4 reviews
I've watched a good number of documentaries covering the life and times of the United States' youngest and most charismatic president, but this one seemed the most comprehensive yet. Yes, it felt somewhat biased in its choice of talking heads commenting mostly favourably on different aspects of his political career, culminating of course in his presidency of just over 1000 days, which was of course, cruelly cut short by an assassin's bullet in Dallas, November 1963, but I will state at the outset that whilst I am a U. K. citizen, I do find my own politics roughly in alignment with Kennedy's, even, as is made clear, when he was seen to be more reactive than proactive to events occurring around him.
This can be said in particular with his initial reluctance to intervene over the burgeoning Civil Rights movement especially in the Southern states, but in other matters he.did take a lead, notably his leading the American space-race against the U. S. S. R., his state visit to West Berlin and especially his handling of the Cuban Missile Crisis which may just have averted a nuclear Armageddon. The spectre of Vietnam of course hangs over his legacy and just how he would have handled that particular situation had he lived, is open to question, but nevertheless, it seems from my perspective, that he was certainly coming into his own as he approached the end of his first term and would have been up to the challenges of a second-term, which I'm confident he would have won convincingly.
To this eight-part series then, which while naturally covering familiar territory sought to do so with some intensive research into his early years when he grew up in the shadow of his older brother Joe, the one originally anointed by their wheeler-dealer father Joseph Sr. For a political future, but who instead became a casualty of war, thus thrusting JFK into the limelight. I personally was unaware of the reported homosexual fixation on him by his best friend at college, or his passionate affair with a free-thinking young Swedish woman, but his story really kicks into gear immediately after World War II, when he enters politics for the first time.
Making use of contemporary news footage and numerous press-clippings as well as audio tapes of private conversations, the series pilots us through Kennedy's life in chronological order, leading up of course to his killing in 1963, so soon after his triumphant visits to Berlin and Ireland and indeed one is reminded of his popularity by the footage of the size of the public turn-out even in the South in Dallas the very day of his assassination. Although mention is made of his extra-marital womanising, it's odd to hear no mention at all of perhaps peripheral but certainly interesting figures in his life like J Edgar Hoover, Frank Sinatra or Marilyn Monroe while other important figures like Martin Luther King and British Prime Minister Harold MacMillan are also marginalised one feels.
Still, I was engaged throughout by the inexorable sweep of the forward-moving narrative. Yes, a more politically balanced take on events might have brought some interesting counterpoint to some of the events recounted here, but nevertheless this looked and felt like a fitting tribute to an initially conservative but later more liberal and dynamic leader tragically deprived of the opportunity to fully define his presidency.
This can be said in particular with his initial reluctance to intervene over the burgeoning Civil Rights movement especially in the Southern states, but in other matters he.did take a lead, notably his leading the American space-race against the U. S. S. R., his state visit to West Berlin and especially his handling of the Cuban Missile Crisis which may just have averted a nuclear Armageddon. The spectre of Vietnam of course hangs over his legacy and just how he would have handled that particular situation had he lived, is open to question, but nevertheless, it seems from my perspective, that he was certainly coming into his own as he approached the end of his first term and would have been up to the challenges of a second-term, which I'm confident he would have won convincingly.
To this eight-part series then, which while naturally covering familiar territory sought to do so with some intensive research into his early years when he grew up in the shadow of his older brother Joe, the one originally anointed by their wheeler-dealer father Joseph Sr. For a political future, but who instead became a casualty of war, thus thrusting JFK into the limelight. I personally was unaware of the reported homosexual fixation on him by his best friend at college, or his passionate affair with a free-thinking young Swedish woman, but his story really kicks into gear immediately after World War II, when he enters politics for the first time.
Making use of contemporary news footage and numerous press-clippings as well as audio tapes of private conversations, the series pilots us through Kennedy's life in chronological order, leading up of course to his killing in 1963, so soon after his triumphant visits to Berlin and Ireland and indeed one is reminded of his popularity by the footage of the size of the public turn-out even in the South in Dallas the very day of his assassination. Although mention is made of his extra-marital womanising, it's odd to hear no mention at all of perhaps peripheral but certainly interesting figures in his life like J Edgar Hoover, Frank Sinatra or Marilyn Monroe while other important figures like Martin Luther King and British Prime Minister Harold MacMillan are also marginalised one feels.
