Watch The Announcement

The Announcement is a documentary film that explores the life-changing moment when basketball legend Earvin "Magic" Johnson announced to the world that he had contracted HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. Directed by Nelson George, the film extensively covers Magic's career and life, as well as the circumstances leading up to the announcement.

The film begins with a brief overview of Magic's life and career, including his time as a standout star at Michigan State, his championship seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, and his Olympics success with the Dream Team. It quickly becomes clear, however, that the focus of the film is on the announcement itself, and what it meant for both Magic and the larger society.

We are given a behind-the-scenes look at the events that led up to the announcement, including Magic's initial confusion and fear upon receiving his diagnosis, his decision to go public with his status, and the media frenzy that ensued in the days and weeks after the announcement. This is told through interviews with Magic himself, as well as with his wife Cookie, and a number of Magic's closest confidants and colleagues, including Pat Riley.

One of the most powerful aspects of the film is the way in which it captures the mood of the times. When Magic announced his status in 1991, HIV/AIDS was still a largely unknown and highly stigmatized disease. Many people believed it was only something that affected gay men and drug users, and there were widespread fears about how it was transmitted. Magic's announcement challenged those assumptions and helped to break down some of the barriers and myths surrounding the disease.

As the film progresses, we see Magic become an advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness and education, using his platform to help educate others about the realities of the disease. The film also explores some of the challenges Magic faced as he adjusted to his new reality, including the toll that the disease took on his body, and the way it impacted his relationships with loved ones, including his wife and children.

Throughout the film, there is a strong sense of the resilience, courage, and grace that Magic showed in the face of his diagnosis. He never shied away from his responsibilities, and was determined to use his position in the public eye to make a positive impact on the world. This makes the film a powerful testament to the power of hope, and the importance of community in times of crisis.

Overall, The Announcement is a moving and compelling documentary that sheds light on a critical moment in both Magic Johnson's life and in the history of HIV/AIDS in America. While the film is first and foremost a portrait of a remarkable public figure, it also speaks to broader themes around social change, stigma, and resilience. Anyone who is interested in sports, history, or human resilience will find much to enjoy in this documentary.