Whoever was responsible for picking out the music for this hour long tour around one of the greatest cities in the world deserves an award. It wasn't just the music or the songs that they picked, but certain arrangements and rhythms that really fit the visuals that they are showing at that time. This brings on an emotion while watching it that even if you hate busy metropolis sidewalks and constantly noisy traffic, you can't help but feel like you are there as the camera portals around whether it be on a moving vehicle on a street or helicopter in the sky.
Even living here, watching this is exciting as I revisited every now and then. The documentary is broken down into seams, first starting with focus on the history of the skyscrapers, particularly three: the Flatiron building, the Chrysler building and the Empire State Building. Then we get to the neighborhoods, the individual faces, the various business districts, the nightlife, museums, parks, the churches and of course the tragedy of 9/11.
When you have jazz, big band, classical, a bit of R&B and other musical themes (some with glorious vocals), this is both fascinating as a tour guide and emotional reminder of everything that is there, beautiful people and even when on hold due to circumstances beyond the city's control, the reminder that the return of those things awaits is a sign of hope that this documentary presents.
Of course, most of this is Manhattan, but you really get to see all of the very long stretch, going from the Battery up to 125th Street. You might also find yourself giggling at the narration, filled with great humor and sage advice, and it's obvious that this is a New Yorker who loves his city, it's also on in the faces of the New Yorkers they show. We are reminded that even those who complain about it would never consider living anywhere else.
Even living here, watching this is exciting as I revisited every now and then. The documentary is broken down into seams, first starting with focus on the history of the skyscrapers, particularly three: the Flatiron building, the Chrysler building and the Empire State Building. Then we get to the neighborhoods, the individual faces, the various business districts, the nightlife, museums, parks, the churches and of course the tragedy of 9/11.
When you have jazz, big band, classical, a bit of R&B and other musical themes (some with glorious vocals), this is both fascinating as a tour guide and emotional reminder of everything that is there, beautiful people and even when on hold due to circumstances beyond the city's control, the reminder that the return of those things awaits is a sign of hope that this documentary presents.
Of course, most of this is Manhattan, but you really get to see all of the very long stretch, going from the Battery up to 125th Street. You might also find yourself giggling at the narration, filled with great humor and sage advice, and it's obvious that this is a New Yorker who loves his city, it's also on in the faces of the New Yorkers they show. We are reminded that even those who complain about it would never consider living anywhere else.
