Fresh
What comes through most in Life Itself, a film named after Ebert's 2011 memoir, is his great, open-minded vigor.
Jake Coyle, Associated Press
Life Itself
The only thing Roger loved more than movies.
2014 · 2h 1m · R
Documentary
Directed by
Steve James
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Life Itself
Overview
The surprising and entertaining life of renowned film critic and social commentator Roger Ebert (1942-2013): his early days as a freewheeling bachelor and Pulitzer Prize winner, his famously contentious partnership with Gene Siskel, his life-altering marriage, and his brave and transcendent battle with cancer.
Director and cast
Critics on Rotten Tomatoes
Top critics, in their words
97%
Tomatometer
Fresh
If you aren't moved by Life Itself, you ought to have your heart examined.
Ann Hornaday, Washington Post
Fresh
The film's core is footage shot during the last four months of Ebert's life, when he had lost most of his jaw and was unable to eat or speak. It's hard to see him in this state, which makes his frequent cheerfulness and humor all the more remarkable.
Mick LaSalle, San Francisco Chronicle
Fresh
No less than James's capital punishment documentary At the Death House Door, this asks us to think long and hard about what it means to die with dignity.
Ben Sachs, Chicago Reader
Fresh
That [Siskel and Ebert] weren't very nice to each other might be the too-easy takeaway of outtakes of their on-set interactions. James allows that relationship to be more complicated and vital.
Lisa Kennedy, Denver Post
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