Life Itself

2014 • 120 minutes

About this movie

Acclaimed director Steve James (Hoop Dreams) and executive producers Martin Scorsese (The Departed) and Steven Zaillian (Moneyball) present Life Itself, a documentary film that recounts the inspiring and entertaining life of world-renowned film critic and social commentator Roger Ebert – a story that is by turns personal, funny, painful, and transcendent. Based on his bestselling memoir of the same name, LIFE ITSELF, explores the legacy of Roger Ebert’s life, from his Pulitzer Prize-winning film criticism at the Chicago Sun-Times to becoming one of the most influential cultural voices in America.

Ratings and reviews

Roger Ebert is one of the main reasons I love movies so much. But this film really exposes the struggle of dealing with cancer, but yet shows a resolve that many will never obtain. Thank you for sharing your passion with us. You'll be truly missed.

The whole documentary is a must see for those, like me, who were fans. But it really comes to life when it focuses on Roger Ebert's relationship with Gene Siskel. It was their unique partnership that made them larger than life. They made film criticism interesting and accessible.

This is one of the best documentaries I've ever seen. It's a lovely tribute to one of my greatest heroes. It's a beautiful, inspiring and heartbreaking film. From his partnership with Gene Siskel to his wonderful marriage with Chaz to his positivity and courage of his final years, this is an excellent documentary about the king of film fans. It's one of the year's best films. I give it, to borrow a phrase, two thumbs up.