Won't You Be My Neighbor? (2018) User Reviews (230)

a legacy of nice

[ferguson-6 · 8/10 · 8 June 2018]

Greetings again from the darkness. Is it too good to be true? We often ask that question in life, but when it comes to Fred Rogers of "Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood", director Morgan Neville's documentary proves the answer is no ... he was good and true. Fred Rogers hosted the children's TV show on PBS for more than 30 years, starting in 1968. The terrific (and surprisingly emotional) film provides the background of the show, and more importantly, profiles a wonderful man.

Director Neville (BEST OF ENEMIES: BUCKLEY VS VIDAL, 2015) has produced numerous biopics on musicians ranging from Keith Richards to Muddy Waters to Johnny Cash to Brian Wilson. His subject this time out was known for his singing the show's familiar opening number, and his lyrical legacy was his substantial impact on many generations of children. Mr. Rogers was an ordained minister and, in the early days of television, recognized that violent cartoons were not appropriate programming for the formative childhood years. Even in the early years, he was an outlier with sincerity and wholesomeness in entertainment. He never shied away from tough topics - not even death - whether it was the assassination of Robert Kennedy or a dead fish in the aquarium on set. He spoke directly to children in a voice and language they understood.

There are interviews with fellow cast members, long timer crew members, and relatives, including his wife Joanne. We hear Francois Clemmons (Officer Clemmons on the show) discuss how Mr. Rogers addressed Clemmons' homosexuality and race, adding poignancy to the shared televised foot bath. Archival footage takes us back to the early years, and we see Lady Aberlin and Daniel Tiger in both black and white and color segments. We learn that the puppet Daniel most resembled the personality of the host himself ... a quiet, patient, compassionate being who cared about others.

We see footage of Fred Rogers testifying in front of a Senate sub-committee to prevent funding for PBS from being eliminated, and we see numerous cardigan sweaters and tennis shoes. Mostly we see the approach of a man who built a legacy on kindness and human decency ... a lifetime pursuit of uniting that led to struggles with depression. His obsession with 143 - both his weight and his code for "I love you" provides some insight into his personality, and mostly we hear others speak of his lasting impact.

Rather than comedy and pranks, Mr. Rogers was intent on making kids feel safe and secure in a scary world. Sure he educated - often subtly - but it was his innate ability to comfort that kept kids coming back. There are naysayers who say he is responsible for generations of entitled kids who grew into entitled adults, but the film addresses this by showing Roger's commencement address where he clearly explains the "special" label. His final show was in 2000 and he died in 2003. His legacy is simple yet powerful. We can each do better. We can each be better. We can each be better neighbors.

It is inspiring to be reminded of what kindness and love is all about

[howard.schumann · 9/10 · 9 July 2018]

When we think of radicals and revolutionary figures of the sixties, names like Ché Guevara or Stokely Carmichael might come up, but probably the last person we would think of would be Fred McFeely Rogers, the soft-spoken writer, producer, and star of the long-running children's television program "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood" (1968-2001). Yet the theme song that opened each show, "Won't You Be My Neighbor?" with its line, "I have always wanted to have a neighbor just like you," was a pretty radical idea to those who did not relish having some folks being their neighbor. Rogers' lifelong devotion to building an alternative community that could serve as a model of inclusion for children and adults to emulate is movingly documented by Oscar winning director Morgan Neville ("20 Feet from Stardom") in Won't You Be My Neighbor?

The film is an inspiring tribute to Rogers, a pacifist and former ordained Presbyterian minister who, over a period of more than thirty years on television, stood for the idea that there is a divine spark in all of us that needs to be nurtured. Looking at Rogers' life and career through the eyes of those who knew him the best, those interviewed include his wife Joanne, his two sons John and James who describe the challenge of having "the second Christ as a father," cast members David Newell (Mr. McFeely), François Clemmons (Officer Clemmons), and Joe Negri ("Handyman"), and guests such as acclaimed cellist Yo-Yo-Ma.

