The narrative is built one happy cliche at a time until the story of Katrina ceases to be about appalling environmental neglect, or the colossal failure of the federal government to manage a disaster.
Comment
03/22/07
Hurricane on the Bayou (2006)
85 %
Reviews Counted: 20 Fresh: 17 Rotten:3 Average Rating: 7.1/10
Synopsis: A powerfully moving large format film unlike any other, Hurricane on the Bayou carries audiences behind today’s news headlines on a journey deep into the soul-stirring heart of Louisiana – before, during and after the unprecedented devastation of Hurricane Katrina. Unfolding against the... [More]
Genre: Education/General Interest
Director: Greg MacGillivray
Reviews
1 - 20 (sorted by date; UK critics are listed first)
A classic 'before and after' document, terrific images of what was once there, actual footage of the storm itself, moving TV news coverage of the disaster and a conclusion that's more optimistic than it has any right to be.
03/16/07
The smart, classy Hurricane on the Bayou preaches an invaluable environmental lesson for children and parents: Don't monkey with the ecosystem without expecting payback.
03/16/07
Despite its split personality, Hurricane offers more good than bad, including a lively soundtrack featuring Benoit, the Neville Brothers and Fats Domino.
03/16/07
Katrina will end up changing the entire South, from Houston to Florida, for decades to come, yet Bayou still insists on its upbeat gospel ending.
03/16/07
Hurricane on the Bayou makes its points in a compelling, and moving, manner.
03/01/07
[Features] a knockout soundtrack, some very impressive gators and two irresistible forces: Hurricane Katrina and 14-year-old fiddler and eco-warrior Amanda Shaw.
02/16/07
not simply another 'isn't it tragic' picture of the Gulf Coast, post-Katrina. The movie spends just as much time celebrating the joyous music that has always been a part of New Orleans...
02/09/07
Though some of the images of the aftermath will seem chillingly familiar, there is ample aerial footage of the destruction that carries a deeper impact because of the wide screen.
01/26/07
A convincing and entertaining argument for the importance of preserving Louisiana's wetlands.
01/18/07
It effectively showcases the indomitable spirit that has held the area together over the last year.
12/22/06
This is an often-moving film, but its approach to life in post-Katrina Louisiana is hopeful, even celebratory.
12/21/06
The devastation left by Hurricane Katrina has been well documented, but seeing it on a giant Imax screen makes it hit home in a way other media can't match.
12/21/06
Although its subject matter gets tossed around a little, "Hurricane on the Bayou" always gets its message across.
12/19/06
While it attempts to be apolitical, the filmmakers short shrift of what happened during and after Hurricane Katrina weakens an otherwise worthy film.
10/02/06
Top Critic
It's a gumbo stew of a movie in which all the ingredients don't meld neatly, but then it has an excuse: Nature beat it to the punch.
09/23/06
Seen on an Imax screen, the now-familiar imagery of the devastation in New Orleans and other areas takes on a new resonance as the sheer size of the affected areas is felt more fully.
09/08/06
Top Critic
The film's originally speculative scenario became reality on Aug. 29, 2005.
09/08/06
A film free of political fury, but full of activist optimism, this tame but heartfelt documentary is a fine companion piece to a day at the science museum.
09/07/06
1 - 20 (sorted by date; UK critics are listed first)
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