To Be Takei Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A charming space captain navigates his way from WWII internment camps to internet superstardom, proving that ‘Oh My!’ is a universal language for activism, love, and confronting William Shatner.

🍿 To Be Takei: Detailed Plot Synopsis

From Internment to Starfleet

The film delves into George Takei’s formative childhood years, spent with his family in Japanese-American internment camps during World War II. This difficult experience profoundly shaped his perspective on civil rights and justice. He later recounts his struggles as a Japanese-American actor in Hollywood, navigating stereotypical roles before landing his iconic part as Hikaru Sulu on the original “Star Trek” television series.

Private Life and Public Activism

For decades, George Takei remained closeted about his homosexuality, fearing it would jeopardize his career in Hollywood. “To Be Takei” beautifully explores his eventual decision to publicly come out and marry his long-time partner and business manager, Brad Takei. Their loving relationship forms a central pillar of the documentary, showcasing their journey together.

A Modern Pop Culture Phenomenon

Beyond his acting career, the film chronicles George Takei’s remarkable rise as a social media and internet sensation, accumulating millions of followers. It highlights his engaging personality, unique sense of humor, and his role as the official announcer for “The Howard Stern Show.” This section captures his dynamic presence at conventions and his ongoing engagement with a global fanbase.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Self (George Takei): The central subject of the documentary, an eclectic actor and activist whose remarkable life journey from Japanese American internment to pop culture icon is chronicled.
• Self(as Brad Takei) (Brad Takei): George Takei’s husband and business partner, whose loving and supportive relationship is a significant focus of the film.
• Self (William Shatner): A fellow ‘Star Trek’ actor whose strained and often publicly contentious relationship with George Takei is explored within the documentary.
• Self (Leonard Nimoy): George Takei’s respected ‘Star Trek’ co-star who provides reflective commentary on their shared professional history and friendship.
• Self (Nichelle Nichols): Another ‘Star Trek’ co-star who offers insights into George Takei’s career and their camaraderie on the iconic series.
• Self (Howard Stern): The radio shock-jock who significantly amplified George Takei’s public persona and provided a platform for his late-career resurgence.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• George Takei: “Oh, my!” – His iconic catchphrase, often used to express surprise, delight, or mock exasperation, which became a significant part of his internet persona and is frequently heard throughout the documentary.
• George Takei: “It’s OK to be Takei.” – A personal mantra and pun on his name, representing his journey of self-acceptance and a message of positivity and authenticity, particularly regarding his sexuality.
• George Takei: “My life has been transformed as fantastically as science fiction.” – He reflects on the incredible and often unexpected turns his life has taken, from internment camps to ‘Star Trek’ and becoming a social media phenomenon.
• William Shatner: “I don’t have a relationship with George Takei. I haven’t seen him in many years.” – Said during an interview for the documentary, reflecting the well-known professional and personal estrangement between the two ‘Star Trek’ actors.

💰Box Office

• Budget: N/A
• Domestic Gross: $52,823
• Worldwide Gross: $52,823

💥 To Be Takei Reviews

Personal Review

Honestly, I went into ‘To Be Takei’ expecting some cool Star Trek stories, and while it delivered on that, it gave me so much more. Seeing George and Brad’s relationship was just the most heartwarming thing; their love and partnership truly shine through every scene. The segments on his childhood in the internment camps were incredibly moving and shed light on a crucial part of history I really needed to learn more about. And his laugh? It’s just contagious! This film left me feeling so inspired by his enduring positivity and fierce advocacy for what’s right. It’s a real treat, a genuine and inspiring look at a truly remarkable person.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Star Trek fans and Trekkies”
  • “Fans of George Takei’s social media presence”
  • “Individuals interested in LGBTQ+ history and activism”
  • “Those studying Japanese-American internment during WWII”
  • “Documentary enthusiasts and biography lovers”
  • “Anyone seeking an uplifting and inspiring real-life story”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Discussions of historical discrimination (Japanese-American internment camps)”
  • “Themes of prejudice (racism and homophobia)”
  • “Minor instances of verbal conflict (e.g., between George Takei and William Shatner)”

Professional Reviews

• FilmPulse Magazine: “To Be Takei is a heartwarming voyage through the life of a true icon. It gracefully navigates George Takei’s journey from WWII internment camps to the helm of the Enterprise and beyond. The documentary shines brightest when showcasing his vibrant personality and his beautiful relationship with husband Brad, making it a surprisingly intimate and often humorous character study. It’s an engaging and uplifting watch for anyone, not just Trekkies.
• The Daily Critic: “This documentary offers a captivating and candid look at George Takei’s multifaceted life. It expertly balances his enduring legacy as Sulu with his impactful activism and personal joys. While touching on difficult historical periods, the film maintains an overwhelmingly positive tone, powered by Takei’s infectious optimism. It’s a genuine portrayal that celebrates resilience and the power of authenticity.

