Won’t You Be My Neighbor? Movie Review

[@VfletchS]

I grew up in a home where my dad reminded me on a daily basis what a worthless piece of shit I was, whether yelling that he wished I'd never been born or hitting me. I'm not a perfect person, but I can't imagine what I would have become without Fred Rogers, those silly songs, and his ability to say things *to* me that made me feel better. I couldn't get enough of that show 40 years ago. It was my one safe space, as I'm sure it was for lots of children in similar situations.

[@phoenixrising8231]

Sea Pig so sorry for what you endured. The best revenge is not just surviving. It’s thriving.

[@thebayonneguy]

Hear, Hear‼️

[@JeffNipp]

You mention the "warts and all... but apparently there are no warts" aspect of the film. I went wondering about this. I happened to meet Fred Rogers and a couple of cast members back in 1985 during a promotional tour. I was working at the center for public television and I was tasked with picking them up from the airport. I was struck by how utterly kind and sweet they all were. As I have told the story over the years I have always said that it was as if Fred Rogers was the TV character Mr. Rogers who had come to life and climbed out of the TV. He was exactly as he is on TV. Extremely soft-spoken, kind and completely caring toward everyone. He took time to ask me about myself - as if anyone cared what some college undergrad thought - and genuinely seemed interested in meeting me. They never dropped the act, not even for a moment. They were all profoundly kind and to-the-bone nice for the two days I was around them, even behind the scenes when nobody was looking. So I always assumed that they were just actually that nice. It was great to see this film affirm that impression. In the interviews, someone even says it - "he really is that nice". It was wonderful to see the power of one man living his life with a simple message of loving your neighbor.

[@mad1701]

I grew up watching Mr Rogers and Sesame Street in Nigeria. My world view and my sense of decency and morality was built on the messages I learned from those shows. I still feel immensely emotional whenever I hear the theme song from Sesame Street or when I hear Mr Rogers wonderful voice. I am so so grateful for everything I learned from those shows and a film like this is just so heart warming, even talking about it makes me a bit emotional now. I can’t wait to see it.

[@UltimateAwe]

Fred Rogers is the epitome of a national treasure. His singular contribution to children’s educational programming is awe-inspiring. This is a well-deserved frontrunner for Best Documentary. Neville’s direction was engrossing and comprehensive; I left the theatre with a strong sense of what Rogers believed, the scope of his impact, and a genuine desire to salvage the hope and goodness I had as a child.

[@bunerabbit3125]

I never thought something about Mr Rogers would make me cry, but this movie will. The trailer already did. He was such a gentle soul.

[@menevetsny]

The theater was one... big... therapy session. Clemons made everybody cry. People stalling as the movie ended to collect themselves, myself included. I was extra extra nice to people for a week, then New York eventually gets you.

[@RaineeG62]

Even though there weren't a lot of other kids' shows but Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood really made the audience feel like they mattered. I used to watch it and feel this strange sensation that the man was actually talking directly to me. I knew he wasn't but still, I got that feeling and it really made a difference in my life. To this day, when I watch it with my grandchildren, I get that tug at my heart when he is saying good-bye and the camera pans away from the neighborhood. Five generations of my family have watched it: my grandparents was watched along with me, my mother, me, my four daughters and now my grandchildren. That show touched a lot of hearts. In this day and age, with all the hate mongering, we can all use a neighbor like Fred Rogers.

[@standoughope]

I want to see this so badly but I'll bawl my eyes out and have to trade in my man card. He enhanced my life so much. When I was being taught in fundamentalist, southern baptist Sunday School's to hate people who were different, hate myself for being born a filthy sinner etc Mr. Rodgers taught me to be kind, understanding, loving, giving. He was so warm. I truly think that I'd be a worse person if he hadn't had existed. I'm tearing up just typing this. Rest in Peace Mr. Rodgers and thanks. =*(

[@thebayonneguy]

Beautifully said.

