Watch Imagine: John Lennon

Imagine: John Lennon is a biographical film that documents the life of John Lennon, the legendary British musician and co-founder of the Beatles. The film covers Lennon's life from his childhood in Liverpool, through his years with the Beatles, until his tragic death in 1980. The documentary is directed by Andrew Solt and features interviews with John's wife Yoko Ono, as well as some of his closest friends and collaborators, including Paul McCartney.

The film is structured around a series of interviews with John, recorded during various points in his life. These interviews are supplemented with archival footage of Lennon both in and out of the public eye, as well as home movies shot by John himself. Throughout the film, we hear Lennon recount his personal and professional history, giving audiences a deeper understanding of the man behind the music.

One of the most striking elements of the film is its focus on Lennon as a political activist. Throughout his life, John was deeply committed to progressive causes such as peace, women's rights, and environmentalism. This aspect of his personality is explored in depth in Imagine, with the film showcasing John's involvement in various rallies and protests over the years. In one particularly poignant scene, we see John and Yoko singing "Give Peace a Chance" on the steps of a hospital where John had recently been born.

Of course, no documentary about John Lennon would be complete without some discussion of the Beatles, and Imagine doesn't disappoint in that regard. The film devotes a significant amount of time to examining the band's rise to superstardom in the 1960s, as well as the internal tensions that ultimately led to their breakup. We hear from Paul McCartney about his relationship with John, which was complicated but ultimately rooted in a shared love of music.

Despite its focus on John as an activist, Imagine is not strictly a political film. Rather, it is a nuanced portrait of a complex artist who was always evolving and never content to rest on his laurels. We see John experimenting with new sounds and styles in his solo career following the breakup of the Beatles, and we hear him reflect on his growth and artistic process.

Throughout it all, Yoko Ono is a constant presence, providing insight into her husband's creative process and profound love for their family. Indeed, one of the most touching aspects of Imagine is its depiction of John as a devoted father to his two sons, Julian and Sean. We see him goofing around with them in home movies, and we hear him speak passionately about the importance of family in his life.

Ultimately, Imagine: John Lennon is a moving tribute to a man who left an indelible mark on the world of music and beyond. With its mix of archival footage, interviews, and music, the film offers an intimate and sometimes heartbreaking view of a true icon. Whether you're a diehard Beatles fan or simply appreciate great documentary filmmaking, Imagine is a must-see.

Imagine: John Lennon is a 1988 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 46 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.8.