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Going Upriver: The Long War of John Kerry (2004)
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:81
Fresh:73
Rotten:8
Average Rating:7.3/10
Consensus: Interesting and revealing footage of both Kerry and the Vietnam era in general.
Rated: Not Rated
Genre: Musical & Performing Arts
Theatrical Release:Oct 1, 2004 Limited
Box Office: $480,752
Synopsis: GOING UPRIVER: THE LONG WAR OF JOHN KERRY is an extraordinary inside look at a politician, where he has come from, and how these roots have driven him forward in his public life. As a Vietnam war... GOING UPRIVER: THE LONG WAR OF JOHN KERRY is an extraordinary inside look at a politician, where he has come from, and how these roots have driven him forward in his public life. As a Vietnam war hero and subsequent activist, his story is a worthy subject for an important film about a defining era in America's past, and how it influenced a man and his dedication to the democratic process. This is, therefore, also the story of an American generation that came of age in the war-torn sixties, and has now come to prominence at the beginning of this century -- when issues of war, and their historical resonance for a new generation of leaders, hold center stage. Acclaimed director, George Butler, has known Senator Kerry since 1964 and in 1969 began photographing him, in an effort to document his life and career. Using his unique collection of images, the film weaves together Butler's photography with archival material, interviews with Kerry's closest associates, and contemporary footage of him at home and abroad. As with his films PUMPING IRON and THE ENDURANCE, the filmmaker proves himself as a master at portraying American men affected by and affecting history. -- © ThinkFilm [More]
Starring: John Kerry
Starring: John Kerry
Director: George Butler
Director: George Butler
Studio: ThinkFilm
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Reviews for Going Upriver: The Long War of John Kerry
...even Kerry fans might be made wistful... Where has that young man gone? Whatever happened to him?
Going Upriver is lucky enough to have at its disposal a genuinely charismatic figure whose sense of his own citizenship is rigorous, questioning, and articulate.
Butler's film may do little to change the outcome of the election, but anyone who questions Kerry's convictions should see Going Upriver before casting their vote.
There's an innocence, a purity in intention ... that one rarely sees in a documentary.
It's not angry or loud; it hopes that the truth spoken at a moderate level is stronger than lies trumpeted on national television.
This should be revelatory to most people -- but most people will probably never see Mr. Butler's film, and certainly none of those who consider George W. Bush as next to God.
A serious, often very moving portrait of the effect the Vietnam War had on the nation and particularly those who served in it.
Butler’s style is lot like Kerry’s: analytic, deliberate, a bit plodding, but always with his eyes on the prize.
One of the most moving things for me was seeing that some of the high-ranking politicians really did recognize that, hey, we need to meet with these young men and hear what they have to say and that footage is amazing stuff.
We can only wish all candidates for such high office could match or even come close to the standards of qualification set by Kerry.
serves effectively as direct and rational political ad that counters the shameless muckraking of John O'Neill's 'Swift Boat Veterans for Truth'
[I]t will leave you with questions you’ll be asking long after the November election.
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