Rating of
4/4
A New Respect for Dixie Chicks
Franz Patrick - wrote on 10/21/08
Prior to watching this documentary, I liked the Dixie Chicks (Natalie Maines, Emily Robinson, and Martie Maguire) because their songs are catchy and fun. My parents own their CDs and I came across their album “Fly” one day and became a fan right then. I’m not much of a fan of country music but I am a fan of the Dixie Chicks. But after viewing this movie, I respect them even more because of the way they stuck together as not only a band but also as close friends after Maines said that she’s ashamed of President Bush. It was scary watching how the media like the FOX News, conservative politicians, and country stations (and fans!) made her statement into a much bigger deal than it should have been. Personally, I don’t think Maines did anything wrong because it’s her opinion and she has the right to express her political ideals. That’s one thing, but when people actually started saying that the band doesn’t support the troops in Iraq and things like that, you just know that it’s turned into something ugly. I must say that I was surprised to find out that somewhere in the middle of this revealing documentary, it transcended the whole controversy and started to pick apart the inner workings of the band. Some of the songs that were featured during such scenes were touching, sensitive, smart, and full of passion. By the end of this film, I felt like the Dixie Chicks was a phoenix rising from the ashes. There was something really sad about them actually starting from the beginning, garnering new fans, and straying away from country bit by bit; at the same time it’s uplifting because they are still loved, especially in Europe, and they deserve to be. One of this film’s many brilliant messages is that if you don’t give up and if you work hard enough, the things that you have lost can be regained. I’m so glad that the Dixie Chicks stood by with what they believe in… and not losing their humor along the way (especially Maines). I highly recommend this documentary because it’s definitely not just for fans.
