Won’t You Be My Neighbor? (2018)
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Won’t You Be My Neighbor? Movie Review
Won’t You Be My Neighbor? is a 2018 documentary film directed by Morgan Neville and about Fred Rogers. It’s not great, but it’s pretty good and undeniably endearing.
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“The greatest thing that we can do is to help somebody
know that they’re loved and capable of loving“
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Fred Rogers was an influential life coach of the 20th century and a creator of a children’s show starring him which influenced so many children and made them happy. His goal in life was to make children happy and he did just that. Yes, this is one of those films that are irresistible in making you moved and touched.
How can anybody hate a person like Fred Rogers? He is obviously a great man and he made so many wonderful speeches throughout his life as evidenced by their incorporation in this film. I really like his philosophy obviously and everybody should strive to be like him. Although the film is obviously much more suitable toward American people who are already acquainted with his persona and his show, the filmmakers still managed to make it engaging enough for people new to this subject matter.
That’s what every documentary should strive to do and Morgan Neville did that beautifully. His direction is excellent undoubtedly. I also loved all of those interviews which were so tender and touching that you can obviously see how those people were touched by him throughout their lives. The one with the black and gay man was especially moving and wonderful.
Won’t You Be My Neighbor? is well edited and paced. It continually held my attention and it made me learn about this man and subject matter really well. I thought they touched on many important things when it comes to childhood and children’s well being as well as the humanity. The film also features a lot of great archival footage.
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However, it’s far from a great film as many would say mainly because it can be too emotionally manipulative at times and simply overly shallow when you think about it. The movie never really explored any more meaningful themes from this subject and they only skimmed the surface in my opinion. Also, Rogers himself is overly mystified here and his personal life should have been emphasized more.
Won’t You Be My Neighbor? isn’t deep or thorough enough, but it’s still a pretty strong documentary film which is undeniably moving in a number of very touching scenes. It acquaints the viewers so well with its subject matter and Fred Rogers through a lot of tender interviews, great speeches and memorable archival footage.
