Watch The U.S. vs. John Lennon

The U.S. vs. John Lennon is a 2006 documentary-style film that delves into the tumultuous period in John Lennon's life when he became a symbol of peace and anti-war activism. The film shows how Lennon and his wife Yoko Ono became increasingly involved in political issues in the 1960s and 70s and how this led to a clash with the U.S. government.

The film begins with a montage of news footage from the time, showing the Vietnam War, civil rights protests, and other events that shaped the political climate of the era. It quickly becomes clear that Lennon was deeply affected by these events and that he was eager to use his platform as a famous musician to push for change.

Over the course of the film, we see Lennon and Ono become increasingly involved in activism, holding protests, organizing concerts, and even staging a week-long "bed-in" for peace. All of this caught the attention of the U.S. government, who viewed Lennon as a threat and began to use their resources to try to silence him.

One of the main storylines in the film is the U.S. government's attempts to deport Lennon, which they claimed was necessary because of his drug use and his radical politics. The film shows how the government went to great lengths to build a case against Lennon, including tapping his phone and even going through his garbage. The film also explores the role of the FBI in this, including the infamous COINTELPRO program, which targeted activists and dissidents.

Throughout the film, we see interviews with people who were involved in the events of the time, including other musicians, activists, and politicians. These interviews provide context and insight into the political climate of the time and help the viewer to understand why Lennon and Ono were seen as such a threat.

The film also includes a lot of footage of Lennon, both in interviews and performing with the Beatles and as a solo artist. This footage is well-chosen and gives the viewer a sense of who Lennon was as a person and an artist.

One of the most interesting themes in the film is the relationship between Lennon and Ono. The film shows how the couple's activism was deeply intertwined with their personal relationship, and it also explores some of the backlash that Ono faced as a woman and as a non-white person.

Overall, The U.S. vs. John Lennon is a compelling and thought-provoking film that sheds light on a little-known chapter in John Lennon's life. It is well-researched and well-made, with plenty of historical footage and insightful interviews. While the film is certainly sympathetic to Lennon and his politics, it also raises important questions about the role of government and the limits of free speech. Anyone interested in music, politics, or social justice should definitely check it out.

The U.S. vs. John Lennon is a 2006 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 39 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3 and a MetaScore of 64.