Won't You Be My Neighbor?

2018 • 94 minute

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For over 30 years, Fred Rogers, an unassuming minister, puppeteer, writer and producer, was beamed daily into homes across America. In his beloved television program, Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, Fred and his cast of puppets and friends spoke directly to young children about some of life's weightiest issues, in a simple, direct fashion. There hadn't been anything like Mr. Rogers on television before and there hasn't been since.

Graderings en resensies

Much as I love Mr Rogers, this documentary wasn't the best at presenting him. I have seen far better on youtube (eg 'our assignment from Fred Rogers - full documentary'). More of him speaking in his own words would have conveyed him more clearly to the audience, and those are often the times where you get the inevitable tear in your eye. I also wasn't pleased that they edited out the end of Fred Rogers song lyrics that he was quoting to the senator (perhaps it wasn't considered PC) I felt that was robbing the song of it's beautiful and emotive conclusion and did a disservice to Fred as they were his words and encouragement to children. Thankfully that too is available on youtube. It wasn't all bad by any means, I found out some aspects to Freds life I hadn't discovered before, and you almost can't go wrong in any attempt to document such a wonderful person's life.

Emotional to watch, Mr. Rogers truly understood what kids go through. I felt the film didn't have a cohesive idea/question to explore about Mr. R, so it just feels like lots of different trivia about him put together. I still think it's worth seeing, especially if you're outside of America and/or you haven't seen Mr. Rogers as you were growing up. Truly heartwarming.

A story of a good person..... Its a bit of a rarity these days.