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The Sunday Age
Sunday February 27, 2011
KISSINGER KNOWLEDGE IS THE BEGINNING DANNII MINOGUE: STYLE QUEEN A PLACE IN THE SUN: DOWN UNDERHISTORY RATING: 4/5KISSINGERWednesday, 8.30pm, National GeographicIf American history is your thing then this feature-length documentary on Henry Kissinger is a must-see. Remarkable for its access to the ageing, controversial statesman, this could well stand as one of his last assessments of his own life. Under the watch of director Adrian Pennink, Kissinger reflects on his experiences across the '60s and '70s, much of it as part of the Nixon Administration. Still an enigmatic figure with the rumbling voice of a lion, he is forthright, stubborn and commanding even calling a halt to the interview to insist on second takes so as not to sound quite so arrogant. Kissinger narrates the chapters of his life, accompanied by archival footage. All the theatres of war are here: China, Cuba, Cambodia, the USSR, Vietnam, Communism, student protests and Watergate. There are rare audio conversations with president Nixon, with whom Kissinger spoke on a daily basis, and who was "presiding over an historical process of a magnitude that the world had never seen". He also reflects on his Jewish upbringing, dalliances with Hollywood leading ladies, and dismisses the oft-attributed quote "Power is the ultimate aphrodisiac". "It's not something I want inscribed on my tombstone," he says. This is a unique insight into a still-sharp mind and charismatic personality. Ultimately he doesn't retreat from his record. "I'm not running a popularity contest on Google. I have to stand on what I did," he insists.MUSIC RATING: 3.5/5KNOWLEDGE IS THE BEGINNINGTuesday, 9.30pm, StvdioThis 2004 documentary is a little dated but its message is still relevant. The West-Eastern Divan Orchestra comprises young Arab and Jewish musicians in harmony literally. Under the baton of Israeli conductor Daniel Barenboim, the orchestra is based in Germany with its politics left at the door. These young men and women learn that the ties that bind them outstrip their differences. For Barenboim the ultimate dream is to perform in their home towns: Jerusalem, Cairo, Ramallah and Damascus. As he notes, one enraptured Palestinian audience member even admitted, "You are the first thing I have seen from Israel that isn't a soldier or a tank."CELEBRITY RATING: 2/5DANNII MINOGUE: STYLE QUEENWednesday, 7.30pm, Fox8Photo shoots, fashion designing, African safaris, red carpets, paparazzi, screaming fans it's a revolving door of glam opportunities for singer Dannii Minogue and partner Kris Smith. Narrating her own series she even promises, "You'll see the real me". We hear of deadline pressure, stress and demanding schedules. But looking into the goldfish bowl is like a peek into a charmed life. While Minogue's Aussie demeanour cuts through British airs and graces, this lacks a narrative that allows us to see any change in her. A little humour could have added a lot.LIFESTYLE 3/5A PLACE IN THE SUN: DOWN UNDERSaturday, 8.30pm, LifeStyle HomeA new channel arrives this week with more design, property, DIY, building and gardening than you can poke a stick at, including this 2008 series hosted by former real estate agent Amanda Lamb, who helps Brits find new properties abroad. First up is a family from Wrexham chasing a dream Melbourne home in Eltham, Beaconsfield and Mount Martha. You won't learn that much about property, but it's intriguing to see the way we are displayed to the Brits.By the way . . .StarPics HD is the only place you will see the Oscars live in high-definition on Australian TV, or you can catch it in standard definition on StarPics, Monday 12.30pm. Go, Jacki Weaver!
© 2011 The Sunday Age
