of concert footage, personal videos, prior broadcast interviews and intimate audio interviews with many of the people closest to Amy Winehouse leads to an understanding of what happened to this extremely talented and troubled young woman. The director also cleverly uses Winehouse's own lyrics as essentially her autobiography. Though I was pretty familiar with her music, seeing her handwritten poems and how these songs were simply her artistic take on the events of her life was amazing.… Expand

4 of 4 users found this helpful40

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10

gavinkJul 11, 2015

Before seeing this film, I was already a "fan" (an idea she didn't approve of) of Amy. Went to see her 2007 Glastonbury performance when I was 12. I thought I knew just what kind of girl she was before her world got much darker. But I wasBefore seeing this film, I was already a "fan" (an idea she didn't approve of) of Amy. Went to see her 2007 Glastonbury performance when I was 12. I thought I knew just what kind of girl she was before her world got much darker. But I was struck by how little I actually knew about the whole picture after seeing Kapadia's documentary. She was bright-eyed, wise beyond her years and so loving to the people around her that the only person she could ever mistreat was herself. She truly had the most unadulterated relationship with music, something not every mainstream artist can claim these days. But like many other reviews have said, her story is much more complicated than that. Never openly placing the blame on any particular person or interest group, Kapadia keeps his/our gaze on the singer herself, allowing the audience to experience the world of Amy Winehouse through her own eyes. This intense focus on the subject makes the movie an engrossing and uncomfortable watch at the same time: on the one hand, we are delighted to witness on screen the unique mesmerising talent and the endearing, uninhibited personality that made Amy Winehouse tick; on the other, we are tormented by the gradual feeling of losing her again to depression, addiction and the unrelenting celebrity machine closing in on her. Even though the last twenty minutes of the film is almost unbearable and makes you hope the story would somehow end differently, you realise that deep down, the Amy you see toward the end of her life is still the same Amy all along --- her need for love and her capacity for loving those close to her had never diminished. Lost as she was, Amy was the only person who had remained true to others throughout the story.… Expand

3 of 3 users found this helpful30

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8

JamesLJul 25, 2015

As a nonfan, I gave this film an 8. If I had been a fan, we would be at a 9. "The Filth and the Fury" was a better documentary because I liked the Sex Pistols more. That said , this is still a power film and it really takes off once sheAs a nonfan, I gave this film an 8. If I had been a fan, we would be at a 9. "The Filth and the Fury" was a better documentary because I liked the Sex Pistols more. That said , this is still a power film and it really takes off once she starts the downward spiral. The footage is eye jarring and I am amazed that some people gave that to the film maker. I cannot criticize her because all of us got high in our younger days but none of us had millions of dollars and none of us were subject to the easy access or the constant public eye. I learned a lot about her that I did not know which helped me and the arrest of her husband will make you realize that everything revolved around money. Have you noticed that it is the creative wonders who go out as they seem so uncontent with this boring 9 to 5 world that most of us have to suffer through?… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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9

duncan1964Jul 17, 2015

As he did with Senna, director Kapadia here makes you care about a subject even if they are someone you thought you had no interest in. Told via mobile phone, home movie, TV and concert footage, with no talking heads, this shows how a sweetAs he did with Senna, director Kapadia here makes you care about a subject even if they are someone you thought you had no interest in. Told via mobile phone, home movie, TV and concert footage, with no talking heads, this shows how a sweet Jewish girl from London with a massive talent moved in the wrong circles and spiralled out of control. Heartbreakingly sad to watch but also a poignant reminder of a huge talent gone too soon… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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9

beingryanjudeJul 15, 2015

A no-holds-barred look at the life and trials of Amy Winehouse and those who surrounded her. Every bit thought-provoking and captivating, Amy embodies the personality, the talent and the woman that was Amy Winehouse. Far too oftenA no-holds-barred look at the life and trials of Amy Winehouse and those who surrounded her. Every bit thought-provoking and captivating, Amy embodies the personality, the talent and the woman that was Amy Winehouse. Far too often documentaries fall bland, but director Asif Kapadia manages to carefully select key puzzle pieces of her life to move us to tears.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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9