[@bobbykaralfa]

the cool thing is he never let that stardom get to him. when he became a household name and daytime and late talk shows wanted him as a guest he was just the same mr rogers as on the show. the stardom fame never made his head swell up. the dvd will be coming out this september and i'm rushing to the store to get it before they run out.

[@DaniAlexandria]

I was born in 1997 and mr. Rogers ended in 2001 and yet this man still had a profound impact on my childhood. I have an 11 year old brother and I wish he had tv like mr. Rogers or any high quality show that could teach him things. Instead of the frankly mostly low quality crap this is Children's television today

[@c13579]

I really connected with Mr. Rogers when my grandson came along through Daniel Tiger. LOVE THAT SHOW!!! What a moral and upstanding citizen. The country needs more human beings like him, someone who actually cares about people, differences, and love for one another.

[@mksongbird]

the cut to Brian Kilmeade angrily berating Mr. Rogers in a clip from Fox News is easily the #1 jump scare of 2018.

[@CatLives9]

I really, really want to see this documentary. I grew up on Mister Roger's Neighborhood and he was such a calming, caring soul. His voice alone is therapeutic even as an adult. My tears will flow with this one, I know for sure.

[@jenniferhiemstra5228]

Feline Fatale Just saw it today...GO SEE IT!

[@MrDanamp]

I'm 62 and watched Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood on PBS every day with my little girl in the early 1980's. It MESMERIZED me. I loved him, and I loved this film. I cried during the opening credits and didn't stop. I want to go again and take all my friends and family.

[@tvchris]

Glad to know I wasn't the only one who started to cry within the first 60 seconds.

[@fnafgamer2396]

My mom cried

[@BobSullivanAKABuffy]

So glad my WTF folks echo my feelings. I was a mess watching this movie at a screening. I avoided the people asking comments for fears I'd break down again. I was 6 or so when the show started. I think we watched it a lot. But mostly I remember ultimately mocking the man for his soft way of talking etc. This movie made me truly appreciate what he could (and did) do.

[@michaelw2263]

I feel Mr Rogers is the hero we need, but don't deserve.

[@Jonathanest90s]

michael w sad but true.

[@SidV101]

He would tell us that we deserve love

[@Stand_By_For_Mind_Control]

One of the best things about his show is that it transcended generations. People 15 years older than me grew up with it, as well as people 15 years younger than me.

[@demt69ca]

my heart swelled and butterflies were a flutter when I saw the first trailer for Christopher Robin. The second was more glorious than the first and a date already set to see with a friend. when I saw just moments ago the trailer for Won't You Be My Neighbor? I cried and then immediately clicked on your review - I'll be lobbying for our city's film fan club to show this documentary. 2018 - I am nearly 50 and reduced to a puddle of childhood wonder and believing.

[@okay5045]

He was a very kind man he is so missed. We could use Mr. Rogers right now to get uss through this national nightmare we are living through now.

[@MG-nx6zq]

Rozzy Ferrell totally!😫💔100% agreed!

[@megamoviez]

We need a Mister Roger's in today's society so we can have hope for our future

[@APaganPerspective]

Without Mr Rodgers we wouldnt have PBS , he asked congress to allocate 20 million to start Public Broadcasting, and they gave it to him

[@wolfen26]

Not just 20 million, but 22 million. He is also part of the reason why we have the Fair Use recording laws too.

[@acouvis5221]

Incorrect - the GOP under Nixon wanted to cut the allocation to PBS (which already existed) from 20 to 10, but he did not start PBS.

[@LUNITICWILL]

as a late 1996 baby, I am probably one of the last few people that actually grew up with Mr. Rogers. makes me sad that there may not be another like him as we need him now more than ever.

[@megamoviez]

It's perfect that this movie came out around the same time Hereditary did so after you watched that bleak, depressing, horrifying, movie you can see something happy and heartfelt to clear your mind

[@keely_cn8924]

I think Mr. Rogers was a truly pure human being who totally would not have gotten in trouble in today's world of constant exposure.

