Amy [DVD]

Absolutely stunning film. I met Amy in 2006 at the start of the Camden days. She was very sweet; starting to become famous as a jazz singer, someone dared me to ask for her autograph. We were in the Mixer and all a bit drunk; I wandered over and we chatted a bit. I told her I had a little girl and she wrote ' Dear P, you have a lovely mummy, love from Amy xxx' It was up in my kitchen in Primrose Hill for ages. Had I kept it, it would be worth a lot today. Though I wouldn't have parted with it. She seemed at once massively strong and terminally vulnerable; like a statue made of glass; like a tree on a high, high mountain with roots that weren't deep enough for the wind.I loved the film, though resented Blake's depiction of himself.The music was terrific and the detail flawless. There could have been a bit more humour though and I would have liked to have seen more of her mother in all this. I know her Dad is making a rival film. At some point, we just need to let her rest in peace. I think that is what she would want. To be remembered as an Ella Fitzgerald, or a Nina Simone; not as a Stevie Smith, or a Sylvia Plath... All massive talents, but ultimately she was a singer. Drink and drugs second, she was a singer first.

I was not particularly an Amy fan but I watched this and was nearly moved to tears at one point.The lead is fabulous in this film. Worthwhile watching 😊

I bought this about a week before the OSCARS and said to myself 'this will win the OSCAR for best documentary' and it did!This is a compelling - and heartbreaking - film about a wonderful talent, and someone I would call a vulnerable lost soul who appeared to be too trusting and was unashamedly exploited by people who perhaps should have done more to protect her. It provides an insight in to her true friendships and relationships, and uncompromisingly illustrates how parasitic some people can be. There are lovely moments in this film where Amy is timid but shows her true talent, such as when she's recording with her idol, Tony Bennett; and there are raw moments that should never have happened to such a young, vulnerable, talented woman. Not an easy film to watch, but such a good one, and the documentary film makers need to be applauded for their courage in bringing this most successful film to the screen. The DVD extras are superb, and I would recommend this film to all true film fans, and old and soon to be new fans of Amy.

Amy gives us an insight to the uncontrollable downfall of fame. A biographical documentary depicting both the early personal life and musical career of Amy Winehouse, who unfortunately overdosed on drugs in 2011. Biopics are difficult to review, you have to refrain from judging the person that is being portrayed and just review the documentary itself. However, before I start I would like to say that Amy Winehouse was incredibly talented. It really was a shame what she went through in terms of her own personal demons. She was clearly infectiously likeable and down to earth, devoted to her one passion. This documentary creatively captures her fragility through the use of old recordings, montages of pictures with onscreen lyrics to accompany them and countless awards ceremonies for all the recognition she rightfully deserved. This is a statement. To explore and convey the desirable disease of fame. Fame. It can corrupt the most innocent of souls. The influx of money, power and popularity can enhance the accessibility of drugs and alcohol. In Amy's case, it destroyed her. Not solely, the film takes the time to go through her stages of early depression before she took the world by storm. It's utterly moving and powerful. A young woman susceptible to external influences. She didn't know what she was doing, it was out of her control. The way the media covered her story rather enraged me, with several chat shows and news reports mocking her. It's important to acknowledge that the media only saw one side to her, but it's a shame they reduced her to a mess. As empathetic as this is, we also celebrate her work by listening and watching her perform. Director Asif Kapadia dynamically balanced her lows and highs to portray an enigmatic young woman who was taken from us far too early. The runtime could've been slightly shorter to maintain a tighter biopic, but it's a fitting tribute and I highly recommend you watch this. Like me, you don't need to be a fan of her to appreciate the complexity and intellectual narrative of this documentary.

Anything to do with Amy Winehouse is always worth a watch. What an incredible singer song writer.

Well Sad Dvd of Her Rise and Fall to Fame. Very Enjoyable to Watch.

This didn't live up to all the hype. Not enough of Amy talking or her music.

Really emotional and an interesting watch