Plot
A look at the many roles played by eclectic 77-year-old actor/activist George Takei, whose wit, humor and grace have helped him to become an internationally beloved figure and Internet phenomenon with 7-million Facebook fans and counting.
Release Year: 2014
Rating: 7.5/10 (90 voted)
Critic's Score: 64/100
Director: Jennifer M. Kroot
Stars: George Takei, Brad Takei, Walter Koenig
Storyline
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.
Cast: George Takei -
Himself
Brad Takei -
Himself
(as Brad Takei)
Walter Koenig -
Himself
William Shatner -
Himself
Tom Ammiano -
Himself
John Cho -
Himself
Daniel Inouye -
Himself
Jay Kuo -
Telly Leung -
Himself
Norman Mineta -
Himself
Nichelle Nichols -
Herself
Leonard Nimoy -
Himself
Eddie Paskey -
Himself
Lea Salonga -
Herself
Dan Savage -
Himself
Taglines:
A star's trek for life, liberty and love.
George Takei (pronounced as in "toupee," as George points out) is best
known in North American culture as Lt. Hikaru Sulu on the original
"Star Trek" television series from the 1960s and the numerous later
films. This documentary traces his life from his childhood years spent
in a Japanese-American internment camp during WWII, through his
struggles as a Japanese-American actor trying to get work, his
signature role as Sulu, subsequent work in politics and with the Los
Angeles transit company, and finally into his activism as a gay man
fighting for marriage equality. Throughout the film, he comes across as
optimistic, humble and friendly. It is clear that he depends on his
long-term partner and now husband Brad, and that their relationship is
central to both their lives, but he also talks candidly about being
closeted for many decades, primarily so that he could continue to work.
He regrets having taken stereotypical Japanese roles in a couple of
Jerry Lewis films, but he is also proud of the fact that his
characterization of Sulu encouraged younger Asian actors to keep trying
to find acting work (many current Asian actors point to George as being
their first role model in television and film).
The only sour note in the film comes from William Shatner, Captain Kirk
himself, who insists several times that he and George had no personal
relationship and even that Kirk and Sulu had no personal relationship
in the TV show and films; and of course he claims to have received no
invitation to George and Brad's wedding, which is not true. The biggest
surprise to me was Howard Stern, a radio shock-jock who generally seems
like just a super-annoying person but who talks with, and about, George
with obvious affection.
As a document showcasing what Hollywood was like for non-white actors
between the 1950s and modern times, there could have been a bit more
information. But as a document describing the life, career and personal
arc of an individual who has lived an interesting life in interesting
times, this is stellar.
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