Watch Hesburgh

Hesburgh is a documentary film released in 2018 that explores the life of Reverend Theodore Hesburgh. Hesburgh was an American priest, educator, and humanitarian known for his work in civil and human rights. The documentary is directed by Patrick Creadon and produced by Christine O'Malley. The film begins by introducing Hesburgh, revealing his intimate life moments and his beginnings in life. It then delves into Hesburgh's academic career, starting with his time at Notre Dame University, where he served as the university's president for 35 years. The documentary highlights Hesburgh's tremendous contribution to the university, his philosophy of creating a culture of inclusion, and his unrelenting efforts to improve the educational system.

The film takes an in-depth look at Hesburgh's role in social justice and advocacy for civil rights. He was a leader in the Civil Rights Movement during the 1960s and worked closely with Martin Luther King Jr. to promote equality and social justice for African Americans. The film shows how Hesburgh's fight for racial equality extended beyond Notre Dame University, as he participated in the establishment of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights and worked with various government agencies to promote diversity and inclusion in American policies and programs.

The documentary also digs into Hesburgh's involvement in the Vatican II conference, which sought to modernize and reform the Catholic Church. Hesburgh's participation in the conference eventually led to him taking part in several policy-making committees, where he helped reshape the church's approaches to modern issues, including social justice matters, women's rights, and ecumenical relations.

The film features captivating interviews with Hesburgh's family members, colleagues, acquaintances, and former students, providing personal perspectives on his life and legacy. The interviews highlight how Hesburgh's influence transcended race, gender, and religion, as he touched so many people's lives irrespective of their backgrounds.

The narrative of Hesburgh is woven through stirring archival footage and photos showcasing Hesburgh's life and different stages of his career. The film also features animated sequences that help explain some historical events, making the documentary enjoyable and easy to follow even for viewers without much knowledge of American history.

Overall, Hesburgh is a must-watch documentary for anyone interested in understanding the role of education in shaping society, improving civil rights, and advocating for social justice. The movie captures the essence of Hesburgh's life, his ideals, and principles, and how his influence continues to impact American society today.

In conclusion, Hesburgh is a masterful documentary that shows how the life of a great human being can inspire future generations to change their communities and the world. Through Hesburgh's remarkable legacy, the film highlights how one person can make a significant impact and improve the lives of countless others.

Hesburgh is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 44 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.0 and a MetaScore of 83.