[@BrickTamlandOfficial]

constant exposure? that's a dumb way to put it though. its just facts coming out that would not otherwise be coming out if it were not for the #metoo movement allowing women to feel like they have the power to tell the truth. it has nothing to do with exposure though. rogers probably never hurt anyone, so he would not be outed. there are guys in hollywood today who also have nothing incriminating about their actions that need to be exposed. there are just fewer than you might think.

[@erauprcwa]

Everytime I see Mr. Rogers, I want to cry. That man made such an impact on my life and my self image that I wish he was still alive so I could tell him that. I can't not hear that iconic "won't you be my neighbor" song and not ugly cry.

[@garfunkle5447]

He was a super human being.

[@depro9]

Thank you Fred Rogers for being a decent human being. 😺

[@kpmac1]

I feel so bad for kids who had to grow up with idiocy like Barney, the Wiggles, Teletubbies. Mr. Rogers was a real person who truly cared about kids and had the kind of connection with them that he could communicate important life truths to them. And they would accept it because they trusted him.

[@aldoo4640]

kpmac1 we have to deal with stupid fart joke cartons so I wish I grew up in the 2000s

[@r.k.edwards3008]

Mistashemanishere 53 Barney was great. Everything else you mentioned wasn't for me. Mr. Rogers was definitely the greatest.

[@barrag3463]

Mistashemanishere 53 they were running reruns in the 2000s, Rogers was unfortunately passed by then.

[@HaleysTusk]

re: Anyone nowadays who is somewhat like Fred Rogers in working w/ Children, check out Tim Kubart. He was on a Nickelodeon show called "Sunny Side Up" for several years, sometimes performs as "Tambourine Guy" with Postmodern Jukebox, and was nominated for an Emmy for some of his work with Children.... He recently took a trip to Africa with some Postmodern Jukebox members to share the love of dancing and music with Children over there. He is slowly building a strong brand and it doesn't hurt that he's genuinely a good guy

[@heathersmith2201]

I am 40, and remembered him! Mr. Roger's and Sesame Street was what I watched. I learned from both of them! There are no shows right now that are that pure, with some exceptions to the Christian movies from Pure Flixs. Thank you for making this movies as a memorial to him! He deserves it! Peace be unto to you, and your family, and the family of Mr. Roger's! God Speed Mr. Roger's! Your in good hands!

[@theolamp5312]

I'm 67, so I wasn't a kid when I saw Mr. Rogers. I figured it wasn't really for me, but I probably saw at least a 1/2 dozen shows. But, at the same time I thought it was a really important show for Kids. Now, in the current political climate, I think it could be important for adults. The current lack of empathy in our country truly disturbs me.

[@barrythomas615]

around 2:15, these folks were talking about nothing really being on TV for kids except Mr. Rogers, and Saturday morning cartoons. There was also "Captain Kangaroo" who was doing some of the same things - in much of the same way - that Mr. Rogers was doing. BTW, loved both "Rogers" AND "Kangaroo" when I was a kid!

[@710blodgett74]

he was the embodiment of what kindness is

[@roter13]

this documentary will win the Oscar

[@sha11235]

If this doesn't win Best Documentary at the Oscars next year, another injustice with the documentary branch will be added to it.

[@jenniferhiemstra5228]

sha11235 1000% YES!! Just saw it today, WHAT AN EMOTIONAL ROLLER COASTER

[@sha11235]

Here's something that is a little interesting: He stopped doing his program in 2001. That was right before 9/11. Wonder how he would've handled that if his show was still on?

[@philipmeiklejohn8056]

He did, he came back on for a special to specifically address 9/11

[@Banedragon]

We need someone like him these days and it's a sad statement on the human race that there is not

[@bryancee5150]

Saw the documentary and while I did not cry, I was quite moved. He was genuinely a beautiful soul of a man. How come I almost cheered from the audience when they showed footage of Eddie Murphy's parody of him from SNL!!! If you were old enough back in the 80's to watch/understand SNL, you know how hilarious those sketches were!

