Directed by Jennifer M. Kroot
90 min | 2014 | USA | Not Rated
Just a few weeks after the historic gay weddings occurred in Utah, To Be Takei became one of the most relevant, must-see films at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival. The filmmakers and the two Takei husbands were received with long, standing ovations, and George Takei delighted audiences with angry condemnations of Governor Herbert, which were surprisingly rage filled coming from a seemingly mild-mannered 70-year-old.
George Takei endured World War II internment camps, racism in movies and television, and William Shatner. During his 50-plus years as an actor, he became a trailblazer for Asian American actors, and he will even star in a Broadway musical this year. He also went where few celebrities had gone before—out of the closet on his own accord, which in 2005 was rarer than it is today.
With humor, passion, compassion—and the essential support of his nagging, doting, and scene-stealing husband, Brad—George evolved into activist, politician, tastemaker, and Facebook/Trekkie/Comic Con royalty. To Be Takei is a timely, funny, and glorious story.
Official Selection: 2014 Sundance Film Festival, 2014 Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival
