Two die-hard fans investigate the disappearance of their hero Sixto Rodriguez, a mysterious Mexican-American singer/songwriter who faded into obscurity in...
Two die-hard fans investigate the disappearance of their hero Sixto Rodriguez, a mysterious Mexican-American singer/songwriter who faded into obscurity in the States but found massive success in 1970s South Africa. Winner of Best Documentary at the 2013 Academy Awards.
"Rodriguez' albums were critically well-received, but sales bombed, and he faded away among rumors of a gruesome death. However, as fate would have it, a bootleg copy of his record made its way to South Africa, where his music became a phenomenal success. In a country suppressed by apartheid, his anti-establishment message connected with the people.
"When his second album finally gets released on CD in South Africa, two fans take it as a sign, deciding to look into the mystery of how Rodriguez died and what happened to all of the profits from his album sales. They uncover a shocking revelation that sets off a chain of events that has to be seen to be believed." (Sundance Film Festival 2012)
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Where to watch Searching for Sugar Man
95 %133 reviewsRotten Tomatoes® rating
92 %19,483 reviewsAudience score rating
"A winning musical detective story about a failed, forgotten early '70s rocker."
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Variety
Variety"The tale is better than the telling – and the soundtrack's better still – but music this monumental demands its moment. Now go and buy the album."
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Total Film
Total Film"A hugely appealing documentary about fans, faith and an enigmatic Age of Aquarius musician who burned bright and hopeful before disappearing."
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The New York Times
The New York Times"This movie might itself make a modest contribution to rewriting the history of white South Africa."
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The Guardian
The Guardian"The information they eventually dislodge about Rodriguez suggests a secular saint, a deeply good man, whose music is the expression of a blessed inner being. I hope you're able to see this film. You deserve to. And yes, it exists because we need for it to."
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Roger Ebert
Roger Ebert"Music fans will love this indie documentary. Try to avoid Googling him before you watch, though."
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Empire Magazine
Empire MagazineSearching for Sugar Man | Details
Award winner- Winner of the Audience Award and Special Jury Prize (World Cinema, Documentary) at Sundance Film Festival 2012. Best Documentary at the Academy Awards and the BAFTA Awards 2013.
- Runtime
- 86
- Genre
- Documentary, Music
- Country of origin
- Sweden, UK
