Review of Won't You Be My Neighbor? (2018) by Reed W — 11 Jul 2018

What fascinates me about Won't You Be My Neighbor more than its subject, is the fact that this doc has mostly avoided the charge that many of its peers receive: hagiography. But if the original definition of hagiography is writing about saints, then perhaps it's appropriate for this doc about Mr. Rogers. After all, one of his sons admits that it can be tough when your dad is "the second Christ.".

Morgan Neville's film effectively conveys Rogers' dedication to education and nurturing children through television. Although I grew up watching Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood, I still learned some cool stuff. I was impressed that Rogers, an ordained Presbyterian minister, combined his religious beliefs, study of child development theories, and passion to try and serve children, a demographic he felt television wasn't serving or taking seriously.

Aside from documentation the beginning and end of the TV program, Neville also seems interested in contrasting Rogers' worldview and rhetoric with today's angry, divisive political and social atmosphere. For this reason, I've seen some film critics praise this movie as a balm. More than that, it's also a call to action be more open and kind, to try and be a better neighbor.