Absinthe: was it ambrosia or poison, artistic muse or ticket to madness and death? There is a tremendous fascination with absinthe, yet few truly know its rich history. The documentary ABSINTHE definitively brings the Green Fairy out of her clouded past where, for one hundred years, her fabled effects and demonized reputation have excited equal doses of admiration and loathing. The film traces absinthe’s arc: from its birth in Switzerland in 1787, through its rise in the chic cafés of Belle Époque Paris, to its prohibition, and its recent worldwide revival. Absinthe’s story is put in high relief through interviews with leading historians, authors, distillers, antiques collectors, and fanatics. The cult beverage of bohemian artists is back in fashion; the documentary ABSINTHE clarifies the legend.
Reviews
Save your money for something good and enjoyable
After playing with our expectations, this turns out to be a very different sort of film.
Blistering performances.
One of the most extraordinary films you will see this year. Take that as you want.
About a year ago, I was in New York City and went to my favorite little restaurant--a sort of Belgian Brasserie near Broadway. Their food is great and they have an amazing selection of Belgian and French beers. However, this last time I visited, I wanted something different and noticed that they had an absinthe menu. This intrigued me, as I knew that the drink had been banned for some time. When I asked the waiter about it, he told me a long story about how the effects of the drink were GREATLY exaggerated and it was perfectly safe. And, when I had the drink, I was impressed how civilized and cultured the drink was--starting with its very elaborate presentation to its lovely anise-tinged aroma and flavor. I was hooked and can't wait to go back for more--but unfortunately, I live in Florida and don't know any place where it's served around here. Fortunately, I am going to Paris in a few days and perhaps I can find it there--since it was THE place to drink it in the 19th century. Because of my love of the drink, it was a natural that I would decide to watch this unusual documentary--to learn the truth about this concoction--how it is made, why it was banned and why it no longer is banned.I enjoyed the documentary. Its biggest strength is that it is VERY informative--chock full of information that will satisfy just about any questions you might have about this wicked(!?) drink. I enjoyed the many interviews as well. My only complaint, and I am sure it's because of the limited resources of the filmmakers, is that the film looked a bit cheap--and some appears to have been shot with a simple home video camera. But, considering it's probably the only documentary you'll find on the drink, you have to take what you can get--and enjoy. I just wish the film had told me where I could get the drink around here!
This documentary covers everything you should know about absinthe. It features the key persons in the field of absinthe history and absinthe production today. No mystification, no scams, no absinthe gimmicks. Just pure facts about a drink (and its history) that is still not so well understood today. Every bartender, bar owner, every absinthe wannabe freak should see this one. The historians along with the locals from Val de Travers in the Swiss region of Neuchatel are telling the historical stuff and the producers and distillers are describing what the absinthe really is and how it's (and how it was!) made. It also covers the famous absinthe ritual and finally puts the crappy fire ritual where it belongs.Highly recommended for everyone who's into absinthe or anybody who ever wondered if absinthe is a poison or a drug.The truth is out there!
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