Watch Michael Jackson: Life, Death and Legacy

Michael Jackson was undoubtedly one of the most mesmerizing and controversial figures in the music industry. His career spanned more than four decades, during which he captivated audiences with his unique voice, electrifying dance moves, and eccentric persona. However, his life was also marred by numerous controversies, including allegations of child sexual abuse, which continue to haunt his legacy even after his death.

The 2012 documentary Michael Jackson: Life, Death and Legacy explores the complex and fascinating life of the King of Pop, from his early days as a child prodigy to his meteoric rise to fame, his myriad legal troubles, and his sudden and tragic death in 2009. The film features interviews with some of Jackson's closest friends, collaborators, and family members, including his mother, Katherine Jackson, his brother Tito Jackson, his longtime friend and magician Uri Geller, and music critics such as Paul Gambaccini.

The film provides a comprehensive overview of Jackson's childhood and the early years of his career, when he performed with his siblings as part of the Jackson 5. From a young age, Jackson showed remarkable talent as a singer and dancer, and quickly became the group's lead vocalist. However, it wasn't until he went solo in the late 1970s that his star truly began to rise. With albums like Off the Wall and Thriller, Jackson became the biggest-selling artist of the 1980s, and his music videos, such as "Thriller" and "Billie Jean," set new standards for the music video genre.

However, as the film highlights, Jackson's rise to fame was also marked by several troubling incidents, including his changing physical appearance, which was widely attributed to his alleged addiction to plastic surgery, his controversial relationships with young boys, and the accusations of child sexual abuse that surfaced in the early 1990s. The film explores these controversies in detail, featuring interviews with those who knew Jackson during these turbulent times.

As the documentary progresses, it delves into the later years of Jackson's life and career, which were marked by legal troubles and personal struggles. From his messy divorce from Lisa Marie Presley to his highly publicized child molestation trial, Jackson's life was increasingly fraught with difficulty and controversy. However, the film also sheds light on Jackson's artistic legacy, showcasing his incredible talent as a songwriter, dancer, and performer.

Michael Jackson: Life, Death and Legacy is a fascinating and thought-provoking documentary that offers a comprehensive overview of one of the most complex and compelling figures in modern music. While the film does not shy away from the controversies and difficulties that defined Jackson's life, it also celebrates his extraordinary talent and enduring impact on the world of music. From his electrifying performances to his innovative music videos, Jackson's influence can still be felt today, and this film is a fitting tribute to his enduring legacy.

Michael Jackson: Life, Death and Legacy is a 2012 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 14 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3.