oDjentoJul 16, 2015

This insightful documentary is unbelievably accessible and easy to watch for any viewer, fan or not of Amy Winehouse; although like critics have said it is an emotional journey throughout the documentary.
Never have I ever watched aThis insightful documentary is unbelievably accessible and easy to watch for any viewer, fan or not of Amy Winehouse; although like critics have said it is an emotional journey throughout the documentary.
Never have I ever watched a documentary so far that has made me feel very strong emotional feelings towards the end of the viewing of someone that I don’t even really know, nor followed during her rise to fame in the 2000’s. When a documentary can do this to you, you know you’ve watched an exceedingly well made documentary.
The documentary doesn’t try sugar coat what Winehouse was like and so through the mainly found footage Doc you can see what her character was like. She was obviously a very vulnerable and insecure person, but a real quirky and fun character that seemed to have what looked like no real malice at all within her. She definitely had attachment issues and because of this and her rise to stardom – of which she did not really ask for – she went down the rocky path that she ended up on. Due to all of this you can see she had her faults, but really she was an average girl with an extremely incredible talent who wanted to be like everyone else; she didn’t want fame but the attention she got from her talent consumed her and ate away at her vulnerable core.
Asif Kapadia has done an incredible job on his selection of found footage, editing and storytelling through interviews that you can’t help but feel pretty sorry for Amy in the end, and really see what a shame and what a loss it was for her to go how she did. I’m not even sure if there was anyone in the viewing I went to who did not feel similar feelings.
Overall, Amy is possibly one of the best documentaries I can think of that I have watched, and I would recommend it to everyone whether they liked Amy of not, followed her through her album releases or have never really heard of her at all. An incredibly fascinating documentary that really will make you emotional.
Extra note, I just held in my man tears at the end of the film. Just.
9/10… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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9

ScribeHardNov 29, 2015

Amy hits all the points you want a musical-themed bio-doc to hit, from a future star’s obscurity to her struggles to her successes to her music to her face on the cover of Rolling Stone. All of that is special enough. But it’s how thoseAmy hits all the points you want a musical-themed bio-doc to hit, from a future star’s obscurity to her struggles to her successes to her music to her face on the cover of Rolling Stone. All of that is special enough. But it’s how those points are hit, how her story is told, that makes watching Amy Winehouse’s life story an exercise in living her life by her side. That’s beyond special.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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8

hotfromcauldronJul 11, 2015

Amy is the same old story with a different meaning since she’s been gone.
A soulful poetess. A crippled chanteuse. A sorrowful life.
Floating lyrics light up the screen as demons darken this bright star. Fame can be fatal. And so manyAmy is the same old story with a different meaning since she’s been gone.
A soulful poetess. A crippled chanteuse. A sorrowful life.
Floating lyrics light up the screen as demons darken this bright star.
Fame can be fatal. And so many times we fail to save those who cry out for help.
We were robbed of a Bennet / Winehouse tour - but her genius is forever grooved in the world of music.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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10

luckythiswayAug 26, 2015

Truly the best movie of 2015. Such a heart-wrenching tale of a girl who got caught up with the wrong things and the wrong people. If you were a normal girl, no one would care. But we're talking about Amy Winehouse, otherwise known as one ofTruly the best movie of 2015. Such a heart-wrenching tale of a girl who got caught up with the wrong things and the wrong people. If you were a normal girl, no one would care. But we're talking about Amy Winehouse, otherwise known as one of the most frequent celebrities in the tabloids. Her tragic story was spread to millions, some thinking nothing of her except that she was an addicted druggie. The truth is she's one of the most critically acclaimed acts of the 2000's with a real, knockout voice.

This movie gives us an up, close and personal view of the popstar through home videos with her ethereal songs being the backing track. Everyone who saw it with me loved it, some wanting to see it again.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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8

vinzlimaNov 5, 2015

Emocionante, fico imaginando se fosse um documentário que acompanhasse um filme sobre esta incrível e inesquivável, seria melhor ainda. O documentário e ótimo, a direção dele esta impecável.

