Howard Zinn: You Can't Be Neutral On a Moving Train
Closed CaptioningDenis Mueller & Deb Ellis
Open iTunes to preview, buy, and download this movie.
Plot Summary
In these turbulent times, Howard Zinn is inspiring a new generation. This acclaimed film looks at the amazing life of the renowned historian, activist and author of the landmark book 'A People's History of the United States', an eye-opening history from the perspective of the disenfranchised. Following his early days as a shipyard labor organizer and bombardier in World War II, Zinn became an academic rebel and leader of civil disobedience in a time of institutionalized racism and war. His influential writings shine light on and bring voice to factory workers, immigrant laborers, African Americans, Native Americans and the working poor. Featuring rare archival materials and interviews with Zinn and colleagues such as Noam Chomsky, "You Can't Be Neutral" captures the essence of this extraordinary man who has been a catalyst for progressive change for more than 60 years. Narrated by Matt Damon; Featuring Music by Pearl Jam, Woody Guthrie & Billy Bragg.
Credits
Directors
Rotten Tomatoes Movie Reviews
TOMATOMETER
97%- Reviews Counted: 29
- Fresh: 28
- Rotten: 1
- Average Rating: 7.4/10
Top Critics' Reviews
Fresh: Mr. Zinn delivers a challenge when he says, 'To be neutral and to be passive is to collaborate with whatever is going on.' Democracy he defines as 'not just a counting-up of votes' but a 'counting-up of actions.'
Fresh: Leads us on a journey through some of the major historical events of the 20th century, revealing Zinn to be far more than simply an activist version of Zelig.
Fresh: A concise primer that should well satisfy those with a casual interest in his career.
Fresh: Finally, a documentary about one of America's most important academics.
Customer Reviews
Outstanding Film About a Great Political Activist
Whether or not you agree with Howard Zinn's politics, there is no doubt his motives are genuine. From his experiences as a WWII bomber pilot to his activism during the Vietnam War, it is clear Zinn is fighting for a better form of justice. This documentary spotlights this by covering his life from his early days to his current activities.
Howard Zinn is quietly powerful.
Zinn is one of the good patriots. His concern for the basic freedoms America is built upon moved his agenda. He did not, as some critics here have suggested, hate America. He was fighting FOR an America that is easily vulnerable to the interests of politicians and monied sources who care only about their own power. Zinn's position is that we only get the democracy we are willing to understand and defend. This includes knowing all of our history. He seems to me to be a force for the goodness of America and for its good people, most of whom only have power within the political system if they organize and resist its shocking indifference to their existence. Zinn is a fine writer, but not a particularly charismatic man on camera, however his modesty and warmth are disarming, and the historical and moral force of his life are remarkable.
And now for something completely...the same old same old left wing propaganda
A great movie for the leftist choir, who always sing the same song: America is evil, capitalism is the source of all the world's problems, and if only we had world socialism, we would live in the land of milk and honey.
Viewers Also Bought
- Manufacturing Consent: Noam Chomsky and the Media
- Mark Achbar & Peter Wintonick
- View In iTunes
- Constantine's Sword
- Oren Jacoby
- View In iTunes