To Be Takei

2014 "A star’s trek for life, liberty, and love."
6.9| 1h34m| en| More Info
Released: 22 August 2014 Released
Producted By: Rainbow Shooting Star Pictures
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Budget: 0
Revenue: 0
Official Website: http://tobetakei.com/
Synopsis

Over seven decades, actor and activist George Takei journeyed from a World War II internment camp to the helm of the Starship Enterprise, and then to the daily news feeds of five million Facebook fans. Join George and his husband, Brad, on a wacky and profound trek for life, liberty, and love.

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Reviews

ClassyWas Excellent, smart action film.
Leoni Haney Yes, absolutely, there is fun to be had, as well as many, many things to go boom, all amid an atmospheric urban jungle.
Matylda Swan It is a whirlwind of delight --- attractive actors, stunning couture, spectacular sets and outrageous parties.
Nicole I enjoyed watching this film and would recommend other to give it a try , (as I am) but this movie, although enjoyable to watch due to the better than average acting fails to add anything new to its storyline that is all too familiar to these types of movies.
Mr-Fusion George Takei's a no-brainer for a documentary subject, what with his being a pillar of the LGBT community and as a social media force. And "To Be Takei" devotes plenty of time to this facet of his life. But it also devotes plenty of time to his childhood relocation and internment during WWII. It's here where things turn dark, and the bigotry of the period is shocking. And I didn't know that he was instrumental in getting U.S. government restitution for said internment. Powerful stuff. There's moderate attention paid to his Star Trek legacy, and it's here where the movie disappoints. Shatner comes off as a dick, which is kinda sad. I know there's truth to the bad blood story, but there's also shameless editorializing at his expense. It's a bummer. This movie's fairly mediocre; the focus is scattered and we bounce around haphazardly. But there's also plenty to learn about the man.6/10
MartinHafer "To Be Takei" is a documentary about the life of George Takei of Star Trek fame. It primarily focuses on his life today as well as his childhood in a Japanese internment camp during WWII. For me, it offered only few surprises because I already knew quite a bit about Mr. Takei, as the actor has been very public in recent years. His Twitter feeds and comedy clips online are legendary and with a HUGE following numbering in many millions. However, despite me already knowing that he's gay and married his partner back in 2008, the film did reveal some interesting information about the man. However, despite a few revelations, the best part is simply to listen to the man talk about his life...and laugh. Yes, Takei is a chronic laugher and even when he talked about subjects he didn't like (such as every time William Shatner was mentioned), his smile and laughter was omnipresent--and it's hard not to like someone who laughs this heartily and this often.The documentary consists of Takei, and sometimes his husband, Brad, talking about their lives and going about their exhaustive routine of film, convention, radio and public service appearances. However, it did not have a narrator--something I really liked in this film. So, instead of listening to a narrator explaining or interpreting, the film just lets him talk...like you are listening to him as he talks about whatever comes to mind or whatever piques his interest. Additionally, there are many television and movie clips as well as photos--which all help tell his story. The main themes are alienation and human rights. This begins with Takei's discussion of how his and other families were denied their basic freedom when Japanese-Americans on the West Coast were forced into internment camps during WWII (FYI--this did NOT happen to German-Americans despite the US also being at war with the Nazis). And, over the course of the film, it segues into his discussing his homosexuality and gay marriage. In particular, Takei's decision to come out about his orientation as well as discussing his life with his partner--and the film does a good job humanizing homosexual marriage and puts a face on it--making it more than just a concept. The films ends with a discussion of Takei's renaissance--his new career in the busy latter years of his life as a cultural icon--as well as his coming to terms with his internment years. All in all, the ending presents an interesting and unexpected turn of events to say the least over the last decade or so of his life."To Be Takei" is a nice, gentle picture where you tag along with Takei and learn from him and his years of experience. Most of it is very uplifting and enjoyable--though as I mentioned above, there isn't a lot of nice stuff in the film about William Shatner and I am sure the guy won't be buying a ticket to see this film himself! However, there are also interesting interviews with surviving cast members (including Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, Nichelle Nichols and Walter Koenig without his toupee, as he apparently is NOT self-conscious about his baldness), footage of Takei greeting Star Trek fans and signing autographs at a convention as well as a few interviews with his friends. The sum total of all this is enjoyable and easy to watch--just like listening to an old friend reminisce.
wilson trivino George Takei is best known as Hikaru Sulu on Star Trek. This documentary does hook on this role but does not linger for too long. The in-depth view of this extraordinary Asian-American. George survived the Asian internment camps during WWII in Arkansas. A chapter not often spoken about in our American history, this was tough. George fought the Hollywood stereotype of Asians on film and TV. He also has served as a role model as a gay man who came out late in life. Along with his life long partner Brad, this movie masterfully showcases a full life. A brilliant on screen look behind this well known pop culture icon. A fascinating look into one man's extraordinary life.
sherilcox It must be more than okay to be Tokei, it must be fantastic! Watching George and his husband, Brad, interact with each other and with their crowds of fans was a great way to hide from an oppressively hot August afternoon. Their honest affection for each other and tender regard for each other's friends and family evoked collective sighs and chuckles from a small but appreciative cinema audience.We see George recount memories of his childhood internment, and then later watch him perform in the new theatrical musical, "Allegiance," bringing those memories to life as he and his collaborators prepare for a Broadway preview later this year. His unmistakable voice, his inimitable laugh, and charismatic presence are beautifully balanced by Brad's more practical and less animated personality."To Be Takei" is a must see for Trekkies and others who appreciate the contributions of my favorite starship helmsman. Cameos from Leonard Nimoy, Nichelle Nichols, and Walter Koenig prove that William Shatner is creepier than a Clingon. And, amazingly enough, I was able to watch Howard Stern without breaking-out in a brain rash. I positively enjoyed this documentary and look forward to sharing it with others once it becomes available through my subscription service.