Watch I Met the Walrus

I Met the Walrus is a 2007 animated documentary that tells the story of a young Jerry Levitan who, in 1969 at the age of 14, snuck into John Lennon's hotel room in Toronto during his infamous 'Bed-In for Peace' with Yoko Ono. What followed was an unforgettable 40 minutes of conversation between the two, which Levitan recorded on his tape recorder.

The film, mostly animated with colorful and imaginative visuals that bring Levitan's experience to life, is narrated with audio clips from Levitan's original recording of his conversation with Lennon. The dialogue is an open, honest, and candid conversation between two people separated by age, fame, and the world as they knew it.

The film portrays Lennon as a thoughtful and open-minded individual, who was not afraid to speak his mind. Throughout their conversation, they start discussing topics ranging from music, politics and religion to topics such as peace, war, love, and the importance of the freedom of speech.

Amidst the dialogue, the animation captures the essence of the late 1960s in a way that only imagination can do. The visuals portray a colorful, vibrant world that accurately depicts the vibe of the time period. The animation highlights the importance of color and does an incredible job of keeping the audience entertained throughout the hour-long film.

Moreover, Lennon's take on the importance of freedom of expression in music and the arts is showcased, solidifying him as an advocate of free speech. He speaks about how he and Yoko were facing harsh criticism and even death threats during their campaign for peace, yet he persistently advocated for non-violence and spreading love through music.

The documentary shows how the conversation was grounded in the philosophy of free expression, which was an essential aspect of the counterculture and contributed to changing the world. It sheds light on how Lennon's music and message moved people and inspired them to be the change.

The film is almost like a time capsule of sorts, giving viewers a glimpse into a time and a place that they never got to see. Through the animation, it's easy to imagine the energy and excitement of the era, and because the conversation between Lennon and Levitan was so honest and open, it's an excellent portrayal of the music, peace, and love movement that they both represented.

Overall, I Met the Walrus is a fantastic documentary that showcases the importance of free expression and how it can change the world. It does an incredible job of capturing Lennon's views on culture, politics, and love, providing an intimate look into the mind of a musical genius who moved millions. The colorful animation and brilliantly executed audio design make this film an enchanting and memorable watch. It's a beautiful love letter to the time period, to John Lennon and to the power of music to unite and inspire change.