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Howard Zinn - You Can't Be Neutral on a Moving Train
Howard Zinn - You Can't Be Neutral on a Moving Train
Actors: Matt Damon, Howard Zinn, Daniel Berrigan, Alice Walker, Noam Chomsky
Director: Deb Ellis;Denis Mueller
Genres: Documentary
NR     2005     1hr 18min

In these turbulent times, Howard Zinn is inspiring a new generation. This acclaimed film looks at the amazing life of the renowned historian, activist and author of the landmark book 'A People's History of the United State...  more »

     
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Movie Details

Actors: Matt Damon, Howard Zinn, Daniel Berrigan, Alice Walker, Noam Chomsky
Director: Deb Ellis;Denis Mueller
Genres: Documentary
Sub-Genres: Biography
Studio: First Run Features
Format: DVD - Color - Closed-captioned
DVD Release Date: 05/24/2005
Original Release Date: 06/18/2004
Theatrical Release Date: 06/18/2004
Release Year: 2005
Run Time: 1hr 18min
Screens: Color
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaDVD Credits: 1
Total Copies: 0
Members Wishing: 0
MPAA Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Languages: English

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Movie Reviews

The force of moral indignation
Robin Wolfson | Cameron Park, CA USA | 05/20/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a marvelous film about an amazing man. Depending, of course, on your point of view. Which is Zinn's point. In any case, if you agree with Zinn, you'll love the movie. If you don't, but have an open mind, you might be interested in his ideas. And if you're Bill O'Reilly, don't even bother. Please.

The film follows Zinn from his experiences as a bomber pilot in WWII, through the birth of modern American activism in Atlanta (where he was fired from Spelman College for encouraging students in non-violent activism), through the Vietnam war, and up to his current activities and ideas. It also contains a very nice section about his book "The People's History of the United States," which looks at American history from the point of view of the victims. AND, it is the only mention I have ever seen in film or television of the tragic Ludlow, Colorado massacre of the strikers by those staunch defenders of American democracy: the Pinkertons. That's right, the mine owners brought in their own private army of Pinkertons who burned the strikers' tent city in the middle of a Colorado winter and then shot the survivors.

This film reminds us of what moral indignation is all about and the importance of taking a stand against tyranny in all its forms. Bill O'Reilly will, of course, disagree.

"
A wonderful tribute to an engaging political activist
Joseph P. Weber | Chicago, IL United States | 05/31/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)

"As an undergraduate at Boston University in the 1980's I had the advantage to take two of Dr. Howard Zinn's courses. Unfortunately, as a somewhat naive student from a conservative midwestern upbringing I did not take full advantage or fully appreciate the opportunity of studying under Dr. Zinn. Today, I was quite pleased to see a documentary about this amazing, yet contravesial man.

Whether or not you agree with Dr. Zinn's politics, it cannot be denied (especially after watching this documentary) that his motives are genuine. Dr. Zinn is really fighting for a better and truer form of what he defines as justice. It may be easy to disagree with him (I certainly do not agree with all his ideas or actions), this documentary makes it impossible to disagree that he is a man who really cares about what he is fighting for.

The documentary begins with his meager upbringing and discusses that although as a shipbuilder he could have received a deferment from fighting in World War II, he enlisted believing that fighting facism in Europe was the right thing to do. However, some of the things he was called upon to do as a pilot forced him to ponder on what means can and should be used to achieve a just end. The documentary then depicts the start of his activism as a white teacher in a black college in Atlanta during the early days of the racial movement in the South. The documentary covers his life from those early days throughout his career.

Although the documentary is not what you could call balanced in that none of Dr. Zinn's opponents are interviewed, I do not find that as a fault. I do not think the purpose of this documentary was to be a completely balanced protrayal leaving it up to the viewer to make his or her own decision about Dr. Zinn; but instead the documentary is meant to be a heartfelt synopsis of a fascinating man.

From a filmaker's point of view, the documentary ceratainly works as well. It is well edited with loads of great old footage intertwined with the interviews. All-in-all, this is a documentary that works. Love or hate Dr. Zinn's politics, this documentary will still give the viewer new insight into his life and what drives him."
Howard Zinn: A Great American!
Jarman Augustus | Oregon | 11/19/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)

"When puff pastries like Sean Hannity say to the thoughtless hawk guests who people his infotainment circus: "You're a Great American" he is completely pathetic. Although Sean and his ilk would howl, a true Great American among us is Howard Zinn who devotes his life to speaking the truth no matter what.

This documentary bio is a great starting point for learning about the man and his life. He is a modern day Wise Man who has really been in the trenches and speaks from experience about peace, social justice and the politics of power. The doc makes good use of historical footage and although it is fairly standard in its appproach it is well worth watching.

Zinn makes a strong Prophet-like presence in other films that are all on Amazon like "Rush To War," "Liberty Bound" , the very creative "Axis Of Evil" and my favorite "USA The Movie" in which Zinn's voice, filled with suffering for our sins, sums up the brutality of the act we are about to undertake just as we embark on the war in Iraq. As usual, he says it all."
Puzzel pieces placed: Howard Zinn- a very important person
Edward J. Cohen | 08/11/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)

"I first became aware of Howard Zinn when a client left a copy of his "A People's History of the United States" as a reference for a paper I was helping him write: I was astounded and moved. I got my own copy of the history and "The Zinn Papers." I saw that last few minutes of "Howard Zinn: You Can't Be Neutral on a Moving Train" on the Sundance Network and getting it became paramount. The video made me remember Zinn: this white guy that was part of the Civil Rights and Anti Vietnam War movements. The pieces of the puzzle were placed. Howard Zinn is more important to America than has been acknowledged. His history is essential. To me he equals Franz Fanon in explaining how people really make history, and how badly history has been taught in U.S. schools, and how badly we have been led. Zinn qualifies as a philosopher. Zinn's history will scare many who have bought into white supremacy history. Serious history buffs should have his video and his history. It's a wonderful reference and a truth that must be told."