Watch John Lewis: Good Trouble

John Lewis: Good Trouble is a 2020 documentary that chronicles the life and decades-long legacy of John Lewis, a civil rights icon and Georgia congressman who passed away on July 17th, 2020. The documentary is directed by Dawn Porter, an award-winning filmmaker who has covered important social and political issues in her work. The film features archival footage, interviews with key figures in Lewis's life, and a variety of exclusive behind-the-scenes footage that provides audiences with a unique look at his life and career.

The film starts with Lewis's upbringing in rural Alabama and his involvement in the civil rights movement. Lewis was just 23 years old when he became the chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee in 1963, and he played a leading role in some of the most important events of the movement, including the March on Washington and the march from Selma to Montgomery. The documentary shows how Lewis's deep commitment to nonviolent resistance and his willingness to put himself in harm's way helped to change the course of American history.

Throughout his life, Lewis remained a tireless advocate for social justice and equality. In the film, we see how he continued to fight for voting rights, healthcare, LGBTQ+ rights, and a host of other issues up until his death. The documentary does an excellent job of showcasing Lewis's unique blend of passion and pragmatism, and it highlights his ability to work with people from all walks of life to achieve meaningful change.

One of the strengths of the film is its inclusion of interviews with people from Lewis's personal and political life. We hear from his family members, friends, colleagues, and political allies, all of whom provide valuable insights into his character and approach to activism. Among the many notable figures who appear in the film are Elijah Cummings, Cory Booker, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Hillary Clinton, who shares some touching reflections on her friendship with Lewis.

Another strong point of the film is its focus on Lewis's work as a legislator. We see him at work on the House floor, advocating for issues that matter to his constituents and engaging in spirited debates with his colleagues. The documentary also sheds light on the personal toll of his activism, including the fractures that sometimes emerged with other civil rights leaders and the physical violence he faced, which eventually caused him to develop PTSD.

In addition to documenting Lewis's life and accomplishments, the documentary also serves as a timely call to action. The film underscores the importance of voting and civic engagement, and it encourages viewers to take up the mantle of social justice themselves. In one particularly moving scene, we see Lewis speaking to a group of young activists and imploring them to "get into good trouble" and continue the fight for a more just and equitable society.

Overall, John Lewis: Good Trouble is a powerful tribute to a remarkable man and an inspiring call to action. The documentary provides a nuanced and deeply personal look at Lewis's life and legacy, highlighting his tremendous contributions to American society and his unwavering commitment to social justice. It's a film that is sure to resonate with anyone who believes in the power of activism and the fight for a more just world.

John Lewis: Good Trouble is a 2020 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 37 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5 and a MetaScore of 70.