Watch The Reagans: The Legacy Endures

The Reagans: The Legacy Endures is a 2014 documentary film that dives into the life and accomplishments of the 40th president of the United States - Ronald Reagan. The film is directed by Robert Kline and narrated by James Naughton. It is an exploration of Reagan's influence on modern-day America as well as his legacy on the world stage.

The film is divided into six parts, which take the viewer on a journey from Reagan's birth in small-town Illinois to his iconic presidency in the 1980s, and finally to his death in 2004. The first part of the documentary provides an overview of Reagan's early life, his schooling, and his Hollywood career, where he developed a love for acting and honed his public speaking skills.

Part two explores Reagan's entry into politics, from his stint as president of the Screen Actors Guild to his successful bid for governor of California. The film depicts Reagan's trademark optimism and his ability to connect with people from all walks of life, which propelled him to the forefront of American politics. The documentary highlights his work on issues like tax reform, education, and welfare reform, which remain hot topics to this day.

The third and fourth parts of the documentary dive into Reagan's two terms as president of the United States, from 1981 to 1989. The film explores the challenges Reagan faced during his first term, including rising inflation, high unemployment, and the growing Soviet threat. The film showcases Reagan's leadership skills in navigating these troubled waters, from his famous tax cuts to his creation of the Strategic Defense Initiative, or "Star Wars" program, which aimed to create a space-based missile defense system.

Part five examines the second term of Reagan's presidency, which was marked by the Iran-Contra scandal and his efforts to end the Cold War. The film explores the various controversies surrounding the sale of arms to Iran and the subsequent funding of Contra rebels in Nicaragua. Despite the scandal, Reagan remained a popular figure and continued to work towards his ultimate goal of dismantling the Soviet Union. He famously declared "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall" in a speech in Berlin, which was seen as a turning point in the Cold War.

The final part of the documentary deals with Reagan's post-presidential life, his battle with Alzheimer's disease, and his eventual passing in 2004. The film pays tribute to Reagan's legacy and highlights the continued relevance of his ideas in today's political climate.

Overall, The Reagans: The Legacy Endures is a well-crafted tribute to one of America's most iconic presidents. The film does not shy away from Reagan's flaws or controversies but presents a balanced view of his life and legacy. The documentary features interviews with Reagan's friends, family, and colleagues as well as archival footage and photos that help bring his story to life. The film provides valuable insights into Reagan's political philosophy and his contributions to American society, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in politics or history.

The Reagans: The Legacy Endures is a 2014 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes.