Black Rose

This documentary explores the life and legacy of a forgotten Vietnamese-American rock star, Alex Smith, who achieved fame in the late 1980s and early 1990s with his band, Black Rose. It delves into his rise to stardom, his struggles with addiction and identity, and his eventual disappearance. The film also touches on the cultural impact of his music and his significance as a pioneering figure for Asian-American artists in the mainstream music scene.

Black Rose received moderate critical attention, with many praising its attempt to bring a compelling but overlooked story to light. Reviewers often highlighted the emotional depth of Smith's personal journey and the nostalgic appeal for those familiar with the music scene of the era. However, some critics noted that the documentary could have benefited from more in-depth interviews and a more comprehensive exploration of the band's musical output.

• A compelling look at a lost musical talent.

• An emotional and nostalgic journey for fans of 80s/90s rock.

• Could have explored the music more deeply.

Google audience: Audience reviews are not widely available for this niche documentary.

The documentary was made by Bao Nguyen, who later gained wider recognition for directing the acclaimed 2015 documentary '1971: Beyond the Boundaries of the Photograph'.