Rogers was originally drawn to educational television as a result of his disdain for the demeaning and violent cartoons that marked children's television programming at the time. While his show was usually lighthearted, he did not shun controversial topics such as death, feeling blue, divorce, and assassination which he talked about with the children after Bobby Kennedy was killed. While Neville does not go into any depth about Rogers' personal or political life, it does single out his stand against the Vietnam War, his bringing an African-American teacher and a group of black students into his home and, after the assassination of Martin Luther King, his invitation to a black police officer (Clemmons) to be on his show during which they sat and talked together with their feet in a wading pool.

Also documented is Rogers' 1969 testimony before the United States Senate requesting a $20 million grant to continue funding PBS after their budget had been cut because of the Vietnam War. At the hearing, he won over the reluctant Rhode Island Senator John Pastore by reciting the lyrics to the song "What Do You Do with the Mad that You Feel?" After listening to the words, Pastore declared, "I think it's wonderful. I think it's wonderful. Looks like you just earned the $20 million." Teased by classmates for being overweight as a boy (they called him "Fat Freddie"), Rogers never forgot the pain of being an outsider and had to deal with his own problems of self-esteem and depression his whole life.

Rogers' wife Joanne tells us that he used his puppets including Daniel Striped Tiger to reflect on his most vulnerable feelings, one of ten voices that he used on the program. One of the most moving sequences is his conversation with Jeff Erlanger, a severely disabled ten-year-old, in which they talk openly about disability and the sadness that often accompanies it. To make sure we know that he was not a saint, Neville recounts how Rogers told Clemmons not to be seen frequenting a gay bar because the show would lose sponsors, but also makes clear that he eventually came around to fully accept him regardless of his sexual preferences.

The centerpiece of Won't You Be My Neighbor? is not politics, however, but Mister Rogers' ability to touch the lives of children and make them feel special, many of whom responded to him with lifelong affection. Accused of promoting a feeling of entitlement in each child, Rogers said, "Only people who take the time to see our work can begin to understand the depth of it." Professor Michael Long, the author of the 2015 book "Peaceful Neighbor: Discovering the Countercultural Mister Rogers," says that he spent his life assuring children that no matter what they look like, no matter who they were, no matter where they came from, deep within them was something that was lovable and capable of loving." Especially today when some children are being used as political pawns, it is inspiring to be reminded of what kindness and love is all about.

Superbly Made Mr. Rogers Documentary

[bastille-852-731547 · 9/10 · 8 June 2018]

When I was very young, I occasionally remember watching Mr. Rogers, although I never bothered to learn much about him before seeing this movie. I wanted to see this documentary due to the rave reviews it received from the Sundance film festival, as well as the fact that it is from the director of the outstanding "20 Feet From Stardom." Needless to say, this is an outstanding documentary that is able to warm hearts while also discussing necessary and thought-provoking complexities of today's world.

The film chronicles Fred Rogers, a Presbyterian minister and children's television host, by emphasizing his primary work on the show "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood." The film discusses Rogers' life and legacy with a wide variety of individuals close to him; each represents a unique, diverse and wholly refreshing viewpoint on the man, so much so that no interview or piece of information in the documentary seems or feels deficient in necessity. This is a key part of what elevates this documentary above other nonfiction or other examples factually-centered filmmaking, but it is not the only thing that makes this film special. The film also does a good job examining Rogers as a human being--and this includes being a human susceptible to flaws, as we all are. All too often, biographical documentaries of revered figures attempt to only portray their subjects in the most flattering light possible. Such a one-sided attempt at filmmaking, even when a generally "good" person is being depicted, fails to portray the subject's personality in the documentary of having multiple dimensions. The film frankly explains, for example, how Rogers was initially uncomfortable that another actor on the show was gay (unfortunate, but unsurprising given the time period.) That said, Rogers' positive contributions to society and to American children are the primary focus of the film--as they should be. His work served as a thoughtful and measured alternative to much of the schlocky television programming of the late 20th century.