[@thebayonneguy]

Anyone remember Big Blue Marble? I had a pen pal for years as a NJ kid with another kid from Mombasa, Kenya through that show!

[@apollovizsla]

I loved that show. My sister got a pen pal from that show in the 1970's. I think she was from Malaysia and they kept in contact at least until after my sister was married and had her first daughter. I do not think they keep in contact anymore though.

[@okay5045]

Food&Friends The world's a big blue marble....I can't remember the rest of the song

[@Advent3546]

How many times am I going to ugly cry at this movie? I predict no less than 3

[@randallsmith2521]

I want to see this documentary. There isn't anyone in the media now like Mr. Rogers. There are certain people in life that I will always refer to as "Mr." or "Ms." Mr. Rogers fits into that category.

[@Santos-tu9yl]

These people watched the movie when I still can't even get through the trailer without tearing up.

[@thebayonneguy]

Wish I’d seen it with Christie and Alonso while we all held hands with smiling tears.

[@s.w.mayfair4536]

The movie is a must see if you watched Mr Rogers.

[@bigraviolees]

somewhere in heaven Fred has a whole section where he helps the kids

[@ginny9577]

Bob Keeshan needs a documentary too.

[@thebayonneguy]

Anyone able to get to the Angelika Theater in Manhattan , in the lobby there’s a mini Mr. Rogers set from the program that includes his seat where he changes into sneakers. Scores of folks were getting pictures of themselves! So cool!

[@terrybader8595]

Saw it at the Angelika...great display and movie

[@movieman82us]

They are making a movie about Mr. Rogers and apparently Tom Hanks is going to play him. I think that is pretty perfect casting actually.

[@justinmuller9294]

Tom Hanks is the only person today that even comes close to Mr Rogers in terms of maintaining a perfect image and being loved by all.

[@billvegas8146]

Meh. Hanks wasn't great as Walt Disney. Might have been a perfect opportunity for Ryan Gosling. Hanks will have to be very careful not to remind us of Gump.

[@kcollier2192]

He'll have to nail the voice to be believable...

[@trevorevansyoung]

WOW those are the highest scores you guys have given this year?? Can't wait to check this out

[@bluechipnl]

To answer your question at 6:35, I'd say Ellen is a public figure who carries a similar sense of kindness and goodness.

[@Sam_on_YouTube]

bluechipnl No. I love Ellen and have been a huge fan since she was a comic, even before her sitcom. I read her book when it came out the first time, not the reprint after she became famous. Her kindness is legendary, but Fred Rogers is still on another level and I don't think she'd disagree with that. Could you imagine Mr. Rogers doing "Know or Go"? Or playing her practical jokes? They are all in good fun and nobody has a problem with that, but I don't think Mr. Rogers could bring himself to do that.

[@brianarguello7576]

*143*

[@hellkatt]

Christy said "Zoom!" 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾❤️

[@jts2k09]

Mr. Rogers ROCKS!!!

[@Ocrilat]

I hesitate to compare them, but asking if a controversy-free entertainer is possible today, Al Yankovic is in that boat.

[@lesslycarthan9808]

They would fasley create him a monster today that how evil the world is today

[@Arkayem]

I hated this show as a kid. That said, this documentary seems fascinating and I wouldn't be opposed to going to see it. Also, the world needs more people like him.

[@thebacons5943]

I’m so excited for this movie. I hope if lives up to my expectations but I don’t want to put too much pressure on it

[@Stand_By_For_Mind_Control]

Remember when everyone was convinced that Mr. Rogers was a Marine sniper? Man, the early days of the internet were a wild ride. Also you misspelled his name in the description.

[@cqtaylor]

"Mr. Rogers," "Electric Company," "Sesame Street," "3-2-1 Contact," "Degrassi Jr. High," "High Feather," "Read All About It," "Wonder Works," and "Mulligan's Stew." Classic 1970s & 1980s PBS Television!

