Customer Reviews

America's Heart & Soul

5 star:		(25)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This uplifting, brilliantly filmed and edited documentary focuses on people with the courage and strength of spirit to follow their own path, and the freedom in America that makes the expression of what are sometimes odd and inventive, and even bizarre pursuits a reality. It is about those rare souls willing to live life on their own terms, and live out the dream that is in their hearts.
The creation of Louis Schwartzberg, the concept is wonderful, and the cinematography stunning. With the exception of the steelworkers struggling to keep their town and plant alive, all these stories of human ingenuity are positive and sometimes quite humorous, like the fantastic decorated cars, and the man from Colorado with the ham bullet.

Among the many images and stories that linger in my mind are the extraordinary gravity-defying, cliff-hanging ballet, the glowing, beautiful Mosie Burks, as she sings her gospel music and spreads her joy, the wisdom of the Appalachian weaver who says "I've been broke, but I've never been poor", ex-con and Olympic boxer Michael Bennett, helping kids to re-make their lives as he has done, and Klezmer clarinetist David Krakower playing the marvelous music of his heritage.

This is a film one could see numerous times because it is packed with content, dazzling visuals, and an overall upbeat outlook; in fact, there is no way one could absorb all that is in this film in a single viewing, or even two or three viewings.
Filled with music that delights the spirit, like Mosie's gospel songs, New Orleans jazz from James Andrews, rock 'n' roll from the Pino brothers, Marc Savoy's Cajun tunes, David's soulful clarinet, some fabulous salsa dancers, and much more. The soundtrack is by Joel McNeely with a song by John Mellencamp. Bravo Mr. Schwartzberg, for this film that celebrates creativity, and the greatness of this magnificent land. Total running time is 88 minutes.

For some reason that is curious to me, this movie has gotten a bad rap. You have to see it for yourself to decide, but I found it uplifting, funny, sometimes strange - and completely gorgeous to watch.

It is a collection of about 25 short vignettes of people doing what they love - pursuing their passions. Some of those passions are odd - like gluing stuff to your car - and some are astounding - like the cliff dancers of Bandaloop. Some are soulful and some are funny. But all of them are heartfelt and just beautifully presented.

I don't know how it got positioned as "the antidote to Farenheit 9/11", because it is not political, not polemical, and completely unrelated! About the only thing the two movies have in common is that they are both "documentaries" - although I have my doubts about Moore's film being a documentary at all.

Louis Schwarzberg has done a magnificent job of capturing some of the glories of this country - both the people and the scenery. I say, "good on ya," Louis. I can't wait to own a copy - and give one to my family and friends. I highly, highly recommend it for a change from the routine garbage presented as fact. It's just a lovely piece of filmwork.

The absolute best documentary about the vast differences in America from the language of New Orleans to the language of the mountain people in NC, and the wild, wild, west. This footage ofers places unseen by many including those who done extensive traveling. After seeing the beauty, color, and richness of the people within the greatess nation on God's green earth, the film leaves you with laughs, tears, and joy. You feel proud to be an american: part of such a great group of people. Another good thing about this film is for those who enjoy traveling, this will stir you up, make you excited, and ease your worries about staying inside the U.S. to travel because after you see the wonderful colors of mountains, streams, the praire, cowboys ridin the fences like they did a 100 years ago, the big cities and everything in between you'll be amazed that you are not making some travel plans to go see some of these places for yourself.

In these days when all we seem to see and hear is bad news getting worse, this movie was a breath of fresh air. I felt pride in my country and the people who live in it. I enjoyed the free spirits who found their own way and reveled in it. I loved the wonderful smile of the gospel singer. Her smile wrote books about her life. This is a movie you will enjoy watching and discussing with your kids, your Mom, your brother, all those people that you often wish you could watch a movie with without being embarrassed or disgusted.

My Christmas list got easier to fill after I saw this film. I plan to purchase several DVD's of it for my friends. I noticed everyone smiling as the film progressed, and there was a round of applause in the theater at the end. Don't miss it, or get the DVD.

America's Heart & Soul sweeps across America in brilliant color as Americans tell the story of life in all its beautiful diversity. This is as much a story of the heart's desire for freedom as it is the story of individual contributions by creative individuals creating art by tapping into their heart, mind and soul.

Dancers play with gravity as they dance on rock faces and explain why we often feel a sense of wanting to throw ourselves into the freedom of falling. Decorated cars become moving art to bring happiness wherever they travel. Steel workers buy their factory to save their jobs and health insurance coverage. A former seal swims through traffic in New York as he delivers letters and faces numerous challenges.

There is also a sense of determination as a woman notes: "I've been broke many times, but I've never been poor." This story asks many questions about what it means to be rich in spirit and tells the story of how many American's find more freedom and happiness far away from the big cities.

Americans tell the story of home and belonging. There is humor, art, music and scenes in nature so profoundly beautiful it will inspire you to make plans to travel to various states. Fields of purple grapes, emerald swamps, majestic mountains and aerial views make this a stunning presentation.

Through watching Disney's celebration of the American Spirit you will get a sense of "This is how life should be." I loved the humor in the section with the Vermont Dairy Farmer. There are courageous, funny, passionate and memorable musical moments.

Special Features:

Four Extended Musical Performances
Behind-The-Scenes Featurette
Audio Commentary with Director/Produces Louis Schwartzberg

~The Rebecca Review

Sometimes we get so caught up in the politics of our country that we forget to focus on what makes it great and that is the people who live here. This film explores diverse cultures, passions and artistic expression in a way that draws you in with your heart open to these differences. I was in awe over the beauty of the lives portrayed; some simpler then others but all full of meaning and purpose. As was stated in the film, it is about "simply people doing remarkable things" and that is truly the best way to describe it. You cannot watch this film without a few tears shed as you realize the message of the film and how it applies to each and everyone of us. Truly a great film that can be enjoyed more than once.

This movie is great! I've shared the DVD with some friends, they never heard of the movie, but after viewing they agree it's one of the best they've ever seen. This movie reminds you about the wonderful people that live and work in the USA. It reminds you that America is not great because of our Govt., but in spite of it due to the outstanding, motivated, inspiring people. People just living life as they desire, and at the same time adding something to everyone else's life. Another good thing is the way this movie is set-up you can watch a little at a time if you like, although I'd recommend you watch it all the way through. Great scenes, wonderful photography, fun stories and just a great feel good movie.

We got to see this film when it was on limited release in the theatre and have been waiting for it ever since!!!

This film is a must see for everyone. It shows you the good in America. It also gets you to want to go discover the samll towns around and find some of the quirkiness in the communities.

I hope that everyone sees this movie and reliezes just how wonderful our country is.

It's about unique Americans with unique freedoms...despite the polarizing political climate we are currently in, this video surpasses all of that with an honest and entertaining look at some amazing individuals who challenge our very notions of who we should be. They remind us that we still have some freedoms left to live how we choose to...as long as we have the guts to do it!!!

This film is beautifully edited and perfectly executed!