Finally, this documentary is remarkably emotionally powerful. It would have been easy to make this film feel sappy and sentimental, but it wisely avoids such traps. The film shoots directly from the heart to the gut, and truly makes you feel something--and something great--about Rogers and his legacy. It's refreshing to be able to analyze human decency, such as what made Rogers unique, during a sad moment in history when our political climate is severely lacking in it. All in all, this is an excellent documentary and one that I am very happy to recommend. 9/10

Best superhero movie of 2018

[mcoffman-39597 · 10/10 · 7 July 2018]

Best superhero movie of 2018. His superpower? Compassion. I hadn't realized how much I missed him... How the world has changed without his influence... Amazing movie.

143

[ThomasDrufke · 10/10 · 21 June 2018]

My first thought after viewing this film was: How impressive is it that a documentary which presents itself as a story about a life of a man, gets us to think more about ourselves internally than it does make us think of the life of Mr. Rogers. All I could think about was what am I doing to improve the world or improve myself? How can you love your neighbor as honestly or as devotingly as Fred Rogers? Who was it that helped me get where I am today? How do I become the best person I can be? It's these questions that make appreciate "Won't you be my neighbor?" even more every second I think about it. I would consider myself a casual viewer of the original show, only ever seeing the episodes late in its run. But it always struck me as powerful because of the earnestness and genuinity of Fred Rogers and the messages he was trying to get across. Is our world in a better place now than it was before the show? Probably not. But his message of loving yourself and loving your neighbor is something that transcends generations and ideals. I would be hard pressed to find a film that was as emotionally impactful as this in 2018. It's exactly the type of film we need at right now, when our world is at a low. Rogers truly represented the best a man could be and it's time we got back to viewing life the way he did. Love is at the root of everything, love or the lack of it. Wow, if there was ever a quote that could represent an entire population, generation, or world. That may be it.

10/10

Remarkable Documentary on Great Mr. Rogers who spoke to Generations of Children with kindness, love and humanity

[JustCuriosity · 10/10 · 14 March 2018]

Won't you Be My Neighbor? was enthusiastically received at Austin's SXSW Film Festival. The film is a beautiful heartwarming tribute to Fred Rogers and Mister Rogers' Neighborhood - a show which changed children's television forever. The film highlights Rogers' humanity and decency and shows how he could bring his message of decency to children. Rogers was a Christian pastor who brought his values to his work on TV without ever trying to preach his religion. Perhaps the most powerful clip was during the first week of his show in February, 1968 (at the peak of the Vietnam War) when his show starts out encouraging that walls be torn down. His message remains amazingly timely today. It also underscores the importance of PBS - which the films shows Rogers defending successfully at a Congressional hearing. The interviews with his widow and his co-workers capture the essence of the human being. The film is well-written and edited and will remind millions of the impact of a remarkable man. Highly recommended.

This is a must see

[johnrodd-16322 · 10/10 · 1 July 2018]

Full disclosure: I am a cynical, negative atheist. This was one of the best films I have ever seen. I was profoundly moved by the vision of such a kind, gentle, subtle and genuine human. Fred Rogers was a Christian Republican. Today's "Christian" "Republicans" should be forced to watch and discuss this film. Doing so would change the world.

Spoiler...

[fuqua11 · 10/10 · 8 June 2018]

Fred Rogers is one of the best humans to ever walk this Earth. I'm as black hearted and cynical as anyone thats ever walked the Earth. Mr. Rogers always hits in the feels because he is the real deal. He wants nothing from you, only that you be understood and proud of yourself.

This doc is a love letter to Mr. Rogers so it is what you'd expect, no surprises, a few more interviews than I've seen in the past all arranged well.

Of Good, Goodness _ and Hope. Even Now.