Still, I was engaged throughout by the inexorable sweep of the forward-moving narrative. Yes, a more politically balanced take on events might have brought some interesting counterpoint to some of the events recounted here, but nevertheless this looked and felt like a fitting tribute to an initially conservative but later more liberal and dynamic leader tragically deprived of the opportunity to fully define his presidency.
Being a bit of a political junkie and history buff I was delighted to find this documentary about JFK. I was born during his administration and, though not a Democrat, I happily concede that no other president in my lifetime has surpassed him in terms of charisma and likability.
This series is an excellent introduction to both Kennedy's personal life and political career. Even with severe time constraints it hits the highlights admirably and is enjoyable from beginning to end. The final episode, dealing with the assassination and aftermath, was especially moving and extremely well done.
Don't expect neutral, dispassionate film-making from "Kennedy". The commentators are clearly smitten with their subject, and the most favorable possible interpretation of the facts is what we always get. An example: in trying to sum up the president's legacy the narrator boasts that Kennedy arguably had the best legislative record of any administration since FDR, a period that covers "decades". Well, that's one way of putting it. There were only 2 presidents between FDR and Kennedy, with the former dying in office less than 20 years earlier. Then there are the obligatory references to "American royalty" and "Camelot". You get the idea. To be sure, Kennedy was a courageous man with real accomplishments, but all the gushing wore a little thin with me after a while.
Overall though, as I say, it is well done. And while there probably won't be much new for die-hard fans, "Kennedy" should be pleasant viewing for just about anyone.
This series is an excellent introduction to both Kennedy's personal life and political career. Even with severe time constraints it hits the highlights admirably and is enjoyable from beginning to end. The final episode, dealing with the assassination and aftermath, was especially moving and extremely well done.
Don't expect neutral, dispassionate film-making from "Kennedy". The commentators are clearly smitten with their subject, and the most favorable possible interpretation of the facts is what we always get. An example: in trying to sum up the president's legacy the narrator boasts that Kennedy arguably had the best legislative record of any administration since FDR, a period that covers "decades". Well, that's one way of putting it. There were only 2 presidents between FDR and Kennedy, with the former dying in office less than 20 years earlier. Then there are the obligatory references to "American royalty" and "Camelot". You get the idea. To be sure, Kennedy was a courageous man with real accomplishments, but all the gushing wore a little thin with me after a while.
Overall though, as I say, it is well done. And while there probably won't be much new for die-hard fans, "Kennedy" should be pleasant viewing for just about anyone.
The series is a beautiful, informative and highly nuanced chronicle of the life of John F. Kennedy. Having grown up Irish in Boston, I was surprised there were so many things about him that I hadn't previously known. Like many Americans of my vintage, I recall like it was yesterday where I was when the news of his assassination hit me. The series did a marvelous job of diving into the deep friendships he had with people like Ted Sorensen and, of course, his brother Bobby. The emotional impact of his health problems, his war record, his handling of the Cuban Missile Crisis and school desegregation in the South, and his trips to Berlin and Ireland were all brought vividly to life. A masterful job.
The documentary "Kennedy" left the most vivid impressions on me. This high-quality work became a real revelation and a deep dive into the life of one of the most famous US presidents - John F. Kennedy.
The film masterfully combines archival materials, rare interviews and expert commentary, which allows the viewer to clearly see the turbulent time of the 1960s and understand the challenge facing the country. Particular attention is paid not only to Kennedy's political achievements, but also to his personal life, which makes his image more humane and multifaceted.
A colossal amount of work has been done: each episode is fascinating and captivating, making you think about the significance of Kennedy's legacy in the modern world. The visual component and musical design of the film create an atmosphere that immerses you in the events of that era.
I recommend this film to anyone interested in history, politics and personalities who changed the course of history.
The film masterfully combines archival materials, rare interviews and expert commentary, which allows the viewer to clearly see the turbulent time of the 1960s and understand the challenge facing the country. Particular attention is paid not only to Kennedy's political achievements, but also to his personal life, which makes his image more humane and multifaceted.
A colossal amount of work has been done: each episode is fascinating and captivating, making you think about the significance of Kennedy's legacy in the modern world. The visual component and musical design of the film create an atmosphere that immerses you in the events of that era.
I recommend this film to anyone interested in history, politics and personalities who changed the course of history.