Out now on dvd/blu-ray
The People's Reviews
Rating:
8 ratings and 10 reviews
Very enjoyable doco
I liked this quite a lot. It's no Bill Cunningham New York (which is BRILLIANT), but it's entertaining & interesting & really is a celebration of Billy T as an entertainer & commedian. Gives a good insight into his two very different personas - Billy T the character & the very private William Taitoko. Most Kiwis with a memory of Billy T should enjoy this & even those young 'uns coming in fresh should enjoy the un-PC, self deprecating humour that he was so famous for & that we seem to love as a nation.
Great look at a New Zealand Icon
Now I was only 5 years old when Billy T died. But I have seen lots of footage of him over the years and he was truly larger than life. This film took a great look at a gifted comedian that stole New Zealand hearts. It interviewed a lot of family and friends about his story. It included his huge rise and sad fall into financial collapse and ill health. I enjoyed this film and recommend it to fans of Billy
Lack of actual Billy
Disappointing at the lack of Billy actually on screen although the insights of his mtaes was interesting. Billy was a great entertainer. It's a shame his finances weren't managed better.
Funny and Sad
Well worth watching to appreciate again a great entertainer and comedian (with excerpts from his performances). He really was a funny man.
But also a great and sad watch to learn about his life and background, leading to his early death.
Most loved comedian
There can be few Kiwis who were so universally loved as Billy T James. Even now, twenty years after his death (can it REALLY be 20 years?), people remember with great affection his ability to poke fun, the infectious giggle and the no-holds-barred professionalism.
This film shows just how passionate and professional Billy was about his craft, why he was so funny and how he made it look so easy (when actually it's darned hard work).
We also get to know a little about the private Billy T, the quiet, contemplative man who conquered his shyness to become a star.
Nor does the movie forget the problems which occurred after his untimely death and perhaps gives viewers unfamiliar with Maoritanga, an insight into the heartfelt views which led to the dispute.
All in all a wonderfully reminiscent film about the private and public life of a man we all loved and who is still greatly missed.
hehehe
A good movie for any New Zealander to see
Billy T a New Zealand legend
This is more a story told by his friends and colleages about the man behind the image Billy T was must see tv for any kiwi in the early eighties If you havent heard or seen anything that Billy T was in i suggeset you go down to the local video shop and rent out his dvds you will soon be enthralled by his catchy laugh to his very funny wit my favourite Billy T moment is when he goes and buys a car from a car dealer and the Te News section Billy you will always be the man
Great Entertainer
Well put together.A good doco which is easy to watch.It shows more of the man than his sketches.
Made me cry
I actually didn't realize this is a doco of Billy T life...it made me cry and also showed me how politically correct we are these days, what Billy T got away with as funny is amazing..He's still laugh out loud funny and an icon of NZ History. Great movie.
Wait for the DVD
This was more a doco than a movie. And although an interesting doco...the interviewee's (is that a word?) were mostly old collegues he worked with, a relative he wasn't that close to, and various other people he came across during his life at various stages. So not so sure I can take all they say with a pinch of salt. But it was nice to 'flick' back now again to some 80's comedy scenes, and see Billy again. However I have some of the old Billy T dvds, and they make better watching.
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