Liza: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story

2024

Biography / Documentary

1
Rotten Tomatoes Critics - Certified Fresh 93% · 40 reviews
Rotten Tomatoes Audience - Upright 95% · 100 ratings
IMDb Rating 7.5/10 10 475 475

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Plot summary

Rich with archival gems and Liza Minnelli’s own point of view, Bruce David Klein's luminous documentary celebrates a young entertainer full of boundless raw talent and the deep, creative relationships with her mentors and influences.

Director

Bruce David Klein Photo
Bruce David Klein

Top cast

Robert De Niro Photo
Robert De Niro as Self
Martin Scorsese Photo
Martin Scorsese as Self
Alan Cumming Photo
Alan Cumming as Self
Kristen Wiig Photo
Kristen Wiig as Self
720p.WEB 1080p.WEB
954.79 MB
1280*720
English 2.0
NR
Subtitles us  
23.976 fps
1 hr 43 min
Seeds 23
1.91 GB
1920*1080
English 5.1
NR
Subtitles us  
23.976 fps
1 hr 43 min
Seeds 41

Movie Reviews

Reviewed by mdw0526 8 / 10

A warm & breezy glimpse into a superstar for the ages...

A few weeks ago, we had a Liza Minnelli two-fer, starting with her delightful cameo on the "Drag Race" S17 finale followed by this breezy 90-minute documentary that's more a loving tribute than a deep-dive into all that is Liza (which would need a mini-series). I loved the doc from just the name, which sounds like a lyric from "Ring Them Bells", and I appreciated the film's focus on Liza's fierce loyalty, a theme as constant as her life in the spotlight. In this film, Liza's icon status is on full display, from childhood memories of Judy Garland to her "Cabaret" performance and EGOT-winning career. We hear charming anecdotes, like stepping in to save "Chicago" on Broadway, and witness how tragedy shaped her path. It doesn't dwell on rehab or personal darkness, but celebrates her resilience, reminding us that she sparkled from the very beginning.
Reviewed by ferguson-6 7 / 10

acting a song like no other

Greetings again from the darkness. The list of icons known by a single name is relatively short and includes such luminaries as Elvis, Prince, Cher, Bono, Beyonce, and Sting. Immediately recognizable with only her first name, Liza Minnelli also fits right in. Documentarian Bruce David Klein has delivered a tribute to her early years as the daughter of worshipped idol Judy Garland and famed film director Vicente Minnelli, and outlines her own path to stardom after tragedy to being recognized as one of the greatest performers of all time.Liza is now 79 years old and wheelchair bound, and yet when the lights are on and the camera is rolling, her entertainer side takes over and she's charming, and a bit naughty. The death of her mother in 1969 (at age 47) was a distinct turning point in Liza's life. She says she was born and they took a picture - meaning she has spent her entire life in the spotlight ... although she makes it clear she was not born in a red sequin dress.We learn about those who have influenced her career, her life, and her style. Singled out are Kay Thompson as a mentor, Charles Aznavour who taught her performance, Fred Ebb and musical partner John Kander, Broadway legend Michael Feinstein, and famed choreographer Bob Fosse. We also learn of Liza's four marriages and divorces to Peter Allen, Jack Haley Jr, Mark Gero, and David Gest. Though Liza offers no real comment on the marriages, those interviewed are particularly harsh when discussing the late Mr. Gest.Liza's brilliance has resulted in the rare EGOT, with her Emmy and Oscar being won in the same year ("Liza with a Z", CABARET). Not surprisingly, her outstanding performance as Sally Bowles in CABARET (1972) draws a significant portion of the commentary here, and it's stunning to hear Liza remark, "I don't think I'm a real good singer, but I can act a song." Her loyalty to friends is emphasized on multiple occasions - never more dramatically than when she saved the Broadway production of "Chicago" by substituting for Gwen Verdon.Not much time is devoted to the dark period, although her friendship with Halston (clothes and parties at Studio 54) is mentioned. Liza's half-sister Lorna Luft appears briefly, but not much personal insight is provided. Rehab for Liza is acknowledged, but let's be clear, Bruce David Klein set out to make a loving tribute to a fascinating performer, and that's exactly what this is.Opens in theaters on March 14, 2025.
Reviewed by EUyeshima 7 / 10

Ebullient Albeit Incomplete Look at Liza's Iconic Life

Director Bruce David Klein deserves credit for not turning this 2024 documentary into complete hagiography as Liza Minnelli's celebrity-filled personal life and dazzling career would've been easy fodder for the goddess treatment I was fearing from the cheeky title. In fact, even in her current frail state, there is an unencumbered spirit that infuses the often enthralling albeit rather incomplete account of her storied life. Of course her accomplished parents are covered here and not surprisingly her loving but fraught relationship with her iconic mother Judy Garland. It was the aftermath of Garland's 1969 death that led Minnelli to seek the guidance of five key mentors - performer/vocal coach Kay Thompson, singer/songwriter Charles Aznavour, lyricist Fred Ebb, director/choreographer Bob Fosse, and designer Halston. Klein wisely focuses on Minnelli's defining career achievements through their individual contributions. Fosse, in particular, gets deserved attention for guiding her 1972 twin juggernauts, the film version of "Cabaret" and the TV special "Liza with a Z". However, those looking for a more complete career retrospective might be disappointed because the film ignores true career milestones like her first Oscar nomination for "The Sterile Cuckoo", "Arthur", and "Arrested Development", as well as high-profile bombs like "Lucky Lady" and "New York, New York" (except the signature song). Close confidants like Mia Farrow and Michael Feinstein act as talking heads for Minnelli who provides brief comments throughout. Nonetheless, the film is a fitting tribute to a true legend who unequivocally escaped the shadow cast by her legendary mother.
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