[kckidjoseph-1 · 10/10 · 29 June 2018]

In the early 1990s, I gathered in Los Angeles with 100 or so other television critics from across North America for the usual biannual pitch from networks and cable channels promoting their upcoming shows. The TV industry people are all too often shameless shills, bombarding critics with an overload of glitz and bags of "gifts" ranging from clocks to tea kettles in an effort to earn favorable reviews. These twice-yearly rituals last two weeks and are round-the-clock, with previews continuously piped into critics' hotel rooms and publicity materials slipped under their doors even as they sleep (if they can).

Understandably, the cumulative effect of all of this frequently results in just the opposite of what the TV folk seek, with the critics disliking (hating) much if not most of what is put in front of them as they become progressively more and more exhausted, crabby and jaded.

At least this was the predictable cycle until one Saturday morning in a Beverly Hills hotel ballroom when Fred McFeely Rogers _ the public television host and children's advocate known as "Mr. Rogers" _ stepped up to address this beleaguered and suspicious throng of critics, who by now were ready to start throwing their plates of salmon at anyone who took to the podium.

Rogers calmly took their measure, and instead of immediately diving in and beginning to talk, stood there silently and motionless until not a sound could be heard in the cavernous room. Then, with all eyes on him, he began to talk in a whisper.

He told a story about how during the Great Depression, his mother would bake pies and leave them on the window sill of their home for passing hobos. The pies would consistently disappear, and sometimes, rarely, the hobos would leave a penny or two, at most a nickel, as payment. Rogers explained that his mother didn't want anything in return, but accepted the money because it helped the hobos retain their dignity.

By the time Rogers finished his talk, the critics were completely won over. More than a few coughs could be heard reverberating around the hall, masking the embarrassed sobs of critics who were being paid to be above it all.

It was with this memory in mind that I went with my family to see Morgan Neville's new documentary "Won't You Be My Neighbor?", which tells the story of Rogers and his iconic children's show, which ran on PBS from 1968 to 2001.

An ordained Presbyterian minister, Rogers, who passed away 15 years ago, had a simple mantra: "Love is at the root of everything."

That certainly sounds good on paper and when addressing children, you think, but how does it play in the real world? As it turns out, pretty damned good.

In an early appearance before Congress as he helps seek funding for the newly created Public Broadcasting System, Rogers faces a steely and adversarial U.S. Sen. John Orlando Pastore (D-R.I.), who had already made up his mind to pan PBS. Pastore stares. And stares. Rogers explains, in a shaky voice that would make Jimmy Stewart blush, that the best way to illustrate the value of PBS would be to recite the words to a song he had written for his show. As he does, Pastore's eyes become moist. He blinks. "You've just earned your $20 million!" he blurts abruptly, and the room erupts in applause.

Rogers, upset with breakneck cartoon violence and frantic children's fare designed to sell products rather than to educate, made his half-hour show completely different, singing, offering gentle advice (often delivered by a cat puppet on his hand delivered in a falsetto voice), and having thought-provoking conversations with series regulars like David "Mr. McFeely" Newell, Francois "Officer Clemmons" Clemmons and Joe "Handyman" Negri, as well as occasional celebrity guests like cellist Yo-Yo Ma (who admitted that meeting the TV icon "scared the hell out of me").

In one segment, Rogers, visibly angry that children were injuring themselves by trying to emulate superheroes like Superman, carefully explains the difference between pretending and real life.

Rogers refused to duck tough subjects like death (of humans and pets), assassinations (in this instance, of Robert Kennedy), divorce, physical handicaps _ and even racism. Clemmons, an African-American, confides that he was reluctant to play a cop on the show. Not only did Rogers convince him, he took a shot at racists by staging a routine in which he invites Clemmons to soak his feet alongside his own in a small wading pool, and even shares a towel with him. (To illustrate just how risky this was for the time, director Neville intercuts footage of white lifeguards pouring bleach into a pool where black youngsters are swimming.)

