Presenting Princess Shaw (2015) User Reviews (6)

A rare look at a star in the making

[steven-leibson · 7/10 · 15 May 2016]

Documentary filmmakers need luck to be in the right place at the right time. This filmmaker made some of his own luck. He started making one movie about several artists whose YouTube recording became raw material for Israel's music composer/creator Kutiman. He ended up making another film entirely about the blossoming of an undiscovered musical talent into a budding star. There's a ton of heart in this film and some of it is darned had to watch. That's the problem with raw authenticity. It's raw. Kudos to the filmmaker, to Princess Shaw, and to Kutiman. This is a worthwhile film to see.

We saw this film as part of the Camera Cinema Club series in San Jose, CA.

Unlikely Hero Jump-Starts a Struggling Singer's Career

[marsanobill · 8/10 · 17 July 2016]

Documentary. Samantha Montgomery, who looks to be in her late 20s/early 30s, lives in ghetto New Orleans. She has and has had a tough, even punishing life; works a low-level nursing-home job; lives alone; and has, let's face it, not much in the way of prospects. She wants to be a star, and she pours her life into her songs and singing anywhere, including at some of the noisiest smoke- blue open-mike dives and dumps imaginable, but mostly to an unseen crowd of followers on YouTube. What happens next can't be mentioned but more important is the heart and courage of the Princess herself. Despite little encouragement save the obligatory kind reflexively offered by Mom and friends, she works hard at her art, remaining consistently and insistently optimistic and open-hearted. And generous, too: doesn't resent her mother's past neglect, is kind and encouraging even to those who want that open- mike chance as much as she does. Stick with this. It's a tad slow in the beginning and the nightclub scenes are ear-pummeling and chaotic; they show you what Princess has to survive.

Two in a Billion

[chiltonsjillfreeport · 7/10 · 12 February 2022]

To be honest, the first time Princess/Samantha started talking (on YouTube) about her horrific childhood, I said, 'No No No, please don't go there-put it in your songs!'

This doc is slow @ times, even a little dull, there are some cringes. But if you got here, stick with it; you won't be sorry. Beyond the amazing mix of music (and the gift of seeing her reaction to Kutiman's genius), it's really an exploration of true grit and what happens when two very big hearts collide in the unlikeliest way.

I laughed and cried @ once...

Feel good story

[mrshev · 9/10 · 20 April 2016]

Saw this at Visions Du Reel in Switzerland and I knew nothing about it so saw it somewhat blind, not really knowing what the plot was about.

The story of two disparate and utterly different artists coming together (Princess Shaw and Kutiman) is told with wonderful pace and genuine warmth. As the film progresses the story gradually reveals itself and you feel the impending resolution slowly emerge...and it is a beautiful moment.

Princess Shaw is so full of positivity (which is an utter miracle) and follows her dream with un-dented drive and charisma and you end up feeling a tremendous amount of affection for her and her spirit. Kutiman comes across as an almost Svengali figure and is the perfect foil for Princess Shaw. The moment of revelation is a thing of joy and I found myself smiling at the memory many days after watching the film.

The film is raw but beautifully edited and you can feel the craft of the film maker touching every aspect as he tried to mold this into a final film. Wonderful film that should not be missed - especially if you like music. The irony of this is that Princess Shaw auditioned for The Voice but was rejected and we can all see that she is much more talented than they realised.

When east and west meet at the Arts

[nuritnuritg · 9/10 · 23 May 2016]

Hollywood lost its ability to let people be people and express themselves naked. In Hollywood you have to have money, you have to be outstandingly beautiful, or handsome, and appearance flaws are well covered, to the point of no recognition of what the person really looks like. Then there is that Hollywood technic of sound, photography and other effects to complete the camouflage to perfection. And out of nowhere, come two Israelis, Ido Haar and Ophir Kutiel, and the star of the film, the American Samantha Montgomery who do not live in a Hollywood chosen filming location, who wear t-shirts and jeans and are not really trained actor or sophisticated producer or director but they have soul,they have a story to tell, they have the insight and their story moves your own emotions and catches your heart tight. The docufilm is riveting; Samantha's heart-to-heart talk with her audience and her story she tells through her songs are deep penetrating. An amazing story that two Israelis have picked on and have taken it to the top level of film art. Once again Israel is showing the world that it leads in films' content.

A Moving True Life Story

[rannynm · 9/10 · 14 June 2016]

"T" is for teens. I like this film and loved meeting the people involved in it. I was a little concerned that this might not be a KIDS FIRST movie but it is.

We are all into YouTube, Facebook, social media and many other electronic connections with other people. This movie has all of the above. It is a documentary about two people who are followed on a journey of friendship - a great composer, a fabulous singer, a live concert in Israel and a unique film.

I loved the storyline. My favorite part about the movie is all the music. There is a large mix of music from vocals, pianos, violins, guitars, drums and many more instruments. Kutiman is a great composer from Israel. He traveled 7,000 miles across the Internet to find a great singer.

I felt uncomfortable during some of the scenes and my Mom said I was a little too young to understand a few of them. Unfortunately, everyone's life is not perfect and people struggle every day and deal with crazy situations. Yes, I do feel this is a KIDS FIRST movie because it is not cute, funny or Hollywood. It is about real life. The message in this film is to never give up your dreams but to keep them alive and pursue them. This film gives you insight into how we can all feel hopeless and want to give up. That is the time when you cry, eat ice cream, dig deep and get yourself back up and into the fight for your dream.

Samantha Montgomery, also known as Princess Shaw, pursues her singing career when and wherever she can. Finally, a composer in Israel discovers her YouTube page and a great friendship and collaboration begins. Ido Haar who is Kutiman's friend and a director watched the first music mash up video and is intrigued by the process. So, he follows the musicians and the vocalist Kutiman has his heart set on. He even flies back and forth between Israel and the United States several times over the course of a year to capture the real story of Princess Shaw and her journey on film. Meanwhile he is also filming Kutiman's journey.

The actual footage is a breath of fresh air from all the CGI graphics taking place in movies today. You get to sit back and watch a real life story. You really care about what happens to these people. You cry when they struggle and cheer when things go well. I appreciated the emotional attachment you feel throughout the film.

The appropriate age range for this film is 14 to 18 years old. There are a few curse words. There are stories about bad things that happened to children. That is a reality. This is a now film. It is something that could really happen to you today. You never know when or how your dreams will come true. Even when they do, you still have to work hard to keep them alive. I rate this 4 1/2 out of 5 singing stars.

Reviewed by Morgan B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic.