Release Date: October 7, 2014
Rating: Not Rated
Running Time: 93 minutes
TO BE TAKEI is an entertaining and moving look at the many roles played by eclectic 77-year-old actor/activist George Takei whose wit, humor, and grace has allowed him to become an internationally beloved figure. The film offers unprecedented access to the day-to-day life of George and his husband/business partner Brad Takei and chronicles George’s fascinating personal journey, from his childhood in a U.S. internment camp for Japanese Americans during WWII, to his iconic and groundbreaking role as Sulu on “Star Trek,”® to his rise as an internet phenomenon with over 7-million Facebook fans. The film shows what it truly means TO BE TAKEI.
TO BE TAKEI is directed by Jennifer M. Kroot and features special appearances by William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, Nichelle Nichols, Walter Koenig, and Dan Savage.
For any George Takei fan, this documentary is a must have in your collection. This doc follows George along his everyday life as he goes on speaking engagements in which he talks about his time as a child in a U.S. internment camp for Japanese Americans, his theatre, acting, and Star Trek and history, working in Hollywood as an Asian American, and of course, his journey discovering his sexual orientation, coming out, and fighting for his civil right to get married. George’s husband, Brad Altman is with him every step of the way! I didn’t know how these two met so that was exciting finally learning how it all began for these two.
It’s one thing to know that someone is fighting for their rights but it’s another thing to see it so prevalently, to see the activism from someone who genuinely means it, from someone who is actually living what they are fighting so hard for. This documentary also touches on George’s brief political career, his family life, his Facebook community, and more. Basically, this documentary is fantastic. George’s life is really something special. It’s so inspiring and will really bring a lasting smile to your face. This documentary is about a visionary, about a man who held onto his dignity and hope, about a life filled with hard work and dedication and love. It’s beautiful and definitely worth watching, buying, and adding to your collection.
Deleted Scenes (33 minutes) – There are 16 deleted scenes on the special features though they are not categorized as deleted scenes and there is no option to play all. La Casa Encantada is a brief tour of George and Brad’s vacation home and by tour I mean a look at the first floor and deck with no energy from Brad which is quite funny. The Proposal consists of George and Brad telling their proposal story which I did not know beforehand so that was lovely to hear. Coming Out to Mom is a scene in which George talks about coming out to his mother which took place after the passing of his father and her reaction to his coming out. It’s always so beautiful to see when parents show unconditional love, as every parent should, but extend that love to their child’s partner. Beautiful. Allegiance Opening Night (Before the Show) and Allegiance Opening Night (After the Show) are self explanatory though I actually didn’t know a whole lot about this musical before this documentary actually, so it was fun seeing George and Brad nervous about the big day before and after the big premiere.
I wonder why Shakespeare didn’t make it into the final cut of the movie, this scene was hysterical, watching George and his sister talk about George annoying her at home when he memorized and recited Shakespeare soliloquies. Social Security is a very educational scene for those unaware about the rights that same sex couples should have but do not have which include not receiving social security. Jimi at Tule Lake is a disturbing look at one of the internment camp rooms. I highly recommend viewing this scene for some context. Now I can’t believe Ordering Lunch was actually a scene that was shot nor can I believe it was important enough to include on the special features. Ha ha! Kimono is self explanatory and I love how this scene was constructed so I am sad that it didn’t make it into the final cut of the film. But seeing how the final cut of the documentary flowed, I can understand how even the deleted scenes that I do love didn’t make it in.
The Gym is a look at George…at the gym doing his thing and if watching a man his age do what he does in the gym isn’t a sight to see, I don’t know what is. I love seeing people taking care of their bodies and George is one of them so that was wonderful to see. In Full Regalia shows George and Brad taking a look back at George’s career early on with the help of a photo album. Not a must see scene but photo album looksies are always fun. A Well Appointed Apartment features William Shatner talking about George’s apartment, which he found to be very tasteful and modest. I too agree that the way a person keeps their home says a lot about them so it was interesting to hear Shatner’s take on George’s place. Fan Frenzies is really the best deleted scene ever because it’s all about us! The fans! Thanks for putting the spotlight on us! On Horseback follows George and Brad as they go horseback riding and this is really more interesting because of the nature shots which are quite something. Finally, The Sandwich consists of Brad giving us a tour of their fridge during lunch time while George attempts to wash a vase. Ah, if only they had cut of the special features on a more serene note with the horseback scene! Anyway, great deleted scenes overall. Worth the half hour watch!