Documentary

This biography of Ludwig von Beethoven (played here by Gary Oldman) builds its narrative around an actual letter found after his death, addressed only to the composer's "immortal beloved." The responsibility of discovering this mysterious person's identity falls to Beethoven's friend and secretary (Jeroen Krabbé), who sets out on an investigation that soon becomes an exploration of the composer's life. Through recollections and scattered hints, we receive glimpses of Beethoven's relationships with women, particularly his close interaction with a pair of very different Countesses. The film also pays prominent attention to the composer's oddly obsessive relationship with the young nephew whom he attempted to mold in his own image, and Beethoven's eventual hearing loss and descent into emotional instability. ~ Judd Blaise, All Movie Guide

This behind-the-scenes documentary chronicles pop star Michael Jackson's 2007 criminal trial, in which he was accused of sexual abuse. Later acquitted of all charges, Jackson was the center of a wild media circus for the duration of the trial, as well as the undying support of fans, who swarmed the courthouse to protest their hero's innocence.

~ Cammila Albertson, All Movie Guide

Documentary filmmaker Nati Baratz follows the shy but devoted disciple of a deceased Tibetan master as he sets out in search of his reincarnated master under the direct orders of the Dalai Lama. In 2001, Lama Konchog passed away following 26 years of isolated meditation in a remote mountain cave. Upon Lama Konchog's death, the Dalai Lama instructed his disciple Tenzin Zopa to venture out in search of his reincarnated master. But there is an urgency to Zopa's quest, because should he fail to locate the "unmistaken child" within the span of four short years, it will be too difficult to remove the boy from his parent's care. As a seven-year-old boy, Zopa had willingly entered the service of Lama Konchog, faithfully remaining by his chosen master's side for the next 21 years. When Lama Konchog died, Zopa was devastated. But while the prospect of finding his reincarnation is indeed a foreboding one, the loyal disciple is determined to succeed. With little more than dreams and whispers to guide him, Zopa sets out across lands that seemed to have been virtually untouched by civilization for an entire century. Later, when Tenzin comes across an apparent contender, he prepares to conduct the test that will confirm or deny the reincarnation. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

Elvis and Pat Boone: Rockin Rivals documents the friendly competition that existed between the two best-selling singers in the 1950s. Many of their contemporaries share their reflections about each of the superstars. ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide

Directed by Daniel Junge, this 90-minute documentary follows a Native American high-school basketball team's effort to win the state championship for Wyoming's Wind River Indian Reservation. Chiefs' main focus is on Beaver, a high school student and basketball player whose worsening academic performance in his senior year forces him to reevaluate the status of sports in his life. The film chronicles the team (aptly named The Chiefs) over the course of two years and is intended to explore the ups and downs of growing up Native American at the turn of the 21st century. ~ Tracie Cooper, All Movie Guide