Review of Won't You Be My Neighbor? (2018) by Wnick2000 — 16 Jun 2018

I'll say it up front, "Won't You Be My Neighbor?" is my choice for the best documentary of the year. As someone who grew up in the last generation to really get to grow up with Mr. Rogers, as well as someone who grew up in and experienced the area of which he lived , it was incredibly touching to see such a nearly immaculate tribute to a man that was very nearly immaculate himself.

Fred's story is a story worth telling for multiple reasons, and this documentary shows why that is. It echos wholeheartedly his message that he wanted to leave on each and every person; that they can be loved for who they are.

The several interviews by the people who worked with Mr. Rogers, as well as those who were affected by him in one way or another, speak volumes about the man and give new insight into his life that we may not have really been able to see before.

To see the history of his life and his shows made me feel like a kid again, not so much because it was pure nostalgia, but because it's still a show that resonates with me today as an adult. As I've aged, I began to understand his teachings more in depth and found even more appreciation than I had before, and this film reflects that experience as it shows other's who have been impacted in the ways that I have.

It's a very personal story, one that may leave you feeling emotional if you have any attachment to Mr. Rogers, and maybe you'll be moved even if you didn't. It does everything that was needed to tell the story of Fred Rogers, and hopefully it gives a chance for younger generations to learn about him.