Blind Ambition

Released Sep 2, 2022

1h 36m

Documentary

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100%

32 Reviews

Tomatometer

80%

Fewer than 50 Ratings

Audience Score

"Blind Ambition" follows four friends who have conquered the odds to become South Africa's top sommeliers after escaping starvation and tyranny in their homeland of Zimbabwe. Driven by relentless optimism, a passion for their craft and a sense of national pride, they form Zimbabwe's first national wine tasting team and set their sights on the coveted title of "World Wine Tasting Champions."

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Critics Consensus

A sort of Cool Runnings for oenophiles with a documentary twist, Blind Ambition draws on its rich terroir to tell a savory story with several subtle notes.

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simon h

Being a bit of a wine geek I enjoy anything like this but it's also a great story about human kindness and shows potential being rewarded. If you have zero interest in wine this might not be for you.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

brian p

The movie is OK. Very biographical of all the team members. If this is interesting to you, the movie will please. I was interested in the wine angle and it is pretty light in this regard.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

03/30/23

Full Review

David J

Life changing movie about lives changing. For all of us who take priveledge for granted, this inspirational education is essential viewing. Go Zim!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/18/22

Full Review

Stephen C

The greatest 01 hour: and 36 minutes of real footage!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/04/22

Full Review

c w

Unlike every other documentary film on wine that centers around the world of a privileged few working in an elite and closed-off industry, inaccessible to the rest of the world, Blind Ambition portrays an inspiring and joyous journey of four Zimbabwean refugees working in South Africa, who through sheer perseverance, make their way to become their nation's champion team in the World Wine Tasting Championship - essentially the Olympics of wine. While exploring the devastating realities of the Black immigrant experience in South Africa and the pervading racism inherent in the wine industry, the movie somehow maintains an uplifting tone throughout and is filled with instances of humor and pure joy. In just 1 hr 30 minutes, the film manages to go deep enough to put so many things into perspective while simultaneously leaving you feeling inspired. This is essential viewing not just for those interested in the wine industry but for anyone who loves a good underdog story. One of the most moving films I've seen in a while.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

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Warwick Ross

Director

Robert Coe

Director

Joseph Dhafana

Self

Marlvin Gwese

Self

Tinashe Nyamudoka

Self

Pardon Taguzu

Self

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Blind Ambition: Trailer 1

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Blind Ambition: Trailer 1

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Ty Burr

Ty Burr's Watch List

“Blind Ambition” may not be great moviemaking, but it has a rich and satisfying subject — enjoy it with a nice Sangiovese.

Rated: 3/4

Sep 2, 2022

Full Review

Robert Daniels

RogerEbert.com

[Blind Ambition] understands both the thrill and the agony of desperately waiting for your dream to ripen on the vine.

Rated: 3/4

Sep 2, 2022

Full Review

Wendy Ide

Observer (UK)

It’s heartwarming, inspirational stuff.

Rated: 4/5

Aug 15, 2022

Full Review

Dallas King

The People's Movies

If Blind Ambition were a wine, it might initially taste like any other but with the right palate, one discovers a story that is full bodied with notes of hope, luck and leaves you with a warm feeling inside.

Rated: 3/5

Nov 13, 2022

Full Review

Pat Mullen

POV Magazine

One could easily pour a spittoon of wine metaphors to describe Blind Ambition, but it’s best to take a cue from the teammates. Savour it yourself, especially with a glass of vino.

Nov 7, 2022

Full Review

Chris Knight

National Post

It’s an all-too-familiar tale of displacement and trauma, but any bitterness is more than dispelled by the doc’s tone. Notes of joy, ambition, triumph and perseverance.

Rated: 3.5/5

Oct 7, 2022

Full Review

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Synopsis

"Blind Ambition" follows four friends who have conquered the odds to become South Africa's top sommeliers after escaping starvation and tyranny in their homeland of Zimbabwe. Driven by relentless optimism, a passion for their craft and a sense of national pride, they form Zimbabwe's first national wine tasting team and set their sights on the coveted title of "World Wine Tasting Champions."

Director: Warwick Ross, Robert Coe
Producer: Cameron O'Reilly, Madeleine Ross, Isabelle Stewart, Paul Wiegard, George Hamilton
Screenwriter: Warwick Ross, Robert Coe, Paul Murphy, Madeleine Ross
Distributor: Samuel Goldwyn Films
Production Co: Third Man Films, Doco Digital
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Sep 2, 2022, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Sep 2, 2022
Runtime: 1h 36m

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