[@thebayonneguy]

Electric Company! “HEY, YOU GUYS!!!” When I first met Rita Moreno, I gushed about her wonderful energy and fun educational spirit on that show. She said it was a great experience.

[@cqtaylor]

+Food&Friends Awesome! Glad you got to meet her!

[@josefsteiner1544]

cqtaylor What about reading rainbow with LeVar Burton

[@stephennootens916]

I remember watching Mr. Rogers as a a kid. My grandma wasn't that please with him because as the story goes he was the reason that my broth pulled out her pots and pans and started banging on on them.

[@torinju]

Mr. Rogers is the kind of Christian I aspire to be.

[@devsox1]

Me too

[@thebacons5943]

Yes

[@Noelbluesky]

What an amazing human being

[@RominaJones]

I'm fine with a glowing portrayal. I don't want warts on Mr Rodgers, as long as no one is pressing charges or bringing out some legitimate complaint that must be addressed now just let it be. Don't go digging looking for his diary or some disgruntled waiter who he didn't tip enough or whatever, just let it be. Let us have Mr. Rodgers

[@mhaze210]

I always knew Fred Rogers was an amazing person. Watched his later years when I was a kid in the late 80's early 90's.... NOW after watching this movie. He was literally the 2nd coming of Christ.

[@goldilox369]

I've always said he's like America's Dalai Lama. He's a Buddha of compassion. ❤️

[@jschritz]

I've always been so enamored by Christie, her takes on the art and emotion of film really makes me believe that criticism has an important future.

[@truth3612]

Could you Inject this movie to trump's blood and soul?

[@acouvis5221]

You'd have to find Trump's soul first.

[@sun_beams]

I imagine once you have all 8 horcruxes it wouldn't be too difficult.

[@brandon17760]

Truth361 honestly it kind of mocked him, but it predated Trump. Saying how the king puppet built a wall to keep everyone out.

[@goldilox369]

@@sun_beams that genuinely made me laugh. 😂 I'm guessing you could say that about many many politicians.

[@anndrezzz4483]

This whole video left me with my jaw open which is something that never happens just wow 😮

[@dallascowboyshighlights9632]

Those creepy ass puppets always freaked me out but I always came back for more.

[@sha11235]

The only puppet that bothered me a bit was Elaine after a bit of a makeover with her hair. But I was just a kid then.

[@notmadheardthingsinhell8079]

Mr. Rogers was and is the big star of his show to me. The puppets were side characters to me. Although I can see that they were part of him in tangible ways.

[@andrewpowell1734]

Lady Elaine Fairchild is terrifying!

[@francismausley7239]

Mr Rodgers, a spiritual educator conveying most excellent principles... "Ye are all the leaves of one tree and the drops of one ocean." ~ Bahá’u’lláh

[@paradisecity0406able]

Christy is so beautiful! 😍

[@anitawalton7313]

I just watched “It’s You I Like” and plan on seeing this.

[@chetzmom65]

As a kid I watched Mr.Rogers, Friendly Giant & Capt.Kangaroo, before Sesame Street came on. My kids watched Mr.Rogers & Sesame Street.There will NEVER be another show like Mr.Rogers. PBS is "owned" by the Kochs & people today are too mean, selfish & greedy. Just look at social media. People are vicious animals.

[@Lamidemonami7891]

Even though he’s not really aimed at children, the only celebrity today that I can think of that even comes close is The Rock. He’s kind to every fan he meets (as far as I know), never really has anything bad said about him, and just all around acts well. But even he doesn’t really compare to Mr. Rogers

[@sha11235]

Sad that the show ended right before 9/11. I would've loved to see him deal with that. And if this film doesn't get Best Documentary, there will be rioting.

[@sakaya9878]

sha11235 he did a special on 9/11. It’s on youtube.

[@heidinewman9335]

watch free solo...which is the better documentary??

[@jonnemesis11]

It wasn't even nominated.

