9/10
A Beautifully made Documentary about Complex Musical Genius
16 March 2019
The Gift was warmly received at its world premiere at Austin's SXSW Film Festival. Through a combination of Cash's musical performances (with an emphasis on his famous 1968 recording at Folsom Prison), autobiographical audio tapes of Cash speaking about his life late in his life, photography and interviews with his family and friends, this documentary draws a remarkable and complicated portrait of Cash's difficult and remarkable life. It presents a complete picture of his life including his rise from poverty, the tragic death of his brother, his troubled first marriage, and his struggles with addiction. And yet, the audience also sees his remarkable talent and his efforts to confront his traumas through his music. The film also captures his activism on behalf of Native Americans and the deep and powerful role of his Christian faith in his life and his music which spanned genres and generations. This documentary is extremely well-made and serves as a fitting tribute a musical icon. It will be enjoyed by both hard core and casual fans of the "Man in Black."
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