"John Lewis: Good Trouble" offers a nuanced portrait of the civil rights leader, one that humanizes him and highlights his unwavering dedication to fighting for justice. Born in 1940, John Lewis's early life was marked by hardship and segregation in Troy, Alabama, but it was also where he discovered his purpose in defending basic human rights.
The film takes viewers on a journey through Lewis's remarkable career, from his teenage years listening to Martin Luther King Jr.'s sermon that inspired him to become a freedom fighter, to his role as the youngest speaker at the 1963 March on Washington and his involvement in the landmark Freedom Summer. The documentary is meticulously researched, incorporating archival footage, interviews with key figures, and never-before-seen footage of Lewis himself.
What sets "Good Trouble" apart from other civil rights documentaries is its ability to humanize a figure often portrayed as a symbol or a hero. We see Lewis's softer side in moments like his impromptu dance party while campaigning for Stacey Abrams, and we witness his passion for art, which he started with his late wife Lillian Miles.
As the film chronicles Lewis's tireless work, it also highlights the challenges he faced and the obstacles that still persist. From the dismantling of the Voting Rights Act to the resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement, Lewis remains a beacon of hope and courage in the face of adversity.
The documentary serves as a timely reminder of the importance of activism and standing up for what is right, even when it's hard or unpopular. As Lewis puts it, "One of my greatest fears...is one day we wake up and our democracy is gone." The film's final scene, with Lewis reciting his iconic speech about creating the beloved community, is a powerful call to action that leaves viewers feeling hopeful and inspired.
"John Lewis: Good Trouble" is more than just a documentary – it's an invitation to reflect on our own role in fighting for justice and equality. It's a testament to the enduring power of one man's courage and conviction, and a reminder that we can all make a difference when we show up and demand fairness and hope for every American.
The film takes viewers on a journey through Lewis's remarkable career, from his teenage years listening to Martin Luther King Jr.'s sermon that inspired him to become a freedom fighter, to his role as the youngest speaker at the 1963 March on Washington and his involvement in the landmark Freedom Summer. The documentary is meticulously researched, incorporating archival footage, interviews with key figures, and never-before-seen footage of Lewis himself.
What sets "Good Trouble" apart from other civil rights documentaries is its ability to humanize a figure often portrayed as a symbol or a hero. We see Lewis's softer side in moments like his impromptu dance party while campaigning for Stacey Abrams, and we witness his passion for art, which he started with his late wife Lillian Miles.
As the film chronicles Lewis's tireless work, it also highlights the challenges he faced and the obstacles that still persist. From the dismantling of the Voting Rights Act to the resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement, Lewis remains a beacon of hope and courage in the face of adversity.
The documentary serves as a timely reminder of the importance of activism and standing up for what is right, even when it's hard or unpopular. As Lewis puts it, "One of my greatest fears...is one day we wake up and our democracy is gone." The film's final scene, with Lewis reciting his iconic speech about creating the beloved community, is a powerful call to action that leaves viewers feeling hopeful and inspired.
"John Lewis: Good Trouble" is more than just a documentary – it's an invitation to reflect on our own role in fighting for justice and equality. It's a testament to the enduring power of one man's courage and conviction, and a reminder that we can all make a difference when we show up and demand fairness and hope for every American.
I'm loving this docu about John Lewis, it's so well done! 
What really resonated with me is how the film humanizes him, you know? We see the real person behind the icon, not just a symbol of the civil rights movement. He's got his own struggles and passions, like his love for art and dancing (who knew he was such a party animal?) 
That's something we can all learn from.
. And that final scene with his iconic speech? *tears up* It's like, yeah, we need to be those people creating change, demanding fairness, and building community 
. I mean, John Lewis was for real tho, but I think what's cool about this one is that it shows him as a human being too, not just a symbol of the civil rights movement 
. I love how they included those fun moments like his dance party - it makes him seem more approachable 
. But at the same time, it also highlights all the struggles he faced and still faces today 
. It's like, we gotta keep pushing for justice and equality, even when it's hard 
. I'm down to watch this doc and think about how I can be more like John Lewis 
his story is wild though - from growing up in troy alabama with segregation to becoming a freedom fighter at 18, it's crazy how dedicated he was to the cause. and can we talk about how underrated stacey Abrams is? 
i mean lewis's passion for art is really cool too, but let's not forget about his wife lilian miles 
what i love most about this docu tho is that it highlights the importance of activism even when it's hard. like, lewis was a beacon of hope in a time where racism and inequality were so real. his speech at the march on washington still gives me chills 
anyway, "good trouble" feels like more than just a docu - it feels like an invitation to step up our own fight for justice and equality 
not just a symbol or a hero. He was human with flaws and fears just like us 
and that's what makes the film so powerful. The way it balances his triumphs with his struggles is really something special 
I loved seeing all the little moments that make him relatable, like the dance party while campaigning 
. But what struck me most was how relevant the film feels today 
we're still fighting for many of the same causes he was passionate about. It's a reminder that our work is far from over and it's okay to feel scared or overwhelmed sometimes 
but with courage and conviction, we can make a difference too 
it's like they really brought john lewis to life and showed us his humanity too not just the hero stuff we see in movies like "Selma" or "Mudbound"... he was a complex dude with passions and flaws and it's beautiful to see that on screen. i mean who knew he had an impromptu dance party moment? 
that's my kinda leader... not just some stoic figure, but someone who lets loose and has fun too. the film is like a call to action, reminding us that activism isn't just for the bold or famous, it's for everyone who wants to create change. we can all be john lewis in our own way, fighting for what's right even when it's hard 
it's amazing how this doc humanizes him, you know? I mean, we see the passion, the fire, but also the vulnerability and the love he had for his wife 
the way they incorporated archival footage and interviews with key figures really added depth to the story 
i mean who knew he had an impromptu dance party while campaigning lol 
anyway its great to see his softer side and how he fought for art and social justice 
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...and what about all the times he compromised or made deals with people who weren't exactly on the same page as him? 
I don't know if this documentary is really giving us a nuanced portrait of Lewis at all, it's just glossing over the messy parts and making him out to be some kind of hero 
It feels like just another way to make a legend out of someone who wasn't that great in the first place 
. it's like he knew exactly what was coming. anywayz, if u haven't seen this doc yet, pls do ASAP!
I just watched this documentary on John Lewis and it totally gave me chills 
... like, I know he was an amazing civil rights leader and all, but seeing him as a person, with his passions and fears... that's what really gets me 
. I mean, come on, we've seen the same story about Martin Luther King Jr. a million times before 
. And what's with the emphasis on Lewis's personal life? We get it, he was a down-to-earth guy who loved art and dancing 
. It feels like a bit too on-the-nose for my taste 
. And what really gets me is how this documentary is being positioned as some kind of "timely reminder" of the importance of activism 
The way they weave together all these different stories and interviews is so impressive 
.