Watch The World Before Your Feet

The World Before Your Feet is a documentary film that follows the journey of Matt Green as he walks every street and block in New York City. The movie showcases his quest to discover what lies beyond the familiar and iconic tourist sites like the Empire State Building or Central Park. It explores the city's lesser-known neighborhoods, fascinating landmarks, and captivating individuals that make up its rich tapestry.

The film captures the beauty and diversity of New York through Matt's eyes. He is a self-described explorer who quit his job and sold his possessions to pursue this unusual endeavor. The movie starts with him embarking on the mission in the spring of 2010, and we see him documenting his every step through photos, videos, and notebooks. The film follows his progress from the outset, and we get to witness his triumphs, setbacks, and encounters with the city's citizens.

The World Before Your Feet is not just a story about walking. It's about connecting with people and places you might otherwise overlook. We see Matt talking to strangers, listening to their stories, and learning about the history and culture of each neighborhood he visits. He discovers local cuisines, hidden gems, and quirky traditions that you can only find in New York's five boroughs. The film's emphasis on community and connection is heartwarming and a testament to the city's unique identity.

The movie also touches on how walking can be an act of protest and resistance. Matt often walks through gritty areas plagued by crime, poverty, and gentrification. The film highlights how his journey becomes a way to resist against the city's rapid changes and fight for the preservation of its diverse communities. At the same time, it challenges the notion that New York is merely a playground for the rich and powerful. The World Before Your Feet showcases a different side of the city that's off the beaten path.

The cinematography in this movie is breathtaking. The stark contrast between the city's high-rise buildings and the smaller-scale streets makes for visually stunning shots. The film's score complements the visuals, and the soundtrack features both modern and classic songs about New York. The filmmakers use various camera techniques - time-lapse, drone shots, and street-level shots - to capture the essence of the city and Matt's journey.

One of the movie's essential themes is time and space. The city is vast and ever-changing, and Matt's mission is to explore every inch of it on foot. The film shows him walking through different seasons, weather conditions, and times of day. We see how the same street can look radically different depending on these variables. The World Before Your Feet reminds us to slow down and appreciate the small things in life. It's about taking time to smell the roses and seeing the world with fresh eyes.

The documentary's pacing is slow, deliberate, and reflective. The film's structure is episodic, with each section showcasing the different neighborhoods, landmarks, and experiences that Matt has on his journey. At times, the movie can feel repetitive, as the focus remains on Matt walking through the city. However, the variety of people and places he encounters keeps the film engaging.

In conclusion, The World Before Your Feet is a charming and captivating documentary that celebrates New York City's diversity, beauty, and resilience. Matt Green's quest to walk every street in the city is a testament to the human spirit of exploration, curiosity, and connection. The film's stunning cinematography, reflective pacing, and emphasis on community make it a must-watch for anyone who loves New York or walking alike.

The World Before Your Feet is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 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 78.