It’s hard for me to understand why anyone would want to go into politics; the corruption, power trips, and inflated egos seem like enough frustration to turn any sane person away.
But seeing pictures of a 21-year-old Bernie Sanders protesting at a civil rights demonstration in 1963, and a young John Lewis – the subject of this film – marching with Martin Luther King Jr. from Selma to Montgomery in 1965, reminds me that there are some people who get into politics for pure reasons: to fulfill a life-calling to ensure liberty and justice for all. Directed by Dawn Porter, John Lewis: Good Trouble is a fascinating documentary that acts as a highlight reel of the career of Democratic Congressman John Lewis.
You may know the 80-year-old civil rights activist from his fight to end voter suppression (or his viral “Happy” dance), but even if his name is unfamiliar, after watching this film, John Lewis is one name you’ll never forget. John speaks to the camera as he recalls life-changing moments throughout his 60-year (and counting) political career. There are moments when he watches footage from the 1965 Selma march and his jaw drops – apparently, he has never seen some of these images before. It’s a powerful moment made even stronger with original compositions from musician Tamar-kali. High ranking political players, including Hillary Clinton and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, discuss John’s vital contributions to social activism and echo the sentiment that he’s an effective leader because he’s lived through harrowing racial injustice.
His dedication to fighting a cause bigger than himself is inspirational, especially at this very moment. Keep protesting, don’t be afraid to get into a little “good trouble,” and most importantly, register to vote.
Help Register Voters In Areas With Voter Suppression:
Magnolia Pictures and Participant will release John Lewis: Good Trouble on-demand this Friday, July 3.