We also learn of Rogers' own biases. Clemmons tells of how Rogers reacted when someone from the show discovered that the then-closeted Clemmons had been to a gay bar. "I had a good time!" says Clemmons, who was then told that any future bar visits would result in his termination from the show. Clemmons says that Mr. Rogers "eventually came around" to acceptance.

In a straightforward yet somehow understated way just like you-know-who, "Won't You Be My Neighbor?" effectively spikes a lot of ridiculous rumors that sprang up about Rogers, like the one that he had a "torso full of tattoos" _ in this instance, we see Mr. Rogers swimming his daily mile in the local pool. So there.

Alas, we also are shown "parodies" of Rogers performed by the likes of Johnny Carson and Jim Carrey, which, especially now, come across as clumsy, mean-spirited and unfunny, bits that clearly hurt Rogers, whose only response to them was that "some" were humorous. Some things never change.

I find it remarkable that a documentary like this can be found in theaters also screening slam-bang, big-budget fare. But it is, and drawing a surprisingly tidy number of viewers at that.

I recommend this for everyone, not only those who remember watching Mr. Rogers' show, but young people who probably don't realize what all the fuss is about. It's an important reminder that goodness rises to the top even in the worst of times.

Behind The Scenes, Makes You Think

[stevendbeard · 7/10 · 9 July 2018]

I saw "Won't You Be My Neighbor?", starring Fred Rogers-Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. This is a documentary about the life of Fred Rogers, an influential and controversial childrens' tv host. His show, Mister Rogers' Neighborhood debuted in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1967 and was picked up by PBS about a year later, going nation wide. He had a way of talking to children that was different from most other shows before him. He died of stomach cancer in 2003 at the age of 74. The documentary covers his past, what he did before his tv show that helped shape his life and it also covers protesters and bad times during his later life-Believe it or not, not everyone liked him. There are lots of people-both co-workers and others-that were affected by Fred and they appear and talk about their experiences-Yo-Yo Ma was interesting. The Congressional meetings are covered from the late 60's that show Fred making his case for more funding for PBS shows-the government was wanting to cut budgets. There were some things that I did not know about-the significance of 143-or maybe had just heard as out & out rumors, that are talked about here. Most people had a problem with differentiating between whether he was really like the person he portrayed on screen or if it was all just an act. They also wondered about his sex life, all of which is addressed here. Overall, it is a good behind the scenes story that makes you think. It's rated "PG-13" for thematic elements and language and has a running time of 1 hour & 34 minutes. I enjoyed it and would buy it on DVD-it would be a good one to watch with your kids.

Best Documentary I Have Ever Seen

[carterizaak214 · 10/10 · 16 May 2018]

I was lucky enough to see this modern marvel of a film at the Sundance film festival. Well edited and seamlessly structured, this film pays a true homage to the art of making a documentary, and to a man that society didn't know they needed until he came along on their television screens.

Sappy but oh so Sincere

[admin-07089 · 7/10 · 12 September 2018]

A Nostalgia Feels ride for anyone lucky enough to have had Mr. Rogers as a part of their childhood, Won't You Be My Neighbor is equal parts character study and political statement. Wallowing a bit in the sentimental, it nonetheless effectively explores the myth of a man who bucked television's shallow banality and preached a message of love. The documentary poses a poignant question for us today: Is there still room for such kindness? (ps. WQED Pittsburgh!)

Wonderful man, bad documentary

[vithiet · 4/10 · 21 February 2019]

I did not grow up watching his show but have heard a lot about Mr. Rogers. By all account he was a wonderful man who had a great positive impact on many children. While the documentary does confirm this, it's just very slow and devoid of real content unfortunately; the whole thing could have easily be condensed in 15 minutes. That's too bad as I was really looking forward to something with a lot more substance about the man, his life and his show.

