To Be Takei (2014)
85%RT Audience Score: 75%
Awards & Nominations: 1 nomination
To Be Takei rests almost entirely on its subject’s inherent likability — and, for the most part, that’s more than enough
To Be Takei is a documentary that celebrates the life of George Takei, the man behind the iconic character of Sulu in Star Trek. The film is a mix of humor and heart, showcasing Takei’s resilience and infectious personality. While some critics found the film to be a bit too straightforward, it’s hard not to be charmed by Takei’s stories and his unique perspective on life. Overall, To Be Takei is a fun and uplifting tribute to a man who has made a lasting impact on popular culture.
Production Company(ies)
Svensk Filmindustri
Distributor
NA
Release Type
Streaming, Theatrical
Filming Location(s)
MPAA / Certificate
Not Rated
Year of Release
2014
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Color:Color
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Sound mix:Dolby Digital
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Aspect ratio:1.78 : 1
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Runtime:NA
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Language(s):English
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Country of origin:United States
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Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Jan 13, 2014 Original
Release Date (Streaming): Oct 7, 2014
Genre(s)
Documentary/Lgbtq+
Keyword(s)
documentary, LGBTQ+, George Takei, Brad Takei, Jennifer Kroot, Bill Weber, Gerry Kim, Mayuran Tiruchelvam, Tina Kroot, written by Jennifer Kroot, produced by Gerry Kim, Mayuran Tiruchelvam, Jennifer Kroot, Tina Kroot, directed by Jennifer Kroot, Bill Weber, box office gross $51.5K, Tomatometer 90%, audience score 75%, actor-activist, Star Trek, internment camps, gay marriage, Asian American actor, fan conventions, social media sensation, Broadway show, Allegiance, William Shatner, childhood, relationship, humor, candidness, dignity, found footage, kooky, heart, poignancy, childish score
Worldwide gross: $52,823
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $66,015
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 3,066
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 7,199
US/Canada gross: $52,823
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $66,015
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 2,721
US/Canada opening weekend: $22,846
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $28,552
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 2,382
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): NA
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): NA
Production budget ranking: NA
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
ROI to date (est.): NA
ROI ranking: NA
Bill Weber – Director
Jennifer Kroot – Writer
Gerry Kim – Producer
Mayuran Tiruchelvam – Producer
Jennifer Kroot – Producer
Director(s)
Jennifer Kroot, Bill Weber
Writer(s)
Jennifer Kroot
Producer(s)
Gerry Kim, Mayuran Tiruchelvam, Jennifer Kroot, Tina Kroot
Film Festivals
Sundance
Awards & Nominations
1 nomination
Academy Awards
All Critics (49) | Top Critics (21) | Fresh (44) | Rotten (5)
Director Jennifer M. Kroot delivers something that is as profound as it is funny and uplifting.
September 5, 2014 | Rating: 3.5/5
Kristy Puchko
CinemaBlend
TOP CRITIC
With his trademark baritone and focused diction, Takei is a natural storyteller who lends an enjoyable flow to the movie’s uncomplicated proceedings.
September 3, 2014 | Rating: B-
Eric Kohn
indieWire
TOP CRITIC
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.
September 3, 2014 | Rating: 3.5/4
Richard Roeper
Chicago Sun-Times
TOP CRITIC
While there’s pathos and tragedy here, there’s also good humor and human strength.
August 28, 2014 | Rating: 7.4/10
James Rocchi
Film.com
TOP CRITIC
This is a film blessed with excellent footage and plenty of nice moments.
August 28, 2014 | Rating: 3/4
David Lewis
San Francisco Chronicle
TOP CRITIC
Another pleasant if disposable portrait.
August 28, 2014
Ben Sachs
Chicago Reader
TOP CRITIC
A hilarious, agreeable, ultimately very intimate look into the actor’s life.
July 7, 2020 | Rating: B+
Brent McKnight
The Last Thing I See
While To Be Takei educates and entertains, much of the 90-minute runtime seems like filler.
July 18, 2019 | Rating: 2.75/5
Josh Goller
Spectrum Culture
To Be Takei is as natural as Takei is in front of the camera and during public speeches. It’s vibrant, interesting, and enjoyable.
August 14, 2018 | Rating: 3.5/5
Mae Abdulbaki
Punch Drunk Critics
Celebrates Takei but blithely neglects to probe for any complexity in a man who has surely suffered much.
July 14, 2015 | Rating: 3/5
Rob Gonsalves
eFilmCritic.com
Can be more of a platform than a chronicle; its look at homophobia and gay marriage is a bit earnest and over-explained. Still, Takei provides a sharp lens through which to see ethnic and sexual minorities’ progress in America’s post-’50s popular culture.
May 25, 2015
Brian Gibson
Vue Weekly (Edmonton, Alberta)
Before watching this film I thought of Takei as being just another celebrity, but this film makes it clear that Takei is a guy who has done something with his life. He has made his life count for something. He’s a fascinating character.
April 4, 2015 | Rating: B
Robert Roten
Laramie Movie Scope…
Plot
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 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.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
To Be Takei features actor-activist George Takei, known for his role in the original Star Trek series, and his husband Brad.
Jennifer-Kroot.jpg
