A flattering but soft documentary about Howard Zinn.
Comment
06/01/05
Howard Zinn: You Can't Be Neutral on a Moving Train (2004)
96 %
Reviews Counted: 28 Fresh: 27 Rotten:1 Average Rating: 7.3/10
Runtime: 78 mins
Synopsis: In this galvanizing documentary, professor Howard Zinn recounts his life as a writer, educator, and leader in nonviolent social protest. His story is one of being in "the right place at the right time," from poor beginnings, working in shipyard unions, fighting in WWII as a bomber pilot, and... [More]
Genre: Education/General Interest
Starring: Howard Zinn, Matt Damon
Reviews
A provocative documentary on a life that could easily be described as a moving train.
10/29/04
Finally, a documentary about one of America's most important academics.
10/15/04
Leads us on a journey through some of the major historical events of the 20th century, revealing Zinn to be far more than simply an activist version of Zelig.
10/15/04
Top Critic
Loaded with fantastic old footage and photographs of the Vietnam War, of the American civil rights movement and of Zinn's own family.
10/14/04
'Compassion' is a word the man himself uses a lot, and it's what makes the film so invigorating. Ending the movie with eloquent words about how to live a hopeful life, he is 82 and he continues to fight for what he believes in.
10/07/04
They generally sit back and let the genial, even cheerful Zinn tell his story.
09/16/04
A thinker and an educator, Zinn has led a life of commitment and compassion, and the film offers a loving tribute.
08/26/04
The sparkle of Zinn, who as a liberal toiling for decades for the common man yet seeing so many of them continue to vote instead for the side that wishes them such ill might be expected to have become embittered, remains as bright and infectious as ever.
08/15/04
An example of film editing at its finest: Ellis and Mueller combine archival footage, contemporary interviews, voice-over narration (by Matt Damon) based on Zinn's writing, and music with a skill that can only be borne of thoughtful contemplation.
08/08/04
His simple message -- that history is not made by the few but by the struggles of the many -- isn't out of line with typical Marxist teachings, but Zinn has always found a way to make it fresh.
07/28/04
A concise primer that should well satisfy those with a casual interest in his career.
07/27/04
Top Critic
It's an excellent introduction to a man whose thoughts on war, peace and dissent have become increasingly influential in ever more confusing times.
07/23/04
It's the subject himself, still brimming with passion in his 80s, who provides the most inspiring moments.
07/23/04
Deb Ellis and Dennis Mueller's tight and deceptively low-key documentary lets the subject eloquently speak for himself.
07/23/04
A nice companion piece to Fahrenheit 9/11, this moving Train will only feed the country's election-year interest in politics.
07/23/04
A decently executed but rather formulaic treatment of a life that's been anything but.
07/23/04
Mr. Zinn delivers a challenge when he says, 'To be neutral and to be passive is to collaborate with whatever is going on.' Democracy he defines as 'not just a counting-up of votes' but a 'counting-up of actions.'
07/23/04
Top Critic
A rousing documentary about the radical historian and activist who has risked all to proclaim his call for peace and justice in America.
07/22/04
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HOWARD ZINN: You Can't Be Neutral on a Moving Train ... hmm ... can you?
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News
Howard Zinn's People's History Getting Feature Doc Treatment
posted by Jeff Giles February 08, 2008
If you've had Howard Zinn's A People's History of the United States on your must-read list for years, but have always...
posted by Jeff Giles February 08, 2008
If you've had Howard Zinn's A People's History of the United States on your must-read list for years, but have always...
Around the Network
• Howard Zinn: You Can't Be Neutral on a Moving Train at Rotten Tomatoes
• Howard Zinn: You Can't Be Neutral on a Moving Train at AskMen
• Howard Zinn: You Can't Be Neutral on a Moving Train at AskMen
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