Watch Cesar's Last Fast

Cesar's Last Fast is a documentary film that chronicles the last days of Cesar Chavez's life and his final act of protest - a fast that lasted for 36 days. The movie opens with footage of Chavez's early years, highlighting his leadership in the American labor movement and his tireless advocacy for the rights of farm workers. From there, the film shifts to the last years of his life, a period during which Chavez struggled to bring attention to the suffering of workers and their families.

As the documentary shows, Chavez had come to the realization that fasting was one of the most effective ways to draw attention to the cause of farm workers. Throughout his life, he fasted on several occasions, using his body as a means of protest and self-sacrifice.

But his final fast, which began on March 11, 1988, was different. Chavez was in his late 50s and suffering from various health problems. The move was also a response to a proposed law that would prevent farm workers from striking or engaging in boycotts. Chavez viewed this law as a direct attack on the rights of workers and decided to fast in protest.

Cesar's Last Fast follows Chavez as he begins his fast, documenting his every move as various family members, activists, and supporters visit him in his small room. Director Richard Ray Perez skillfully blends archival footage with new interviews to bring Chavez's story to life, highlighting the courage of a man who refused to back down in the face of injustice.

Throughout the film, we get a sense of the deep spiritual connection that Chavez felt to his cause, despite the physical toll that his fast was taking on him. We also see the incredible support that he received from his family, who were by his side every step of the way. In particular, the film focuses on Chavez's son, who was just a boy at the time but who is now an activist in his own right.

Ultimately, Cesar's Last Fast is a powerful and moving tribute to a man who dedicated his life to making the world a better place. Through his example and his sacrifice, Chavez inspired countless others to take up the cause of social justice, proving that even one person can make a difference. This film is a must-see for anyone interested in the history of the labor movement, the struggles of farm workers, or the life of Cesar Chavez himself.

Cesar's Last Fast is a 2014 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 40 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9 and a MetaScore of 57.