Searching for Sugar Man (2012)

The review calls the film an entertaining, touching, and revealing look at the forgotten singer, highlighting its strong hook and emotional payoff in tracing the South African fans' quest.

The film is a miraculous and inspiring documentary about the search for a gifted but obscure Detroit singer-songwriter whose music became an anti-apartheid anthem in South Africa. It enlists viewers in the quest and portrays Rodriguez as a deeply good man whose story exists because we need it to.

This hugely appealing documentary explores several entrancing mysteries around an enigmatic musician who faded from view in the US but became a star and political inspiration in South Africa. Bendjelloul transforms a good story into an electric one by smartly starting with the South African fans and preserving key surprises.

The critic calls it one of the most uplifting documentaries in recent memory, praising its enchanting account of Rodriguez's improbable stardom in South Africa and the miraculous journey of his rediscovery through fan interviews and footage.

The surprising and emotive music documentary tells the unlikely story of Rodriguez and enshrines the idea that an authentic spirit will find listeners. It is fascinating, unexpected and cherishable, with striking material from his early albums.

The excellent documentary is a sweet mystery and truth-is-stranger-than-fiction saga about an unknown Detroit singer whose music became a hit among anti-apartheid youths in South Africa. Bendjelloul preserves a sense of mystery in the telling while giving an indelible portrait of an artist given a second chance at fame.

The uplifting and surprising documentary is so far-fetched it almost seems made up, but it is a rousing story that takes the astonishing tale at face value. It singles out the charismatic and politically engaged Rodriguez himself, along with his music that stands up remarkably well, for praise while noting some omitted details about his earlier travels.

This extraordinary documentary about the forgotten musician is confusing, engaging and totally unbelievable, with deeply affecting concert sequences and a well-told story of his rediscovery. It singles out Rodriguez as a gentle, talented and admirably centred man for praise, while complaining that the film prevaricates on some details of his prior travels and family life.

The film mixes detective work with the tale of Rodriguez's improbable resurrection through the efforts of South African fans. It builds a compelling portrait of a forgotten talent whose music thrived under apartheid, lifted by its songs and unexpected elements.

The documentary reveals Rodriguez's incredible story as an intriguing mix of detective drama and fairy tale, with his songs striking a chord in apartheid-era South Africa. It is a shame the enigmatic man at its centre is such a vague, fleeting presence.

The critic praises the phenomenal hook, evocative location work, and electrifying interviews but finds the film uneven in looping themes of money and myth, faulting an overemphasis on financial questions that undercuts Rodriguez's humble priorities.

The critic finds the documentary funny, sad and flawed, noting its insight into the secret history of white liberal South Africa under apartheid but criticizing the director for omissions and exaggerating the mystery around Rodriguez's obscurity to heighten the emotional story.

The critic finds undeniable charm in the musicological mystery and Rodriguez's story but notes flagging narrative momentum after the first hour of interviews and cutaways, with revelations arriving too late to fully overcome pacing issues.

The critic describes the film as one of the most inspiring true stories seen, about an obscure Detroit singer whose music inspired a generation in South Africa. It praises the director's suspenseful storytelling and the artist's rediscovery.

The review describes the film as a hugely entertaining, emotionally touching and musically revelatory crowd-pleaser and a time capsule tribute to Rodriguez. It highlights the central mystery and the grace and modesty of the story as standout elements.

The critic calls it one of the most intriguing music documentaries of recent times and a seductive introduction to Rodriguez. They single out the feverish South African fanbase and the timeless music for particular praise while noting some minor narrative manipulation.

The film tells the remarkable, mystical story of Rodriguez's unknown fame in South Africa and the fans' quest, driven more by the fans than the enigmatic musician himself. The critic notes some selective facts but appreciates how it serves the incredible tale.

The critic finds the real-life story enthralling and inspirational, comparing its discovery elements to a musical Harry Potter tale. They praise the beautiful music on the soundtrack and the way the filmmakers build audience engagement.

The critic finds the true story of Rodriguez's rediscovery by South African fans more compelling than fiction and praises Bendjelloul for skillfully revealing the layers of mystery around the singer's life and music. However, the review notes that some personal details and financial questions are left unresolved, leaving the viewer heartened but not fully convinced the subject has been completely found.

The review finds the documentary a crowd-pleasing tale of South African fans tracking down their obscure hero Rodriguez, whose music found unlikely fame there. It commends the infectious enthusiasm but suggests it is almost too satisfying and charming, lacking tension due to the subject's modesty and the delayed filming.