Watch A Ripple of Hope: The Speech that United a Nation

A Ripple of Hope: The Speech that United a Nation is a 2008 documentary that tells the story of Robert F. Kennedy's historic speech on April 4, 1968, the day Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. The film features interviews with civil rights leaders and experts, including Congressman John Lewis, Adam Walinsky, and Frank Mankiewicz, who worked on Kennedy's presidential campaign. They provide insight into Kennedy's vision for a more just and equal America, and how his words stirred hope in a dark moment in our history.

The documentary begins with footage of the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. on April 4, 1968. Kennedy, who was running for president at the time, was scheduled to give a speech that evening in Indianapolis, Indiana. When he arrived at the rally, he was informed of King's death and given the difficult task of informing the crowd.

The film shows Kennedy's speech in its entirety, which is widely considered one of the greatest speeches in American history. In his speech, Kennedy speaks off the cuff and from the heart, recounting the grief he feels at King's death and sharing his own experiences with loss. He then pivots to talk about the need for reconciliation and unity, calling on white Americans to recognize their own role in perpetuating racial inequality.

The film then tells the story of how Kennedy's speech impacted the nation. At a time when riots were breaking out in cities across America, Indianapolis remained peaceful thanks in part to Kennedy's words. The following day, Kennedy continued his campaign in inner city Indianapolis, shaking hands with residents and listening to their concerns.

Later in the documentary, civil rights leaders reflect on the impact of Kennedy's speech on their own lives and on the civil rights movement as a whole. John Lewis, who was a young activist at the time, speaks about how Kennedy's words inspired him to continue working towards racial equality despite the setback of King's death.

The film also delves into Kennedy's own journey towards advocating for civil rights. As Attorney General under his brother John F. Kennedy's administration, Robert Kennedy initially took a cautious approach to the civil rights movement. But over time, he became a staunch advocate for racial justice, frequently meeting with civil rights leaders and pushing for policies that would advance their cause.

Throughout the film, the viewer is reminded of the power of words and the impact they can have on history. Kennedy's speech is presented as a turning point in the civil rights movement, providing a ripple of hope in a moment of despair.

In terms of production value, A Ripple of Hope is a straightforward documentary. The film relies on archival footage and talking head interviews, with no special effects or dramatic re-enactments. But the film's simplicity allows Kennedy's speech to shine, underscoring the impact of his words without distractions.

Overall, A Ripple of Hope: The Speech that United a Nation is a powerful tribute to the legacy of Robert F. Kennedy and the civil rights movement. Through interviews with those who knew him and were inspired by him, the film sheds light on the impact of one speech and how it changed the course of history.

A Ripple of Hope: The Speech that United a Nation is a 2009 documentary with a runtime of 54 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.5.