Audience Reactions

Viewers universally loved the genuine, loving dynamic between George and his husband, Brad, which felt truly authentic.: The film’s uplifting tone, despite touching on serious historical events, resonated deeply with audiences who found George’s optimism truly inspiring and his humor delightful.

Fans were captivated by the untold stories of George’s childhood internment and his passionate journey to becoming an LGBTQ+ activist.: Many praised the documentary for offering a humanizing and relatable portrayal of a public figure, showcasing his struggles and triumphs with authenticity and warmth.

Overall Consensus: To Be Takei is a widely beloved documentary, celebrated for its inspiring, heartfelt, and humorous portrayal of George Takei’s extraordinary life, his enduring love with husband Brad, and his unwavering commitment to activism.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “For its broadcast on PBS and later TCM, the film was edited down to 53 minutes from its original 94-minute runtime.”
• “The documentary extensively features George Takei’s involvement in the musical ‘Allegiance,’ which he co-wrote and starred in, drawing directly from his family’s experience in Japanese-American internment camps during WWII.”
• “The film highlights the well-known professional and personal friction between George Takei and William Shatner, including Shatner’s dismissive comments about their relationship.”
• “George Takei explicitly clarifies in the film that his last name is pronounced ‘Ta-kay’ (like ‘toupee’), a humorous point of clarification he often makes in public appearances.”

🖥️ How to Watch To Be Takei?

The documentary “To Be Takei” was released on August 22, 2014. While it has previously aired on television channels like PBS and TCM (in an edited 53-minute version), its current availability for streaming may vary. Typically, you can find “To Be Takei” available for digital rent or purchase on major platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and YouTube. Check these services for the most up-to-date options to watch this inspiring documentary.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed To Be Takei, you might like these similar films:

• Won’t You Be My Neighbor? (2018): This documentary similarly explores the life and enduring legacy of a beloved public figure, Fred Rogers, who used his platform to promote kindness and understanding, mirroring Takei’s influence.
• Disclosure (2020): Explores the history of transgender representation in Hollywood and its impact, aligning with Takei’s advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights and his groundbreaking role as a visible gay actor.
• Come See the Paradise (1990): A narrative film that directly portrays the Japanese-American internment during World War II, a pivotal and deeply personal experience in George Takei’s life that is central to the documentary.
• Trekkies (1997): This documentary dives into the passionate world of Star Trek fandom, which forms a significant part of George Takei’s career and cultural impact, making it highly relevant to fans of the subject.
• Life Itself (2014): A documentary released in the same year, it chronicles the life and career of another iconic public figure, Roger Ebert, focusing on his impact, personal struggles, and enduring legacy.

🛒 To Be Takei Related Products

• Oh My! George Takei: The Autobiography: Dive deeper into the extraordinary life of George Takei with his captivating autobiography. This book expands on the themes explored in the documentary, offering more personal anecdotes, insights into his acting career, and his journey as an activist, all told with his characteristic wit and charm.
• Star Trek: The Original Series – U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701 Model Kit: Recreate the iconic starship where George Takei’s character, Hikaru Sulu, served as helmsman. This detailed model kit allows fans to build and display a piece of Star Trek history, honoring the legacy of the original series and its enduring crew.
• Allegiance: A New American Musical (Original Broadway Cast Recording): Experience the powerful musical inspired by George Takei’s childhood experiences in Japanese American internment camps. ‘Allegiance’ tells a moving story of family, loyalty, and the fight for justice during a challenging period of American history, featuring George Takei himself.
• Oh My! George Takei Funny Meme T-Shirt: Show your appreciation for George Takei’s iconic catchphrase and internet humor with this ‘Oh My!’ themed t-shirt. Made from comfortable, high-quality fabric, it’s perfect for conventions, casual wear, or just spreading some Takei joy.

🎧 Soundtrack

To Be Takei features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Theme From ‘A Summer Place'” – performed by Percy Faith

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Star Trek: Beyond Stupidity

Ever wondered what critics really thought about Star Trek Beyond? This video dives deep into the film, giving you a no-holds-barred look at some of its perceived flaws – it’s a super engaging review that might even change how you see the movie!

✨ Rate