A beautiful documentary for a wonderful person

[loganholley · 10/10 · 10 June 2018]

EDIT: Fixed a couple of grammatical mistakes.

I didn't grow up with Mr. Rogers, I hadn't even seen an episode of his show until my later years. Despite this, I came into Won't You Be My Neighbor? as eagerly as possible. When I came out, I was almost speechless. The conversation I had with the people I'd seen the movie with was almost too jumbled to be understandable. I was at a loss for words, and it was a good thing. Few documentaries have been able to capture the spirit, humanity, and works of a person this well.

The tone of the movie is set almost immediately; old footage plays showing a much younger Rogers playing the piano and giving reason for his ambitions. He doesn't seem to be too full of himself, and the concept he has in mind is one that is both humble and sweet. Even before he's given the ability to use his talents, he seems as if he's right next to them. The strong point of this film, for sure, is it's humane portrayal of Rogers. It doesn't just linger on the fact that he did good things, it explores what made him want to do those good things. His motivations make sense, and he, as a person, nearly brought tears to my ears several times. I didn't cry at all, but I'd be lying if I said I never came close to it.

There really isn't much else to say about this. This is a profound, well-made documentary that does its job excellently. I can't think of a single thing that made the engrossing experience of watching Roger come to life on a big screen any less engrossing. I loved it and will most likely see it again when it finally gets the wide release it deserves.

Bring kleenex!

[Siglitz · 10/10 · 12 August 2018]

Instead of writing a review I'm going to address comments of one of the negative reviews (if you want to see it, check out the 2 star ratings).

"Mr. Rogers would be upset if he knew how the writers turned his philosophy into a leftist agenda." Interviews with his wife say otherwise. She says he would be mortified by the way children are being torn from their parents (Today Show with Megyn Kelly)

"Despite some genuine insights into a wonderful man, the movie overall pushes liberal politics." The only thing it 'pushes' is basic human decency. I guess this conservative reviewer is admitting that is not part of the conservative agenda (I know that is not the case, I know some conservatives who are incredibly decent human beings).

"There is a cameo of a smiling Hilary Clinton" Yes, for an entire 1/2 second where she was incidental to a crowd where he was making an appearance.

"and soon after a clip with no context to it making a FoxNews host look nasty." There most certainly was context - the context that idiots at Fox News were blaming him for the entitlement culture, which was utter nonsense. The only thing that makes Brian Kilmeade (the host in question) look nasty is the nasty comments he makes.

"This is not a heartwarming movie."... unless you actually have a heart.

"This is a definite, deliberate political agenda in time to influence voters before the Fall midterms." Politics are never mentioned although there is a parallel with a scene from the first episode of MRN where King Friday the 13th fears changes and builds a wall. If anyone takes exception to that scene they need to think about the real reason it bothers them.

"Playing on emotions" Emotions are a part of being human. But I wouldn't say it plays on them, it evokes them. That's what good film making does.

"using people with disabilities to advance a political agenda." Jeff Erlanger (the person with disabilities in question) was a personal friend of Fred Rogers. Go to YouTube and watch "Fred Rogers inducted into the TV Hall of Fame" Fred's reaction to seeing Jeff (now an adult) is the most genuine human reaction you will ever see, prompting Fred to 'rush the stage' at his own honoring. If that doesn't make you cry you truly have no soul.

"It is insulting to Mr. Rogers memory." Mr Rogers would like you regardless.

He reminds us who we really are

[tonynarvaez · 10/10 · 9 June 2018]

This film does more than just warm your heart, it reminds you of the kind and loving being that you are born to be. But life happens. And it shows a lot of the struggles Fred himself had. It's just beautiful. Go see it.

Will We Ever Learn?

