Watch Stonewall Uprising

Stonewall Uprising is a 2010 documentary film directed by Kate Davis and David Heilbroner which examines the Stonewall riots of 1969, which is widely regarded as the beginning of the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement in the United States. The film uses archival footage and interviews with people who were present during the riots as well as expert commentary to offer a comprehensive look at the events that unfolded in Greenwich Village during that historic summer.

The film begins with an exploration of the social and political climate of the 1960s, setting the scene for the Stonewall riots. It then delves into the specifics of what happened at the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in New York City's Greenwich Village that was frequently raided by police at the time. The film explains how, on the night of June 28, police officers attempted to raid the bar yet again, but this time the LGBTQ+ patrons fought back. The ensuing riots lasted for several days and resulted in significant damage to nearby buildings as well as dozens of arrests.

The film does an excellent job of providing a clear and thorough understanding of the events that took place during the riots. Interviews with eyewitnesses, including many LGBTQ+ people who were present at the time, offer a personal and emotional perspective on what it was like to be on the front lines of the movement. Meanwhile, historians and other experts provide context and analysis, explaining the social and political factors that led up to the riots and how they influenced subsequent developments in the LGBTQ+ rights movement.

While Stonewall Uprising is a documentary film rather than a drama, it nevertheless manages to be incredibly engaging and captivating. The filmmakers use a variety of techniques to bring the events of 1969 to life, including animation, newsreel footage, and dramatic reenactments. The film also has an excellent soundtrack, featuring music from the era as well as original compositions that help to evoke the mood of the time.

One of the most striking aspects of Stonewall Uprising is how it highlights the bravery and determination of the people who fought back against the police during the riots. The film emphasizes how difficult it was to be openly LGBTQ+ during the time period, with discrimination and violence being commonplace. However, the movie also shows how the riots sparked a sense of empowerment among the community, leading to the formation of LGBTQ+ organizations and protests throughout the country.

Overall, Stonewall Uprising is an excellent documentary film that provides an important and illuminating look at a pivotal moment in American history. The filmmakers balance depth and breadth in their exploration of the events of 1969, offering both personal stories and broader social and political analysis. Whether you are a history buff, a social justice advocate, or simply a curious viewer, Stonewall Uprising is a must-see film.

Stonewall Uprising is a 2011 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 23 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2 and a MetaScore of 74.