John Lewis: Good Trouble

John Lewis: Good Trouble is a 2020 American documentary movie unveiling the life, legacy and career of the outstanding civil rights activist and Democrat congressman, John Lewis.

The documentary is directed by Dawn Porter, known for her poignant work in documentaries like Gideon’s Army and Trapped, a Peabody Award and Special Jury Prize winner respectfully. The film encases profound experiences of Lewis’s fascinating and unbeaten life journey, reminiscing his struggle, and zeal for rights in the political sphere. Porter carries out her filmic viewpoint with a delicate balance of past and present events giving real-time perception about the innate character of John Lewis/

The documentary revolves around Elijah Cummings, Anthony Johnson, and Hillary Clinton, who play significant roles in the life of John Lewis. Their interactions and portrayals help in convincing viewers about Lewis’s persona, the respect he earned, and the prominence he carried in his public career. These interactions hugely contribute to unfolding the complex layers of American politics, civil rights movements, and their repercussions on racial discrimination and inequality.

Elijah Cummings, an American politician and civil rights advocate himself, sheds light on the relationship he shared with John Lewis, capturing instances of their shared struggles and victories. Anthony Johnson, also an American civil rights activist, lets the audience delve into Lewis’ involvement in the civil rights era. It is through him we get glimpses of Lewis's strife, his progress, and his social vision. Hillary Clinton, the former Secretary of State and 2016 Democratic presidential nominee, contributes her perspectives, profoundly discussing the vital role Lewis played in the political arena and his influence on the American polity.

Porter, with the aid of these narratives, successfully paints a vivid ideological picture of John Lewis. His fight against racial discrimination, his relentless advocacy for voting rights, and his push for fair representation echo throughout the narrative. The film emphasizes not only his contribution in the past but also his enduring legacy, inspiring a new generation of activists and lawmakers.

In the movie, the director ingeniously intersperses real-life footage and interviews, archived photos, and vibrant graphics to keep the storyline interesting. The film is dynamic with stock footage from Lewis' early years in politics, famous speeches, peaceful protests, and his fight against skin color discrimination; these elements evoke strong emotions in the viewers. Porter skillfully intertwines the recollection of the past while capturing the steady continuity into the present where Lewis's actions still profoundly impact politics.

The title "John Lewis: Good Trouble" is a nod to a phrase Lewis often used to inspire activism, signifying standing up against unfairness even if that means stirring up "good trouble, necessary trouble." The documentary underpins the symbolic nature of this phrase, covering significant milestones such as his involvement in the Nashville Movement, the Freedom Rides, his speech during the March on Washington, and his representation of Georgia's 5th Congressional District, among other achievements.

John Lewis: Good Trouble is an intellectual delight to the viewers, immersing them into an engaging narrative about one of America’s greatest fighters for racial equality. The movie ingeniously weaves in various elements, including personal anecdotes, public addresses, and interviews, to present an all-encompassing portrayal of Lewis's life.

In summary, John Lewis: Good Trouble serves as an insightful exploration into the life of an individual who gave everything for the cause of equality. It chronicles his rise from sharecropper’s son into a civil rights sentinel and, ultimately, into a progressive congressman. The film is a stirring tribute to a relentless pioneer and an inspiration for future generations to continue the fight for social justice. This film is a must-watch for those looking to deepen their understanding of American history, civil rights, and the influence a single individual can have on the shaping of society. The deeply moving narrative will leave the viewers inspired, informed, motivated, and enthralled until the last moment.