Watch Ronald Reagan: An American Journey

Ronald Reagan was one of the most beloved and influential presidents in the history of the United States of America. His life and legacy have been the subject of countless books, articles, and documentaries. In 2011, a new film was released that sought to shed new light on this iconic figure. "Ronald Reagan: An American Journey" is a documentary film that explores Reagan's life and career from his humble beginnings in Illinois to his rise to national prominence as a Hollywood actor, governor of California, and ultimately, President of the United States.

The film begins by tracing Reagan's early years growing up in rural Illinois during the Great Depression. We learn about his family background, his early interests in sports and acting, and his eventual move to California to pursue his dreams of becoming an actor. The film includes interviews with Reagan's childhood friends and colleagues, as well as archival footage of Reagan himself discussing his early years.

From there, the film delves into Reagan's rise to national prominence as a Hollywood actor in the 1940s and 1950s. We learn about his work in films such as "Knute Rockne: All American" and "Kings Row," and how his movie star persona helped pave the way for his eventual political career. The film also explores his controversial tenure as president of the Screen Actors Guild, where he earned a reputation as a tough negotiator and anti-communist firebrand.

The documentary then moves on to Reagan's decision to enter politics in the 1960s, and his successful campaign for governor of California in 1966. We learn about his tenure as governor, where he gained a reputation as a fiscal conservative and law-and-order crusader. The film includes interviews with many of Reagan's former colleagues and subordinates, who shed light on his leadership style and the challenges he faced as governor.

The centerpiece of the film is, of course, Reagan's time as President of the United States from 1981 to 1989. The film explores Reagan's early struggles in the White House, including the assassination attempt on his life in 1981 and the controversy surrounding his economic policies. The film also delves into Reagan's foreign policy achievements, particularly his role in ending the Cold War and bolstering American defenses.

Throughout the film, we hear from a wide range of experts and commentators, including political operatives, historians, biographers, and even Reagan's own family members. The overarching theme of the film is the idea that Reagan was a transformative figure in American politics, one who ushered in a new era of conservative politics and reshaped the role of the presidency itself.

One of the strengths of the film is its use of archival footage and photographs, which help to create a vivid and compelling portrait of Reagan and his times. We see clips from Reagan's speeches, debates, and press conferences, as well as news footage of key events from his presidency. The film also features a wide range of interviews with people who knew and worked with Reagan, including former cabinet members, advisers, and journalists.

Overall, "Ronald Reagan: An American Journey" is a compelling and well-crafted documentary that provides new insights into one of America's most iconic and beloved presidents. While the film does not shy away from Reagan's controversies and shortcomings, it ultimately presents him as a visionary leader who helped shape the course of American history in the 20th century. For anyone with an interest in American politics or history, this film is a must-see.

Ronald Reagan: An American Journey is a 2010 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 42 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.7.