[Hitchcoc · 10/10 · 28 July 2018]

Fred Rogers was after my time when it came to childhood. But my kids knew him and sat quietly, watching his basically mundane presentation. I have, on numerous occasions, had to talk to people who speak of him with disdain, saying his show was boring. My response is, "You're not five years old!" He had a consistency and a gentleness that is missing so badly in our frenetic society. Little children love consistency. This is a man who had to face off against forces that should have overwhelmed him. His appearance before the House is precious. His love of every kind of child without being maudlin, his basic honesty, comes through. It wasn't an easy road. He suffered from depression and fear himself, but he was always true to himself. I won't get into the specifics of the current political climate in our country, but we could learn something from this.

And the winner is...

[stanfordrules · 10/10 · 22 March 2018]

Hope this gets nominated (and wins) the Oscar for 2018 best documentary...

I'm a grown man and I started tearing up 5 minutes in

[Geekofriendly · 10/10 · 20 May 2021]

There's something about Mr. Rogers that transcends continents, generations, even animal species, and dare I say, time and space.

If you understand what this gentle heart of a man stood for, there's no need to say more. If you don't, hopefully one day you meet somebody who shows you.

All I can say is that Fred Rogers is a bona-fide REAL-LIFE SUPER HERO. We are in short supply of such people, so if we're not one of them, let's be caring and appreciative towards those who are.

"Those who try to make you feel less than who you are, I think that's the greatest evil!" (Fred Rogers)

The perfect balm for today's troubled soul

[Metaflix · 7/10 · 23 June 2018]

The documentary 'Won't You Be My Neighbor' explores the life and times of Fred McFeely Rogers, known to generations simply as Mister Rogers, and his basic yet unyielding mission of making the world a better place, one child at a time.

For 30 years he devoted his life to creating a wholesome television show for kids, not for money or fame, but in a simple yet steadfast belief that early childhood development was the key to raising emotionally healthy individuals.

Though the actual filmmaking of 'Won't You Be My Neighbor' is rather basic, the documentary serves as the perfect balm for today's troubled soul, detailing the extraordinary life of a man who was driven by one very simple message: that everyone has value-and everyone is to be valued-just the way they are.

Mr. Niceguy

[SnoopyStyle · 8/10 · 29 September 2018]

This is a documentary about the legendary Fred Rogers who created the iconic children's show. I never saw the show other than a few clips although I'm certainly familiar with the ideas of the show. I probably know it more from its many spoofs. What I didn't know about Fred is his religious convictions or that he's a Republican. Neither is that surprising although it sheds some light on his personal views. Like some suggest, this is his sermon to the children of America. His unabashed conviction of the goodness of humanity is undeniable and infectious. He is who he is. One can really see his world view and his natural self in this. The best moments come from the kids with loving open eyes when they meet their best friend from their TVs. It is a touching tribute and it doesn't shy away from the darker material. That's not to say that Mister Rogers had a dark side. It's that there are actual people who hated Mister Rogers. It's an interesting insight into the man when he tells Clemmons that he has to fire him if his homosexuality comes out of the closet. The man has convictions but he's not a revolutionary trying to overthrow the establishment. It's obvious that the children comes first and at the end of the day, he is for the children.

TV's Good Samaritan

[Cineanalyst · 7/10 · 8 March 2020]

Not having been raised by him, Mister Rogers, a Presbyterian minister turned host for a children's television show, was a more interesting man than I would've thought. This documentary, "Won't You Be My Neighbor?" is worthwhile for that insight alone. I was reluctant to see such a worshipful biography, including considerations, jokingly or not, of his being a "saint" or "second Christ" and father figure to millions raised on the boob tube. After viewing "A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood" (2019), a drama that takes a sidelong glance at the same man and TV series, I found this doc from the prior year to be a nice compliment to fleshing out this figure. Turns out, as both movies concur, Fred Rogers was who he appeared to be on TV, a compassionate man.

