You Got to Move

Watch You Got to Move

"Stories of Change in the South"
  • 2012
  • 1 hr 27 min
  • 7.5  (124)

You Got to Move is a documentary film from 1985 that explores the struggles and triumphs of the Civil Rights movement in the Southern United States. The film is directed by Lucy Massie Phenix and produced by Catherine Murphy, and it features interviews with activists like Myles Horton, May Justice, and Bernice Johnson Reagon, among others. The film is a compelling portrait of a tumultuous era in American history and a powerful reminder of the importance of grassroots organizing in the fight for social justice.

The film begins with a look at the Highlander Folk School, an educational institution in rural Tennessee that played a key role in the Civil Rights movement. Myles Horton, the founder of the school, is interviewed about its philosophy of education and its commitment to community organizing. The film then moves to a series of interviews with Southern activists who were involved in the struggle for Civil Rights, including May Justice, a leader of the Montgomery Bus Boycott, and Bernice Johnson Reagon, a musician and founder of the vocal group Sweet Honey in the Rock.

The film is structured around a series of vignettes that focus on different aspects of the Civil Rights movement. We see activists staging sit-ins at lunch counters, marching for voting rights, and facing down police brutality. We hear firsthand accounts of the violence and intimidation that were used to maintain the system of segregation in the South. And we see the power of collective action, as ordinary people come together to demand change and fight for their rights.

Throughout the film, there is a strong emphasis on the role of music in the Civil Rights movement. We hear songs like "We Shall Overcome" and "Eyes on the Prize" performed by both professional musicians and grassroots activists. We see how music was used to inspire and motivate people, to connect them to their history and their culture, and to create a sense of community and solidarity. And we see how music continues to be a powerful force in the struggle for social justice.

One of the most striking things about You Got to Move is the way that it brings together people from different backgrounds and different parts of the country. The film shows how the Civil Rights movement was a truly national struggle, with activists working together across regional and ideological lines. We see how the movement connected with other struggles for justice, including the anti-war movement and the feminist movement. And we see how the movement inspired people of all races and ages to stand up for what they believe in.

Ultimately, You Got to Move is a film about hope and resilience. It shows how ordinary people can come together to make a difference, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles. It shows how the struggle for social justice is a long and difficult one, but one that can be won with determination and perseverance. And it shows that the legacy of the Civil Rights movement continues to inspire and inform activists today, as they seek to build a more equitable and just society.

In conclusion, You Got to Move is a powerful and inspiring documentary film that captures the spirit and energy of the Civil Rights movement in the Southern United States. The film is characterized by its strong focus on grassroots organizing, its celebration of music and culture, and its commitment to telling the stories of ordinary people who fought for their rights. It is a must-see for anyone interested in the history of social justice in America, and a fitting tribute to the activists who helped to bring about lasting change.

You Got to Move is a 2012 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5.

Description
Where to Watch You Got to Move
You Got to Move is available to watch free on Kanopy. It's also available to stream, download on demand at . Some platforms allow you to rent You Got to Move for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    2012
  • Runtime
    1 hr 27 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    7.5  (124)
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