A decently executed but rather formulaic treatment of a life that's been anything but.
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07/23/04
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Howard Zinn: You Can't Be Neutral on a Moving Train (2004)
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Reviews Counted:28
Fresh:27
Rotten:1
Average Rating:7.3/10
Theatrical Release:Jul 23, 2004 Limited
Synopsis: In this galvanizing documentary, professor Howard Zinn recounts his life as a writer, educator, and leader in nonviolent social protest. His story is one of being in "the right place at the right... [More]
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Reviews for Howard Zinn: You Can't Be Neutral on a Moving Train
Top CriticA provocative documentary on a life that could easily be described as a moving train.
10/29/04
A rousing documentary about the radical historian and activist who has risked all to proclaim his call for peace and justice in America.
07/22/04
This is a fine biography about a truly good, brave and honest man but it is also an incredibly detailed history lesson
07/12/04
Ellis and Mueller's terrific film turns the spotlight on a worthy subject and does him justice
07/15/04
Leads us on a journey through some of the major historical events of the 20th century, revealing Zinn to be far more than simply an activist version of Zelig.
10/15/04
Top CriticFinally, a documentary about one of America's most important academics.
10/15/04
Top CriticIt's an excellent introduction to a man whose thoughts on war, peace and dissent have become increasingly influential in ever more confusing times.
07/23/04
An example of film editing at its finest: Ellis and Mueller combine archival footage, contemporary interviews, voice-over narration (by Matt Damon) based on Zinn's writing, and music with a skill that can only be borne of thoughtful contemplation.
08/08/04
Loaded with fantastic old footage and photographs of the Vietnam War, of the American civil rights movement and of Zinn's own family.
10/14/04
'Compassion' is a word the man himself uses a lot, and it's what makes the film so invigorating. Ending the movie with eloquent words about how to live a hopeful life, he is 82 and he continues to fight for what he believes in.
10/07/04
Deb Ellis and Denis Mueller's fond portrait, less documentary than infomercial, is unrelentingly and in the end self-defeatingly positive -- albeit effective in showcasing Zinn's charismatic personality.
07/20/04
Top CriticMr. Zinn delivers a challenge when he says, 'To be neutral and to be passive is to collaborate with whatever is going on.' Democracy he defines as 'not just a counting-up of votes' but a 'counting-up of actions.'
07/23/04
Top CriticDeb Ellis and Dennis Mueller's tight and deceptively low-key documentary lets the subject eloquently speak for himself.
07/23/04
Top CriticA solid introduction to Zinn's life and work, even if the result doesn't dig too deeply or present any real opposing viewpoints.
07/15/04
A brisk introductory documentary that makes a useful omnibus profile of the antiwar activist, historian, and author of A People's History of the United States.
07/15/04
Top CriticAn outstanding documentary on a scholar-activist
07/21/04
A thinker and an educator, Zinn has led a life of commitment and compassion, and the film offers a loving tribute.
08/26/04
Top CriticAllows his significance to register and his charisma to shine despite a pedestrian approach that's especially awkward in its use of archival footage.
07/20/04
Top CriticA concise primer that should well satisfy those with a casual interest in his career.
07/27/04
Top CriticLatest News for Howard Zinn: You Can't Be Neutral on...
February 08, 2008:
Howard Zinn's People's History Getting Feature Doc Treatment
If you've had Howard Zinn's A People's History of the United States on your must-read list for years, but have always been too lazy to actually open the book, good news: It's... More...
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