[@LiveINyourGood54]

The film made 20 Million which was a record for this type of film or documentary. Mr. Rogers did come back to talk about 9/11 and spoke to all about what he felt.

[@sha11235]

@@jonnemesis11 I know. Another Oscar scandal.

[@juliestevens6931]

I definitely plan on having a box of tissues next to me when I watch this movie. :o)

[@yiarkungfu]

I named my first pet Henrietta, she was a gray long haired cat, loving and fiercely protective, I miss her as I miss him. Fred Rogers raised more good people than anyone in human history. Going to see this film with a case of Kleenex and a box of garbage bags for all my neighbors.😿

[@bullsfan2021]

some of those puppets in make believeland used to creep me out a bit lol

[@DiscoverMontréal]

I look forward to bawling my eyes out

[@csjcsj2906]

It was tempting, especially not knowing much about the history.

[@megamoviez]

Whoa I think with that score this might be Alonsos best film of the year so far

[@caspersea]

Mr. Rogers … "An American Treasure" … and so it goes …

[@kenbrown438]

I tried to subscribe, but , got an error code 503 !!!!

[@jmctigret]

I grew up on Mr. Rogers, Sesame Street, Captain Kangaroo, Electric Company, Speed Racer

[@You2be4life]

Please talk about the Wonder Woman 1984 set photos 🙏🏼

[@Offmedication]

Saw it loved it, and yes I admit tearing up. Twice.

[@BIGTENFanatic]

Seeing this on Saturday!

[@MrLando0]

Can't wait for this. I loved Mr. Rogers as a kid.

[@ILLGOOD]

How did the world allow this type of peace loving genius live? Because the hell in this world's heart would have snuffed him out. Love must be a bummer, and hate is king. I'm 60 years old and grew up on him. Thanks for the flashback. Trump can't carry his shoe shine box, he's not human enough.

[@nelsonhoffman5922]

so excited to see this!

[@pumpkinspice2456]

Why not a 10?

[@billvegas8146]

If you are looking for another American saint to put beside Mr. Rodgers I nominate Pete Seeger.

[@jgoure30]

Review starts at 6:10

[@kennethminear6739]

mr. rogers for todays times to me is hope and is just as good now as it was back then. thanks.

[@shellbacksclub]

Alonzo looks like a combination of George rr Martin & George Lucas.

[@zarad2824]

dude, i am crying watching this review hahahaha

[@TnseWlms]

I grew up with Mr. Rogers and always had great respect for him and interest for all the behind the scenes trivia, and watched many behind the scenes documentaries about him on TV. But I do not understand why this documentary went to the big screen instead of the TV. I had no idea there would be no actors in the movie.

[@r.k.edwards3008]

TnseWlms Why? It was advertised as a documentary.

[@barrag3463]

It was also on TV.

[@moviedude22]

I watched his show, not certain I will see this one

[@thebacons5943]

“I think there might be too much riding on this Mr Rogers documentary for the psychology of the nation”

[@kingpengin7939]

I somehow missed Mr Rodgers growing up so am I still gonna enjoy this if I don’t know the story

[@yiarkungfu]

I second that.

[@LynRodriguez123]

I got to see this at SIFF :D

[@SidV101]

Closest modern people to him I can think of are John and Hank Green (vlogbrothers)

[@iwillruletheworldyay]

keanu reeves is also a most awesome guy

[@Tarotiste]

I also thought of John and Hank. It isn't the same thing, because Mr Rogers had a show just for young children. However, I think the Nerdfighter movement, the educational videos, & the very positive engagement online with young fans is similar. I also thought of Lin-Manuel Miranda who is exceptionally active with his young fans on Twitter, Facebook and KZbin. He makes a point of giving g them an inspirational good morning and good night every day... Neil Gaiman is also quite engaged with his fans. So--maybe the new generation of "Mister Rogers' es support is coming from a cadre of interconnected young adult authors and musical writers? (If you notice online they all seem to know each other have been spreading DFTBA...)