Watch One Bright Shining Moment

One Bright Shining Moment is a 2005 documentary film directed by Stephen Vittoria. The film is a tribute to Senator George McGovern, who ran for president in 1972 on an anti-war platform, and follows his campaign as he loses to Richard Nixon. The film features interviews with numerous political activists and celebrities, including James Abourezk, Warren Beatty, and Chip Berlet. It discusses the political climate of the early 1970s, highlighting the widespread opposition to the Vietnam War and McGovern's stance on it.

The film begins by setting the stage for the political climate of the time, depicting Nixon's reelection campaign and the escalating protests against the war. It then introduces viewers to McGovern and his platform, which seeks to end the war and focus on domestic issues.

McGovern's campaign is depicted in vivid detail, showing the enthusiasm of his supporters and the struggles his campaign faced against a well-financed Nixon campaign. The film also details the various controversies that arose during the campaign, including issues with McGovern's running mate Thomas Eagleton and his connection to the anti-war movement.

Throughout the film, several themes emerge, including the power of grassroots organizing and the dangers of unchecked government power. The film argues that McGovern's campaign represented a turning point in American politics, inspiring a new generation of activists and helping to shift the political discourse away from the military-industrial complex.

One Bright Shining Moment is a deeply personal film that includes interviews with many of McGovern's family and friends. It also includes footage from McGovern's final interview before his death in 2012, in which he reflects on his campaign and the impact it had on American politics.

The film is visually stunning, with archival footage of protests and campaign events interwoven with interviews and narration. The interviews with various activists and celebrities provide a powerful perspective on the events of the time and the impact of McGovern's campaign.

Overall, One Bright Shining Moment is a moving tribute to a political icon and a powerful call to action for those who believe in the power of grassroots organizing and political change. The film is a must-see for anyone interested in American history or political activism.

One Bright Shining Moment is a 2005 documentary with a runtime of 2 hours and 5 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.6 and a MetaScore of 64.