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.
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07/15/04
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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 CriticClick to read the article
07/20/04
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07/20/04
The sparkle of Zinn, who as a liberal toiling for decades for the common man yet seeing so many of them continue to vote instead for the side that wishes them such ill might be expected to have become embittered, remains as bright and infectious as ever.
08/15/04
They generally sit back and let the genial, even cheerful Zinn tell his story.
09/16/04
Allows 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 CriticThoughtful, exciting, moving.
07/22/04
A nice companion piece to Fahrenheit 9/11, this moving Train will only feed the country's election-year interest in politics.
07/23/04
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07/20/04
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
A concise primer that should well satisfy those with a casual interest in his career.
07/27/04
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
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
A provocative documentary on a life that could easily be described as a moving train.
10/29/04
It's the subject himself, still brimming with passion in his 80s, who provides the most inspiring moments.
07/23/04
Deb Ellis and Dennis Mueller's tight and deceptively low-key documentary lets the subject eloquently speak for himself.
07/23/04
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 CriticHis simple message -- that history is not made by the few but by the struggles of the many -- isn't out of line with typical Marxist teachings, but Zinn has always found a way to make it fresh.
07/28/04
Top CriticA decently executed but rather formulaic treatment of a life that's been anything but.
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
Latest 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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