Sidney Poitier addresses the camera and us as Sidney begins. Looking straight ahead, he tells the amazing story of his life---a history that begins with an early birth, an expectation of death ---a childhood on an island without running water or electricity --- and his discovery of modern life ---cars, electricity, the existence of something called a mirror. Director Reginald Hudlin sticks with Poitier. When he speaks, we listen. As his story of film success gets underway, Hudlin cuts away to celebrities such as Robert Redford, Barbara Streisand, and Oprah. The film sags, but wow, when it goes back to Poitier, it soars. Sidney reminds us of an important chapter or two in film history and the civil rights movement. Poitier can really tell a story, especially when that story is his.
