Unveiling the Real Woman Behind the Fame

Read Time:5 Minute, 3 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Liza: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story
–

Genre: Biography, Documentary
Year Released: 2024, Kino Lorber Blu-ray 2025
Runtime: 1h 44m
Director(s): Bruce David Klein
Where To Watch: Available on April 1, 2025. Pre-order your copy here: www.kinolorber.com or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Few Hollywood stories capture as much heart, grit, and glamour as the life of Liza Minnelli, and Bruce David Klein’s documentary LIZA: A TRULY TERRIFIC ABSOLUTELY TRUE STORY does an impressive job balancing the spectacle with personal sincerity. Rather than just another celebrity documentary ticking off career highlights, this one offers a fresh perspective on what makes Minnelli an unforgettable entertainer and an intriguing human being. Klein carefully crafts a narrative that feels like discovering the person behind the performer, rather than merely a chronological account of her celebrity status.

What immediately stands out about this documentary is its willingness to sidestep the easy route of playing up Liza’s famous heritage. Klein understands audiences might expect plenty of Judy Garland, yet he steps beyond the familiar parentage angle. Instead, he emphasizes how Minnelli forged her path in an industry that reduces stars to simple stories. Through thoughtful storytelling, the audience sees how Liza deliberately positioned herself as distinct from her parents, especially her mom. This star made calculated choices rather than relying on inherited fame alone.

One of the documentary's strongest points is its detailed look at how mentorship and meaningful friendships significantly influenced Minnelli's career. This is where the story sparkles—Kay Thompson, Liza’s godmother, emerges as a pivotal presence whose pragmatic advice shaped Minnelli’s early successes. Klein spotlights these friendships with genuine appreciation, presenting them as essential to her journey rather than simple anecdotes. This focus makes Minnelli more relatable, illustrating that her success was partly due to genuine friendships behind the scenes.

Another strength lies in how Klein integrates archival footage. Carefully selected moments from Minnelli’s most celebrated performances demonstrate her rare ability to connect with an audience. These vintage clips don’t merely pad out the film; they are a powerful testament to her presence and artistry. Watching Minnelli on stage is a vivid reminder of why audiences were so drawn to her, capturing a charisma that translates well. These performances inject the documentary vibrancy, underscoring Liza’s natural ability to express vulnerability and joy through music and movement.

Yet, the documentary doesn’t shy away from Minnelli's hardships. It openly addresses her experiences with addiction, heartbreak, and the relentless scrutiny of public life. Friends like Mia Farrow and Michael Feinstein provide commentary, emphasizing her resilience and warmth rather than dwelling on her setbacks for dramatic effect. Klein’s choice to avoid sensationalizing her struggles creates a respectful and balanced narrative. This nuanced approach humanizes Minnelli, allowing audiences to appreciate her triumphs without glossing over the difficulties that shaped her.

However, there are elements Klein might have explored further. For example, Minnelli’s relationship with the LGBTQIA2S+ community is lightly touched upon. Given Minnelli’s significant impact as an icon in these circles, deeper engagement would have enriched the narrative. Similarly, the documentary only briefly acknowledges her substantial influence on fashion and popular culture beyond her most iconic roles. A deeper dive into these aspects might have given the film additional context and relevance.

Structurally, Klein’s choice to divide the documentary into segments marked by memorable quotations works well, offering a rhythmic and engaging flow. Each segment feels complete yet connected, creating a cohesive experience. This approach allows audiences less familiar with Minnelli’s career to follow along without feeling overwhelmed. It also adds an enjoyable, conversational quality that draws viewers in.

Klein successfully portrays Minnelli as both extraordinary and relatable. He avoids overly idealizing or dramatizing her life, choosing instead to highlight her genuine struggles and accomplishments in a balanced way. This approach makes the film accessible to all audiences, whether or not they’re intimately familiar with her background or previous works.

Klein closes the documentary with a beautifully understated scene. This quiet and sincere moment encapsulates the heart of the documentary—Minnelli as a woman profoundly shaped by the friendships she has nurtured throughout her life. It’s a perfect, gentle note to end on, capturing everything the film successfully conveys about Minnelli’s journey.

LIZA: A TRULY TERRIFIC ABSOLUTELY TRUE STORY is an expertly assembled tribute that enriches our understanding and appreciation of Minnelli’s life and enduring legacy. Klein’s thoughtful direction allows audiences to appreciate how she became far more than the sum of her famous parts, offering viewers a compelling look at a remarkable talent who carved out her identity against considerable odds. This isn’t just another documentary—it’s a warm, lively portrait of a legend whose story continues to captivate and inspire.

Please visit https://linktr.ee/overlyhonestr for more reviews.

You can follow me on Letterboxd, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. My social media accounts can also be found on most platforms by searching Overly Honest Reviews.

I’m always happy to hear from my readers; please say hi or send me any questions about movies.

[photo courtesy of KINO LORBER]

DISCLAIMER:
At Overly Honest Movie Reviews, we value honesty and transparency. Occasionally, we receive free items for review, including DVDs, Blu-rays, CDs, Vinyl, Books, etc. We assure you that these arrangements do not influence our reviews, as we are committed to providing unbiased and sincere evaluations. We aim to help you make informed entertainment choices regardless of our relationship with distributors or producers.

Amazon Affiliate Links:
Additionally, this site contains Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may receive a commission. This affiliate arrangement does not affect our commitment to honest reviews and helps support our site. We appreciate your trust and support in navigating these links.