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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9

LamontRaymondJul 3, 2015

I didn't know a great deal about Amy Winehouse going into the film, but i was captivated throughout. She was an immense talent, but a variety of forces/conditions conspired to cut her rise to stardom sort. I typically loathe the rockstar onI didn't know a great deal about Amy Winehouse going into the film, but i was captivated throughout. She was an immense talent, but a variety of forces/conditions conspired to cut her rise to stardom sort. I typically loathe the rockstar on drugs/alcohol story, but Amy's story is much more complicated. I enjoyed the film much more than I did Montage of Heck - the Kurt Cobain story. I like the director's technique of never showing the interview subjects, choosing instead to keep the visual focus on Amy the entire time. Really good film.… Expand

4 of 5 users found this helpful41

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9

TheKavehJJul 31, 2015

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I usually am not interested in documentaries, but AMY is one of the best movies of 2015. The film tells the story of hit Jazz singer Amy Winehouse, and the struggles of her life, and what led to her death. The film is brilliant and a for sure must see. The film will captivate anybody and at the end, tears will come to your eyes. A MUST SEE MOVIE… Expand

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

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9

j1trainJul 14, 2015

A devastating look at a talent lost too soon. To watch her fall apart on screen through just archival footage and audio commentary from friends and family is difficult viewing. Amy Winehouse is a casualty of addiction and business.

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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6

GinaKJul 13, 2015

Amy is a documentary much too crammed with found-footage and not enough with insight. Nothing in this film sheds any light on why Amy Winehouse was special, and spent more time dwelling on “bad” influences like her father and her husband thanAmy is a documentary much too crammed with found-footage and not enough with insight. Nothing in this film sheds any light on why Amy Winehouse was special, and spent more time dwelling on “bad” influences like her father and her husband than on her singing. It was interesting to see Winehouse mature as an artist, but that seemed almost accidental, and the point appeared to simply be that she lead a short chaotic life. Unfortunately I knew that already.… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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6

LowbrowCinemaJul 4, 2015

Not quite the masterpiece it was hailed at Cannes, AMY is a good solid doc that uses mainly found footage. A lot has been written about the no talking heads structure which is actually not accurate. The heads are talking but we don't seeNot quite the masterpiece it was hailed at Cannes, AMY is a good solid doc that uses mainly found footage. A lot has been written about the no talking heads structure which is actually not accurate. The heads are talking but we don't see them. This all points to one thing--AMY is actually a very standard bio doc about a very talented woman that none of us really knew. The early scenes of her talent, wonderful humor, and true wit, underscore the tragedy and sadness of it all. I actually think the film would be better if it simply ended as her alcohol and drug use started. Then we would see the young woman so ready to find herself and we would only question what became of her. But back to AMY. Really just a standard film with some nice moments. The film also lacks a central focus or point, so it just becomes a lot of stuff about Amy.… Expand

0 of 13 users found this helpful013

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7

RatedRexFeb 6, 2016

I watched the entire documentary, yet Amy Winehouse still remains a mystery to me. The film didn't delve deep enough into who she really was. I could see who, what , where and when. But in a story like this I need to know why. I need to knowI watched the entire documentary, yet Amy Winehouse still remains a mystery to me. The film didn't delve deep enough into who she really was. I could see who, what , where and when. But in a story like this I need to know why. I need to know why would a woman with so much potential be so self destructive. Also, I didn't quite experience her transformation from nightclub singer to star. It all seemed to happen so fast. In short, the film was decent, but I felt a little shortchanged.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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9

TVJerryJul 14, 2015

This doc about Amy Winehouse is somewhat unique: although numerous friends, family and colleagues are interviewed, they aren't shown talking. All of the footage is made up of archival photos and video from her life and career - some of itThis doc about Amy Winehouse is somewhat unique: although numerous friends, family and colleagues are interviewed, they aren't shown talking. All of the footage is made up of archival photos and video from her life and career - some of it surprisingly personal. It traces the incredible talent from her teenage years, featuring performance clips that reveal her unique and astounding ability. There's early insight into her personal demons and the pressures of fame that turned her story into a tragedy of press harassment, need for love and substance abuse (on-screen song lyrics reveal even more). No flashy editing or fancy graphics. Just a self-told story. Fans will be mesmerized by the intimate glimpses into this sensitive, fragile and amazingly gifted singer.… Expand