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      Life Itself

      2014, Documentary, 2h 0m

      205 Reviews 10,000+ Ratings

      What to know

      Critics Consensus

      Rich in detail and warmly affectionate, Life Itself offers a joyful yet poignant tribute to a critical cinematic legacy. Read critic reviews

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      Life Itself  Photos

      Life Itself (2014) Life Itself (2014) Life Itself (2014) Life Itself (2014) A scene from "Life Itself." Life Itself (2014) Life Itself (2014)

      Movie Info

      Filmmaker Steve James chronicles the life of film critic Roger Ebert, especially his career highlights, his battle with alcohol, and his sometimes ruthless rivalry with fellow critic Gene Siskel.

      • Rating: R (Language|Brief Sexual Images/Nudity)

      • Genre: Documentary

      • Original Language: English

      • Director: Steve James

      • Producer: Zak Piper, Steve James, Garrett Basch

      • Release Date (Theaters):  limited

      • Release Date (Streaming):

      • Box Office (Gross USA): $809.7K

      • Runtime:

      • Distributor: Magnolia Pictures

      • Production Co: Kartemquin Films, Film Rites

      Cast & Crew

      Zak Piper
      Martin Scorsese
      Steven Zaillian
      Michael W. Ferro Jr.
      Gordon Quinn
      Justine Nagan
      Kat White
      Mark Mitten
      Vinnie Malhotra
      Dana Kupper
      Steve James
      Joshua Abrams

      News & Interviews for Life Itself

      Critic Reviews for Life Itself

      Audience Reviews for Life Itself

      • Feb 05, 2016

        It's only fitting that Roger Ebert - a man who did so much to pioneer the belief that cinema has more meaning that goes beyond a film's mere runtime - should receive an outstanding documentary about his own life.

        Super Reviewer
      • Apr 08, 2015

        Life Itself is a fascinating documentary about Pulitzer Prize winning film critic Roger Ebert. Though based on Ebert's memoir, the film takes a turn and ends up following the final days of his battle with cancer. Still, most of the material concerns Ebert's rise as a film critic, and how he (along with Gene Siskel) influenced the culture of film criticism. Yet there are some significant omissions (not the least of which is his post-Siskle partnership with Richard Roeper). In fact, the number of Ebert's colleagues that are interviewed are surprisingly few. And, there are some tonal issues with the switching between the cancer struggle and the biographical segments. But despite its problems, Life Itself presents an intimate look at one of the most influential figures in the history of cinema.

        Super Reviewer
      • Apr 05, 2015

        A superb documentary chronicling the life and time of legendary film critic Roger Ebert. A man who, right until the end, displayed happiness and joy at every movie and the medium of cinema whilst battling cancer until his last breath. Very inspirational.

        Super Reviewer
      • Mar 28, 2015

        A wonderfully poignant documentary in which Ebert's deep love for family, life, and the movies is illuminated through the screen. The movie critic icon would not have wanted his story told any other way.

        Super Reviewer

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