To Be Takei

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.

George Takei is best known as Hikaru Sulu on Star Trek. This documentary does hook on this role but does not linger for too long. The in-depth view of this extraordinary Asian-American. George survived the Asian internment camps during WWII in Arkansas. A chapter not often spoken about in our American history, this was tough. George fought the Hollywood stereotype of Asians on film and TV. He also has served as a role model as a gay man who came out late in life. Along with his life long partner Brad, this movie masterfully showcases a full life. A brilliant on screen look behind this well known pop culture icon. A fascinating look into one man's extraordinary life.

George Takei's a no-brainer for a documentary subject, what with his being a pillar of the LGBT community and as a social media force. And "To Be Takei" devotes plenty of time to this facet of his life. But it also devotes plenty of time to his childhood relocation and internment during WWII. It's here where things turn dark, and the bigotry of the period is shocking. And I didn't know that he was instrumental in getting U.S. government restitution for said internment. Powerful stuff. There's moderate attention paid to his Star Trek legacy, and it's here where the movie disappoints. Shatner comes off as a dick, which is kinda sad. I know there's truth to the bad blood story, but there's also shameless editorializing at his expense. It's a bummer.

This movie's fairly mediocre; the focus is scattered and we bounce around haphazardly. But there's also plenty to learn about the man.

6/10

It must be more than okay to be Tokei, it must be fantastic! Watching George and his husband, Brad, interact with each other and with their crowds of fans was a great way to hide from an oppressively hot August afternoon. Their honest affection for each other and tender regard for each other's friends and family evoked collective sighs and chuckles from a small but appreciative cinema audience.

We see George recount memories of his childhood internment, and then later watch him perform in the new theatrical musical, "Allegiance," bringing those memories to life as he and his collaborators prepare for a Broadway preview later this year. His unmistakable voice, his inimitable laugh, and charismatic presence are beautifully balanced by Brad's more practical and less animated personality.

"To Be Takei" is a must see for Trekkies and others who appreciate the contributions of my favorite starship helmsman. Cameos from Leonard Nimoy, Nichelle Nichols, and Walter Koenig prove that William Shatner is creepier than a Clingon. And, amazingly enough, I was able to watch Howard Stern without breaking-out in a brain rash. I positively enjoyed this documentary and look forward to sharing it with others once it becomes available through my subscription service.

George Takei, the famous Hikaru Sulu from the classic Star Trek, has had a life worth to tell. As a kid, he spent some years with his family in an internment camp on US soil (Yes, Americans did that too). Besides, back in those years of the "Good old America" being a young Asian actor only meant he would get stereotyped roles. Takei wanted more, and most certainly he did! Someone that had to endure really hard times has become a legend, a cultural icon even.

In this documentary we will meet Takei, his husband and manager Brad, relatives, fans...all of them have their place in Takei's endless universe of love and positivity. There is not a specific approach, not doses of drama or comedy, but a true depiction of a lovely couple, in which one of them turns to be a legend of sci-fi, and much, much more.

To Be Takei is a work about a man that had to trespass literal and metaphorical fences and boundaries. A story told from the heart, full of warmth and honesty. The story of a man that has fought against prejudices, racism and homophobia, always passionately, always in a positive mood. He is and has been an icon to several generations, and still manages to inspire, like he has done with this documentary. At least, he has inspired me, and I hope you watch it, because as he always says "It's OK to be Takei".