A wonderful, warm little movie.
Comment
02/09/06
A Great Day in Harlem (1995)
87 %
Reviews Counted: 15 Fresh: 13 Rotten:2 Average Rating: 7.5/10
Runtime: 2 hrs 32 mins
Synopsis: The story behind a photograph conceived by Esquire Magazine art director Art Kane. He gathered all the greats in the Jazz world for a group shot on a sultry summer day on 125th Street in Harlem, 1958. With a "cast" that includes Sonny Rollins, Dizzy Gillespie, and Art Blakely, this documentary... [More]
Genre: Musical & Performing Arts
Starring: Dizzy Gillespie, Art Blakey, Marian McPartland, Sonny Rollins
Director: Jean Bach
Reviews
1 - 15 (sorted by date; UK critics are listed first)
Top Critic
Combining home movies, interviews from the time, contemporary reminiscences from locals and those who took part, and fascinating performance footage, this is a joyful celebration of an extraordinary event and of jazz music in general.
05/24/03
Top Critic
If you wanted to introduce someone to what jazz is all about, this would be an ideal place to start.
10/17/07
Even casual fans should appreciate the film's genuine admiration for these great artists, whose lives were interwoven with their creativity and who changed the face of 20th-century music.
10/17/07
Top Critic
For non-buffs, pic fails the acid test of exciting interest where there was little or none before; it could easily have covered the same ground in half its length.
10/17/07
Top Critic
A fascinating examination of the artistry, camaraderie and idiosyncrasies among a generation enigmatic jazz giants.
01/18/07
This isn’t Ken Burns’ jazz, but something with the spark and intuition of the real thing.
01/09/06
Top Critic
Anyone with the misconception that the spirit of a particular music is not a direct reflection of the souls of the musicians who created it must see A Great Day in Harlem, Jean Bach's small and very moving documentary about the jazz life.
08/30/04
Top Critic
If there's such a thing as a magical documentary, A Great Day in Harlem is it.
01/01/00
It's a funny and moving film whose swinging rhythms and informal tone capture a feeling for the music, the people who make it and the affection and respect they feel for each other and the art form.
01/01/00
1 - 15 (sorted by date; UK critics are listed first)
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