A STAR’S TREK FOR LIFE, LIBERTY AND LOVE.

George Takei has come a long way from just being Sulu on Star Trek. This documentary paints a very likable portrait of him, showing the kind of influence he had on Asian-Americans who had few role models like him on TV, and how important he has become as a gay-rights activist. Because of Takei’s charisma and those subjects, the film stands on solid emotional ground, but it is further strengthened by his painful, humiliating memories of growing up in one of the internment camps that the U.S. government set up for Japanese-Americans during World War II. We also get an intimate look at the long-time relationship between Takei and his husband Brad, tiffs and all, as well as the actor’s continuing commitments in the “Star Trek” community. A well-balanced and entertaining film.

2014-U.S. 94 min. Color. Produced by Gerry Kim, Jennifer M. Kroot, Mayuran Tiruchelvam. Directed by Jennifer M. Kroot.

Trivia: Among those making appearances: William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, Howard Stern and Wil Wheaton.

Last word: “My editor/co-director is male (Bill Weber). Bill and I worked very well together to figure out the story of the film while editing for about eight months. I think Bill has some traits that might be considered more stereotypical of women, like being open to his emotions. He brought a lot of warmth to forming the scenes about the relationship between George and his husband Brad in the film. I tend to be interested in comic timing and awkward moments in the film. I’m also a science fiction fan and brought knowledge about that to the project. I’m just trying to show that we don’t have to be defined by our gender roles.” (Kroot, Filmmaker Magazine)

IMDb