Watch Berkeley in the Sixties

Berkeley in the Sixties is a documentary film from 1990 that explores the countercultural revolution that took place in Berkeley, California during the 1960s. The film takes a look at the political, social, and cultural movements that emerged during this time, and how they influenced the overall societal landscape of the United States.

Directed by Mark Kitchell, the film features interviews with a variety of individuals who were involved in the events of the time, including activists, musicians, and scholars. Some of the individuals featured in the film include Jentri Anders, Joan Baez, Frank Bardacke, and many others.

The film begins with an exploration of the Free Speech Movement at the University of California, Berkeley, which began in 1964. The movement was a response to the administration’s attempts to restrict the use of public space for political activism on campus. The documentary focuses on the student-led protests that ultimately led to the university lifting these restrictions, and the subsequent impact that the Free Speech Movement had on civil rights activism and the anti-war movement.

The film then delves into the anti-war movement, which gained significant momentum in Berkeley during the late 1960s. The documentary examines the variety of tactics utilized by activists during this time, including protests, strikes, and civil disobedience. The film also explores the role that music played in the anti-war movement, with particular attention given to the performance of Joan Baez at the 1969 Moratorium to End the War in Vietnam.

Beyond these specific movements, the film also examines the broader cultural phenomenon that emerged in Berkeley during the 1960s. This included a flourishing of creativity in the arts, a growing interest in spirituality and mysticism, and an overall rejection of dominant cultural norms. The documentary explores the ways in which this counter-cultural movement intersected with the concurrent political and social struggles of the time.

Through a mix of archival footage and interviews, Berkeley in the Sixties paints a vivid picture of a time of great change and upheaval in American society. The film captures the passion and energy of the activists of the time, as well as the struggle and sacrifice that went into effecting social change. The documentary highlights the ways in which the counter-cultural movement in Berkeley helped to shape American society in the decades that followed.

Overall, Berkeley in the Sixties is a powerful and engaging documentary that provides insight into a pivotal moment in United States history. Through its exploration of the social, political, and cultural movements of the time, the film offers a compelling narrative of a period of great change and transformation. The interviews with participants and scholars of the time provide valuable context and perspective on the events of the era, making the documentary both informative and engaging.

Berkeley in the Sixties is a 1990 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 57 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4.