Review of Won't You Be My Neighbor? (2018) by Davrosdaleks1 — 14 Jul 2018

In this day and age it sometimes sadly feels alien see a person be 100% kind, calm and benevolent and wanted to use television to educate rather than for profit or entertainment. Yet that was Mr. Rogers. This documentary was genuinely a pleasant hour-and-a-half to sit through.

Veteran documentary director George Manville expertly blends footage and interviews with Rogers' cast, crew, friends, and family in order to genuinely tug on the audience's heartstrings. I was in a small theater with a limited amount of people but there was so much reactions from the crowd during and after the film that it felt like you were in the audience for a popular blockbuster.

What is so compelling about Rogers that he wasn't someone with any big secrets or who was a very different person in his private life. He was as he appeared to be. His show wasn't just a gig. He created, wrote, directed, produced, etc. the show because he believed in helping children. Throughout we learn how he affected others and his drive and motivations but also his insecurities. Plus, they even talk about his short-lived show for adults, which I didn't even know about.

This really worked for me, but there are a couple points that may not gel for all people. Unfortunately, Rogers' show's second-longest running cast member Betty Aberlin (Lady Aberlin) declined to be interviewed, so we're missing her insight. (Not to say she should have, It's her priority.) The film focuses more on Rogers' career than his personal life, though bits and pieces are mentioned throughout, so don't expect a comprehensive biography.