Watch Won't You Be My Neighbor?

Won't You Be My Neighbor? is a captivating and heartwarming documentary that takes a closer look at the life of Fred Rogers, the beloved host of "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood." Directed by Morgan Neville, the film offers an intimate and in-depth portrait of a man who influenced generations of children with his kind and gentle demeanor, his unwavering commitment to education and social issues, and his unique approach to television.

The film opens with a montage of clips from "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood," perhaps the most memorable and iconic children's show of all time. From the opening song to the puppets and make-believe adventures, every moment conjures up a sense of nostalgia and warmth that's hard to resist. The documentary then cuts to interviews with various people who knew Fred Rogers, from his family members and colleagues to celebrities like Yo-Yo Ma and John Lithgow. They speak in glowing terms about the man who became a national icon, who brought joy and comfort to millions of children over the course of 30 years.

The film then delves into Fred Rogers' personal life, exploring the formative experiences that shaped his worldview and his career. We learn about his childhood, his struggles with illness, and his early interest in music and puppetry. We see how he became involved in educational television, first with "The Children's Corner" and then later with "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood." And we get a sense of his passion for social justice and his commitment to creating a safe and nurturing environment for children.

One of the film's most powerful moments comes when it addresses some of the criticisms that Fred Rogers faced during his career. Some people accused him of being overly sentimental or unrealistic, of promoting an overly sheltered view of childhood. The documentary doesn't shy away from these criticisms, but instead presents them as part of a larger conversation about the role of children's television and the challenges of communicating complex ideas to young viewers. Ultimately, the film argues that Fred Rogers' approach was grounded in a deep empathy and a belief in the power of love and kindness to transform the world.

Throughout the documentary, we get a sense of Fred Rogers' incredible humanity and his genuine desire to connect with others. We see clips of him interacting with children, asking them about their feelings and taking the time to really listen to them. We see how he tackled difficult topics like death and divorce with sensitivity and grace. And we see how he embodied the values of empathy, compassion, and forgiveness in his own life.

Another strength of the film is its use of archival footage and behind-the-scenes glimpses of "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood." We see clips of Fred Rogers recording his show, interacting with his co-stars, and even dealing with the occasional technical glitch. These moments of authenticity help to humanize Fred Rogers even more, and make it clear that he was both a talented performer and a tireless advocate for children's education and well-being.

Ultimately, what makes Won't You Be My Neighbor? such a powerful and moving film is the way it captures the essence of Fred Rogers' message. He was a man who believed in the power of empathy, who saw kindness as a revolutionary force, who invested his life in creating a better world for children. His message is as relevant now as it was in the 1960s and 1970s, and the film reminds us of the enduring power of his legacy. Whether you grew up with "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood" or are discovering Fred Rogers for the first time, this documentary is a must-see. It's a celebration of kindness, of community, and of the human spirit, and it's sure to fill you with hope and inspiration.

Won't You Be My Neighbor? is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.3 and a MetaScore of 85.