FDR (2023– ) User Reviews (6)

Masterful blend of film and historians

[dwknuj · 8/10 · 30 May 2023]

What a great documentary series. I always think of the driving force behind this as executive producer Doris Kearns Goodwin. This is the third such series that has aired on the History Channel in the States. Its predecessors were Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt.

They've been able to blend historical film footage, actors recreating scenes that we know happened, but away from cameras, and some very sharp historians giving us commentary along the way.

When I see an historical film I frequently grow frustrated. How much of that actually occurred and how much was simply to build an audience? With this kind of series you can feel confident that you're witnessing historical facts without the fiction.

This is a pleasure to watch. I hope that we get to see more from Doris Kearns Goodwin.

Excellent documentary

[valricodragon · 9/10 · 1 June 2023]

Well done! Very well crafted. Great selection of events. Learned so much about an amazing individual. Acting was superb. Archive footage was a great asset and highlighted those crucial moments in his career and life. The historians such as Doris Kearns Goodwin and Jon Meachman as well as other commentators were wonderful and added so much depth to the story.

The History channel has always done an amazing job at bringing these stories together and they certainly did not disappoint with FDR. My family truly enjoyed.

Would have been an absolute pleasure to watch if not for the damn commercials.

Best presidential family of all time

[rossettoart · 9/10 · 31 May 2023]

This documentary is super well made..I've always thought the Roosevelts were the best presidents of all time. Unmentioned..Once Teddy Roosevelt was shot while giving a speech. He endured the shot without falling and shot the man who shot him. Then finished his speech. Later he went and had the bullet removed. The guy was a bad ass..

FDR faced the greatest challenges of any president. While being immobilized before the age of 40. He pressed on through real problems. Unlike the cartoon characters we've had for presidents the past decade..even the last half of century.. I lost my ability to just run or jump after nearly loosing my leg at 31. And broken spine at 18 that still bothers me 18 years later..I can somewhat concur with pain he must of felt. In crisis he still rose to the occasion. Which I really find motivating. Partially paralyzed, he had the entire country and it's allies depending on him and he never gave up. Without him the entire world could possibly be under nazi or Japanese regime..

Teddy Roosevelt's daughter grew to be just as valuable as her 5th cousin who she married. FDR(I don't condone royalty marriages to relatives but it's still more distant than the long line of insest that exist in England and other royal families throughout history. Anyways.) Elenor was invaluable not only to FDR but the country itself. In the end she may have been more righteous than her father. With more wisdom and empathy than both men..

A must watch for anyone with half a brain. Learn why. You won't be disappointed.

FDR - "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself."

[cleverson_souza · 8/10 · 9 June 2023]

The documentary on FDR was an insightful and engaging look into the life and legacy of one of America's most iconic presidents. The filmmakers did an excellent job of weaving together archival footage, interviews with historians and experts, and dramatic reenactments to create a comprehensive portrait of Roosevelt's life and times.

One of the strengths of the documentary was its attention to detail in chronicling Roosevelt's political career, from his early days in the New York State Senate to his landmark presidency during some of the most tumultuous times in American history. The film also delved into Roosevelt's personal life, exploring his struggles with polio and the impact that had on his leadership style.

The documentary was particularly successful in capturing the spirit of the times, with stunning visuals and a compelling soundtrack that brought the era to life. Whether exploring the New Deal, the Second World War, or Roosevelt's famous fireside chats, the film presented a nuanced and multifaceted perspective on one of America's most transformative leaders.

Overall, the documentary on FDR was a compelling and enlightening portrayal of one of America's most beloved presidents. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in American history, politics, or leadership.

Could do without the leaden acting

[rosanegraflamenco · 6/10 · 7 June 2023]

The content is of course fascinating and overall the documentary is fine but the re-enacted parts leave a lot to be desired, with stilted, leaden acting, especially, in the lead role. Possibly this was a directing problem? Or perhaps McKay feels overly reverential towards his subject? Or perhaps the History Channel does? I don't know. But with each line ploddingly measured, and with facial expressions also delivered in seeming slow motion to the exclusion of anything like spontaneity, this viewer was relieved each time the film returned to the much more dynamic documentary footage, interviews and VO. There is a similar problem with History Channel's Washington where there's even a line about his being more of a monument than a person, so perhaps this turning of these huge figures into lifeless icons, comes from higher up at the channel itself?

"If you have spent two years in bed trying to wiggle your big toe, everything else seems easy."

[acdragonrider · 7/10 · 31 January 2024]

Tarantino should've made a biopic already what with his fetish addiction.

I watched this on FDR's birthday and it's a good introduction to FDR's story where I also learned new things, Eleanor in particular. Having studied very little about her, I am glad I am getting around to that now. She must rank among the most important women in human history! As for FDR, he ranks up there in the pantheon of great American presidents alongside Washington and Lincoln. The creators also do a good job of addressing FDR's early career both in his time as governor of New York and above all during the New Deal. There are some nice anecdotes during the WWII part of the story. But I can already tell that it won't compare to say Ken Burns' Intimate History of the Roosevelts (and I haven't even seen that). China, the forgotten ally, is completely left out of the story. The internment camps gets only one scene. The Holocaust was almost a footnote. When comparing this with the other entries including Washington, Grant and Lincoln, all of which addressed the flaws and strengths of their subjects, this one doesn't come close enough to measuring up to its predecessors. While the words of the historians, the photos and found footage are quite excellent, the acting is okay at best. It's a mixed bag. But I also appreciate that we keep getting more of these. Hopefully we have more presidents underway. Maybe Reagan, Andrew Jackson (let's get truth and dive into the difficult subjects), LBJ or Zachary Taylor.