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The American Question

Play trailer 1:51 Poster for The American Question 2024 1h 30m Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
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Tomatometer 8 Reviews 95% Popcornmeter 100+ Ratings
Eight years in the making, the film shares personal stories from diverse Americans in swing state communities in Pennsylvania and Michigan, and analysis from leading political scientists and historians. The American Question uncovers how economic shifts like globalization and the atrophy of local communities have fragmented the national identity.

Critics Reviews

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Eddie Harrison film-authority.com Dec 4, 2024
4/5
...anyone feeling disenfranchised by recent events in Nov 2024 should consider James Kicklighter’s documentary The American Question, not least because it’s free of hysteria and gaslighting, and attempts to understands all sides of a political argument… Go to Full Review
Shikhar Verma High on Films Nov 29, 2024
2.5/5
[The American Question] knows that these differences between opinions, as history would have it, find a reset, and for America or for any other country in the world, the reset will happen sooner than later. Go to Full Review
Justin Bower Loud and Clear Reviews Nov 27, 2024
4/5
Within the 90-minute documentary, viewers get a history lesson of a brief, yet monumental decade. Go to Full Review
Jonathan W. Hickman The Newnan Times-Herald Nov 13, 2024
8/10
“The American Question” is a revealing conversation about the polarization and conflicting views that have gripped the nation, especially in light of the recent election results. Go to Full Review
Dennis Schwartz Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews Nov 8, 2024
B
Explores America as a divided country. Go to Full Review
Alan Ng Film Threat Oct 31, 2024
8.5/10
Ultimately, The American Question asks us to fight our confirmation bias and cultural narratives from news and media. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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Mike S @RT28761510 Dec 23, 2024 James Kicklighter is a great director, and continues to prove his range with each new film. Under his direction, The American Question hits hard, efficiently and effectively. See more
Gerard T @RT02505637 Dec 19, 2024 Guy Seemann has been practicing active listening and searching for practical solutions to universal social issues for over 20 years. The American Question rightly identifies how the political divide in America and the heightened anxiety that comes with it leads to the untethering of personal bonds and community. I have experienced this personally to a degree as well. This documentary has reminded me to hold on to life-long friendships even if we subscribe to different political philosophies and has guided me how to rekindle friendships that have cooled in part to politics. Being born after The Vietnam War, the past few years have been the most politically charged I have ever lived. The American Question outlines why we feel more politically divided, but, having watched the movie, I am more inspired to believe that we, American and global citizens alike, have far more that unites us than divides us and that we can work with each other, for each other. See more
Liz S @RT77798691 Nov 20, 2024 A thoughtful and timely film about America’s cultural and political divide, that captures diverse perspectives and ends with actionable steps to bring people back together through community engagement and coalition building. Wonderfully edited, blending expert testimonial, local misunderstandings, and news clips from key moments in recent US history, this film is for anyone who cares for America’s future and believes in ‘United we stand, Divided we fall’. See more
Scott d @RT68718888 Nov 20, 2024 I really enjoyed this film! It was fascinating the viewpoint of an Israeli-American who had been abroad for many years who was concerned about the culture state of America and came back to investigate for himself. NO spoilers here, but I also liked that the Director examined both sides of the political aisle (was not too slanted in either direction) and as a viewer, this doc was very thought provoking and I suggest all Americans watch this movie! See more
Hiver A @RT22973894 Nov 18, 2024 A good watch. Excellent story telling and interesting perspectives. See more
Phil M @RT53830071 Nov 15, 2024 "The American Question" is one of the most thought-provoking and insightful documentaries I’ve seen in a long time. It does an incredible job of exploring the deep divides in America, but in a way that feels compassionate and balanced rather than partisan. The stories from everyday Americans, combined with expert analysis, make it both relatable and enlightening. What struck me the most was how it connected personal experiences to broader economic and cultural shifts, helping me better understand the root causes of polarization in the U.S. Instead of just pointing fingers, the film offers hope and actionable steps toward unity and understanding. James Kicklighter has created something truly impactful here—this isn’t just a film; it’s a conversation starter that everyone needs to see. Highly recommended for anyone looking to deepen their perspective on the challenges and opportunities we face as a nation. See more
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The American Question

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Movie Info

Synopsis Eight years in the making, the film shares personal stories from diverse Americans in swing state communities in Pennsylvania and Michigan, and analysis from leading political scientists and historians. The American Question uncovers how economic shifts like globalization and the atrophy of local communities have fragmented the national identity.
Director
James Kicklighter
Producer
Guy Seemann, James Kicklighter
Distributor
Gravitas Ventures
Genre
Documentary
Original Language
English
Release Date (Streaming)
Oct 29, 2024
Runtime
1h 30m
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