Watch To Be Takei

To Be Takei is a documentary film released in 2014 that portrays the life and career of actor and activist George Takei. Directed by Jennifer Kroot, the movie chronicles Takei's rise to stardom as Hikaru Sulu in the original Star Trek television series and how he became a prominent LGBTQ activist and cultural icon. The film begins by introducing us to Takei's childhood, growing up in a Japanese American family that was interned during World War II. Despite facing discrimination and adversity, Takei thrived, becoming involved in student politics and eventually earning a bachelor's degree in theater from UCLA. He began acting in the late 1950s and appeared in several small film and television roles before being cast in Star Trek in 1966.

As the film shows, Takei's portrayal of Sulu on Star Trek helped break barriers for Asian Americans in the entertainment industry, which at the time was dominated by white actors. Takei's popularity grew so much that he became a cultural icon, attracting fans from all over the world who admired not only his acting but also his commitment to social justice. Throughout his career, Takei used his platform as an actor to advocate for various causes, including LGBTQ rights and Japanese American history.

To Be Takei also delves into Takei's personal life, including his relationship with his husband and business partner Brad Takei. The film portrays their 30-year relationship and how they have stayed committed to each other despite facing obstacles and challenges.

One of the most powerful aspects of the film is the way it explores Takei's activism. The film shows how Takei uses his platform to create positive change, not just for the LGBTQ community, but for all marginalized groups. Takei has become an advocate for social justice and uses his social media platforms to speak out against discrimination and hate speech. The documentary shows examples of his work with the Human Rights Campaign and Outfest Film Festival, among others, which includes several public appearances advocating for cultural understanding.

Another important theme in the film is the struggle that Takei has faced as an Asian American actor in Hollywood. Despite his trailblazing career, Takei still faced stereotypes and discrimination in the entertainment industry. The film shows how Takei has worked to break down barriers and create opportunities for Asian American actors, both on and off-screen.

Overall, To Be Takei is a moving and inspiring documentary that portrays the life and career of George Takei. The film captures his resilience, humor, and dedication to social justice. Through Takei's story, the movie shows how one person can make a difference and how activism is a vital part of creating a more inclusive and just society.

In addition to George Takei, the movie also features interviews with his family and friends, including his husband Brad Takei and Star Trek co-star Walter Koenig. With a mix of interviews, archival footage, and personal anecdotes, To Be Takei is an engaging and insightful documentary that is sure to inspire viewers.

To Be Takei is a 2014 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9 and a MetaScore of 66.