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Maya Angelou, one of the most prominent literary figures of the 20th century, grew up during--and became a vital part of--one of the most volatile periods of American history. The inspiring, tragic, outrageous life of Maya Angelou could be the subject of an entire college course, but this video serves as a terrific first primer. This Intimate Portrait provides an overview of her life and accomplishments; interviews and video clips show Anglou's rise from a difficult childhood to her development into a world-renowned poet, author, and teacher. The paramount value of this production lies in the interviews with her brother and son, and, of course, with Angelou herself. Actress and talk-show host Oprah Winfrey provides reverent narration. --Brendan J. LaSalle |
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Maya Angelou has moved this nation with her poetry. Her voice has soothed our hearts, challenged our minds and called us to live life to its fullest. We know about her life from her intimate biography, I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings, and its subsequent sister volumes. Intimate Portraits gives us the honor of going into the personal lives of women who moved the world. In this series we get the opportunity to listen, look and take in the life of Maya Angelou. With great candor and no regrets, Maya unfolds her life before us. She doesn't dwell on the negative tragedies that occured in her life. Of course she acknowledges them but never allowed them to define her. Maya's voice and art came from life's lessons which contained the good and the bad. Having the courage to move through the negative and turn it into something good is what makes this woman extraordinary. Unashamedly Maya shares the two great loves of her life, her brother Baily and son Guy. Baily was her confidant, friend, big brother and the one she could depend upon. Guy was that beautiful gift of life who enabled her to shoulder adult responsibility in raising a child. She admits to her failed relationships and marriages but all of those were lessons in life. The video takes us on a cinematic journey to California, Arkansas, Missouri, Africa, and around the world with Maya as she assumes roles of dancer, actress, teacher and journalist. The sharing of her life resulted in her unfolding her vocation as a writer and poet. Watching this progress takes place is a joy and reminds us that we too must learn to unfold our lives. Intimate Portraits has given us an outstanding view of a great woman. |
