Rebuilding Paradise

Name: Rebuilding Paradise
Genre: Documentary
Released: July 31, 2020
Duration: 90 min
Rating: 70
Cast: Erin Brockovich-Ellis, Matt Gates, Michelle John, Woody Culleton

2020

METASCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 15 Critic Reviews

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Mixed or average reviews based on 7 Ratings

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5.7

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Rebuilding Paradise

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Movie Details & Credits

Abramorama | Release Date (Streaming): July 31, 2020 | PG-13

Starring: Erin Brockovich-Ellis, Matt Gates, Michelle John, Woody Culleton

Summary: On the morning of Nov. 8, 2018, a devastating firestorm engulfed the picturesque city of Paradise, California. By the time the Camp Fire was extinguished, it had killed 85 people, displaced 50,000 residents and destroyed 95% of local structures. It was the deadliest U.S. fire in 100 years — and the worst ever in California’s history.On the morning of Nov. 8, 2018, a devastating firestorm engulfed the picturesque city of Paradise, California. By the time the Camp Fire was extinguished, it had killed 85 people, displaced 50,000 residents and destroyed 95% of local structures. It was the deadliest U.S. fire in 100 years — and the worst ever in California’s history. Rebuilding Paradise is a story of resilience in the face of tragedy, as a community ravaged by disaster comes together to recover what was lost and begin the important task of rebuilding.… Expand

Director: Ron Howard

Genre(s): Documentary

Rating: PG-13

Runtime: 90 min

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Critic Reviews

Michael Phillips

Jul 31, 2020

It’s frequently gripping and finally very moving. The director’s innate decency and forthright sense of craft does justice to a painful subject — one with unexpected connections to the 2020 pandemic moment. Read full review

Leslie Felperin

Jul 30, 2020

It brings into focus not just the painful losses of loved ones and homes, but the sheer daunting scale of logistical planning, fundraising and negotiation with bureaucracies needed to rebuild the community. Read full review

Justin Chang

Jul 30, 2020

While the filmmaker keeps his eyes peeled for every possible shred of good news in the wake of disaster, he has little interest in peddling easy inspiration; the stakes are too colossal, the devastation too raw. Read full review

Ben Kenigsberg

Jul 30, 2020

Though it might seem generic in some respects, Rebuilding Paradise resonates with the moment. Read full review

Stephanie Zacharek

Jul 31, 2020

Being fortunate enough to survive a catastrophic event doesn’t necessarily protect you from future heartbreak. Rebuilding Paradise recognizes that, though it also offers some cautious optimism. This is a movie about how life goes on, in defiance of whatever may have been burned away. Read full review

Joe Morgenstern

Jul 30, 2020

Mr. Howard wants us to know that greater challenges lie ahead — not a welcome reminder while we’re in the grips of the coronavirus. Yet his documentary also dramatizes the resilience and resourcefulness we can bring to bear in meeting them. Calamity, the film says, isn’t destiny. Read full review

Mick LaSalle

Jul 30, 2020

An occasionally powerful, yet occasionally frustrating documentary. Read full review

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User Reviews

Brent_Marchant

Aug 7, 2020

Director Ron Howard, in a rare documentary effort, examines the impact of the deadly wildfire that destroyed nearly all of the historic California town of Paradise and the widespread fallout that has come in its wake. From terrifying footage of the fire as it burned (shot from inside theDirector Ron Howard, in a rare documentary effort, examines the impact of the deadly wildfire that destroyed nearly all of the historic California town of Paradise and the widespread fallout that has come in its wake. From terrifying footage of the fire as it burned (shot from inside the inferno) to the grim aftermath of its destruction to the valiant efforts of residents to rebuild their shattered lives, this heart-wrenching yet hopeful offering details the pain and suffering experienced by virtually everyone in the community, as well as their determination to rise from the ashes (literally and figuratively) in overcoming the many obstacles hindering the town's rebirth. It's rare that a documentary will move viewers quite as profoundly as this one does, evoking both tears and joy -- and making us appreciate what we have and what we can lose in a heartbeat. Easily one of the best productions from director Howard in quite a long time, now available for first-run online streaming and limited theatrical screenings.… Expand

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