Is Rising Above the Blues: The Story of Jimmy Scott Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2012)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Debuting in 2012, Rising Above the Blues: The Story of Jimmy Scott represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the Documentary, Music category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into About Jimmy Scott, who has had profound influence on the world of jazz and pop, but was never recognized by a wider audience. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Documentary, Music are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "About Jimmy Scott, who has had profound influence on the world of jazz and pop, but was never recognized by a wider audience. The documentary takes us behind the record production, where artists and musicians like Quincy Jones, Kenny Barron, John Pisano or Peter Erskine are telling their own story about Jimmy Scott. We get a look behind the scenery and find out how this record is carried out. This Making-Of is a moving document about an unknown icon of music history."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. The presence of Jimmy Scott provides a necessary level of professionalism to the production, even when the underlying script struggles to maintain a consistent tone. It is a testament to their skill that they remain the most engaging element of the film.

The direction by Yoon-ha Chang is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 89 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Rising Above the Blues: The Story of Jimmy Scott truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Documentary, Music, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 0/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Rising Above the Blues: The Story of Jimmy Scott explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2012 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Yoon-ha Chang respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Rising Above the Blues: The Story of Jimmy Scott is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Jimmy Scott or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Rising Above the Blues: The Story of Jimmy Scott is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.