To Be Takei

August 2014

(50)

Synopsis

From outer space to Capitol Hill, from the silver screen to YouTube, the legendary George Takei has blazed his own trail while conquering new frontiers with a beaming trademark grin. Oh, my! TO BE TAKEI is a hilarious, entertaining, and moving look at the many roles played by eclectic 77-year-old actor/activist George Takei. His wit, humor and grace have helped him to become an internationally beloved figure and internet phenomenon with 7-million Facebook fans and counting. The film offers unprecedented access to the daily life of George and his husband/business partner Brad and chronicles George’s fascinating personal journey from Japanese American internment camp to his iconic and groundbreaking role as Sulu on STAR TREK, and his rise as an pop culture icon. The film shows what it truly means TO BE TAKEI. Featuring interviews with the cast of the original STAR TREK, the new “Sulu” John Cho, and more.

Reviews

4.0

50 total

5 27

4 10

3 6

2 1

1 6

Richard Roeper

To Be Takei is a celebration of a man of great resilience, infectious humor, a voracious appetite for the richness of the human experience, and the best laugh in the history of laughing.

James Rocchi

While there's pathos and tragedy here, there's also good humor and human strength.

David Lewis

This is a film blessed with excellent footage and plenty of nice moments.

Ben Sachs

Another pleasant if disposable portrait.

Bilge Ebiri

This could have easily been a platitudinous, self-important mess, but Kroot does a couple of very savvy things here.

Stephen Whitty

What made and makes Takei a powerful spokesman is obvious in the film.

Critic reviews

Richard Roeper

To Be Takei is a celebration of a man of great resilience, infectious humor, a voracious appetite for the richness of the human experience, and the best laugh in the history of laughing.

Full Review

James Rocchi

While there's pathos and tragedy here, there's also good humor and human strength.

Full Review

David Lewis

This is a film blessed with excellent footage and plenty of nice moments.

Full Review

Ben Sachs

Another pleasant if disposable portrait.

Full Review

Bilge Ebiri

This could have easily been a platitudinous, self-important mess, but Kroot does a couple of very savvy things here.

Full Review

Stephen Whitty

What made and makes Takei a powerful spokesman is obvious in the film.

Full Review

Gary Goldstein

Chats with "Trek" cast members and other Takei friends and supporters, plus a wealth of family and archival photos and footage, complete this lively tribute.

Full Review

User reviews

Melove Lynn August 22, 2014

Slept through most of it. I am a Sci Fi fan. Saw Star Wars 244 times in theatre'. I am a long time fan of Star Trek& watched it with my parents as a kid. I thought this would be just Takei's story, his life outside the show. I was right. But he obviously carries a big CHIP on his shoulder over the show that made us care about HIS STORY AT ALL A much better story could have been told. It sounds like a miserable life full of resentment.

ben blais September 19, 2014

Applauding vileness The hero of the sick and the depraved.

Florence Susan August 26, 2014

Must see As an Irish-American of many generations, I take this moment to apologize. I'm so glad this film was made. Bravo to Brad and George and Jennifer!

Chris Ashe August 27, 2014

To be Takei George is brilliant !

Tom King August 28, 2014

Pathetic As bad as his acting.

John Raplee Jr September 23, 2014

Great Documentary.

Sharon Noda August 31, 2014

To Be Takei Comedy but serious

Gene Nanney August 22, 2014

Whatever? Haha

Cast and credits

Actors	George Takei, Brad Takei, William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, Nichelle Nichols, Walter Koenig, John Cho, Dan Savage, B.D. Wong
Producers	Gerry Kim, Mayuran Tiruchelvam, Jennifer M. Kroot
Director	Jennifer M. Kroot

Additional information

Rotten tomatoes® score

90%

Audio language

English (Stereo)

Subtitles

English

Rental period

Start within 30 days, finish within 48 hours.

Run time

93 minutes

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