Another thing I learned was the level of social commentary placed in Rogers' neighborhood, and the filmmakers here try to expand this to today. The building of walls bit early on recalls the current Trump administration. Cable news and newspaper editorial evangelists for a culture war are swiftly dismissed, at one point, for the claim that Rogers has raised a generation of lazy narcissists, or some such thing, because of his message, based in his religious principles, of natural human worth--that everyone is special. Additionally, Rogers addressed the potential harm of other children's programming, including superheroes, and he confronted racism, disabilities, tragedies including the assassination of Robert F. Kennedy and 9/11 and other social issues. Homosexuality, on the other hand, turned out even for him to be too taboo to allow one co-star to be publicly gay.

The documentary is mostly traditionally constructed, though. Where "A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood" excels over this, I think, is in reflecting the form of the TV series. Here, instead, we get intermittent animations illustrating some points, while most of the picture is comprised of archival footage of Rogers and interviews with talking heads. Perhaps, it could've been told better, but the subject was good.

The real-deal goodness right on TV!

[JohnDeSando · 5 July 2018]

"The Second Christ as my Dad." A Rogers' son.

In mid-20th century, it was possible to have a Mr. Rogers, as good as gold for children's television, a good man through and through. The love he taught all kids, even the older but young at heart, probably made a whole generation kinder and gentler. The touching documentary Won't You Be My Neighbor seems to depict accurately this living saint, or Second Christ as one of his sons would have it.

Director Morgan Neville has easy-going scenes to parallel Fred Roger's easy personality. No behind-the-scenes expose, just goodness throughout. However, lacking identification for most of the talking heads is a disappointment for someone like me looking outside of Fred for verifications and influences.

Whether Fred is telling youngsters to be themselves or explaining life to a puppet, he is the essence of sincerity, a flawless father figure usually found only in sitcoms of the time. Who else anywhere in the world would dare to talk to kids about divorce and death? Who else would sing with wheel-chaired little Jeff Erlanger and make us all feel good, especially Jeff? Fred would and make us envy that we couldn't have done half as well.

When Bill Cosby was called "America's Dad," we believed until it was no longer possible to believe. When Fred Rogers was called that, we knew there was no doubt he earned the praise. More so after his death. Finding such a humble, wise, and kind public figure, in our age of insults and thugs, is near impossible.

See Won't You Be My Neighbor and believe that once upon a time on television, goodness rained on children for over 900 episodes, and it was kinder than Sesame Street. It came from a big heart about which his son said, "For someone who was in television, he hated television."

"If you take all of the elements that make good television and do the exact opposite, you have 'Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. Low production values, simple set, an unlikely star. Yet, it worked." Margaret Whitmer

It was pure goodness without snark or sarcasm. It was Fred Rogers.

Missed opportunity.

[smokeysmokeysmokey · 5/10 · 30 August 2018]

As a filmmaker/film buff and a person who has a deep reverence for Fred Rogers, I found myself frustrated by this film. The filmmakers seemed overburdened with information and unsure who they were trying to convey. As if they have never heard of Fred Rogers before, and while stopping at this planet tried to make a film about this earthling. At times the film seemed to be going for sensationalism which didn't work.

Filmmaking is difficult and I don't know if I'd do any better, but I must provide an honest review based on my watching experience.

The Oscar winning editor and genius human being Walter Murch likes to say that editing is about timing and rhythm and is comparable to a dance. Well, the editing lacked such life and often felt emotionally detached. Case in point: if you watch the footage of Fred speaking to the Washington senator on YouTube, there it's more moving than how it was cut together in this film. We didn't need to see the whole clip, but the heart was cut out of the scene.

Waiting to see this film I found myself worrying if it was overhyped. This turned out to be the case. But the worst part in all of this may be that more characters will die and the great documentary on Fred Rogers may forever remain untold.

My Hero

[gk-37145 · 10/10 · 8 August 2018]

I am 60 years old and never had a hero in my life. I do now! I am not aware of a more tender or Christ-like person. 10 Fred Rogers could change our world!