Going Upriver

Going Upriver: The Long War of John Kerry is a compelling 2004 documentary film directed by George Butler and featuring John Kerry, David Alston, and Dan Barbiero. This cinematic offering digs deep into the life of Democratic Senator John Kerry and his prominent involvement in the Vietnam Veterans Against the War (VVAW) movement. The film is not a dry educational piece, but a fascinating slice of American history wrapped up as an engaging human narrative.

The film takes audiences on a journey back in time, beginning with Kerry's upbringing in a disciplined and patriotic family. From his early life, we follow Kerry through his collegiate years at Yale, where he steadfastly honed his political acumen. Notably, he was a well-respected member of Yale's debate team, illustrating his early gift for oratory. The film examines his military service in Vietnam, where his heroism earned him several medals, including the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, and three Purple Hearts. These formative experiences helped shape Kerry's subsequent political career.

Going Upriver is simultaneously a war film and a political document, weaving together the personal history of John Kerry and the broader historical context of the Vietnam war. Kerry's military service is discussed through personal testimonies, primarily focusing on his time as a swift boat commander in Vietnam. His fellow service members, including David Alston and Dan Barbiero, recount their experiences and make special note of Kerry's leadership skills and bravery in dangerous situations. These anecdotes present a vivid picture of Kerry's time in Vietnam and set the stage for his later political activism.

However, the documentary doesn't stop with war stories; it delves into the profound impact these experiences had on Kerry, shaping his views on war and leading him to become a vocal critic of American policy in Vietnam. The film highlights the bold decision he made to testify to the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations in 1971, expressing his and many other veterans' disillusionment with the war. This decisive moment served Kerry's rise to public prominence while fueling controversy and backlash from those who disagreed with his stance.

Going Upriver presents a captivating, in-depth look into the anti-war movement, with Kerry at its helm, stressed the importance of a democratic society's right to question its government. It discusses the demonstrations orchestrated by the VVAW during Richard Nixon's administration, particularly the symbolic throw of military medals on the steps of the US Capitol, which ignited widespread national discourse.

Throughout the documentary, viewers get a sense of the complexity and passion that drive Kerry as an individual. The film charts his journey from a young man with a sense of duty to a public servant with a deep dedication to making America better. It emphasizes his belief in engaging with complex problems directly, rather than distancing or disengaging, embodied through his actions both as a soldier and an anti-war activist.

At its core, Going Upriver effectively balances personal narrative with broader political and social history. It offers an intimate portrait of a public figure whom many only know through soundbites and campaign speeches. Through engaging interviews, archival footage, and personal narratives, the film provides a nuanced perspective on a tumultuous period in American history and one of the pivotal figures to emerge from it, John Kerry.

In a broader sense, Going Upriver is a story of courage, conviction, and transformation. It highlights the difficult choices that individuals are often confronted with in times of conflict and societal disruption, while holding space for the process of personal growth and the maturation of political views. It serves as a historical record, a character study, and a stirring reminder of the depths of political commitment.

Going Upriver: The Long War of John Kerry is not just about the man, but the many lives he's impacted, the way he has navigated his roles in war and peace, and ultimately, the history of a nation navigating its own conflicts and complexities.