Raise Hell: The Life & Times of Molly Ivins

If you followed political life and read articles of news over the years you probably came across the outspoken truth seeking Molly Ivins. And for one she told the people how it was, always telling us that the country is that of the people, plus she exposed corruption in politics. This documentary "Raise Hell: The Life and Times of Molly Ivins" is well done and informative and educational showing about her life and accomplishments on the page. Never pretty she was all brains instead who was a giant six foot Texan who brought trouble for those in power by exposing their wrong doings. Plus she gave great opinions and takes and editorials about the current, and make no bones about it she was a hard living hard drinking liberal with razor sharp wit and humor who always thought the Bill of Rights should be the real bible of the people. The interviews from friends, family, and other reporters were touching, for sure this lady raised hell for the people thru truth and courage. This late lady will be missed by many. This doc took plenty in watch no matter what your politics is.

I'd never heard of Molly Ivins before watching this, and I am utterly delighted that I got to learn about her. So smart, so funny, so real.

The story of outspoken texas columnist molly ivins, born in 1944. Being the liberal in her own house, the state, and the newspapers where she worked. Interviews where ivins complains of being hired for her quirky humor that was always being changed and edited. Being friends with radio host john faulk, who had been accused of being a communist, due to his liberal talk. And apparently she angered several bosses who felt she was putting too much of her own politics into her stories and columns. But molly had the ability to be good friends with her very conservative friends. She claims it was her good natured spirit, humor, and education that allowed her to be great friends with governor ann richards.... who she had known even before richards got into politics. I'm glad there were so many live interviews of ivins saved for this documentary. Not many opposing views, which would be the mark of a really great documentary. Another complaint is that frequently, we don't know who is speaking; it would have been very helpful to caption exactly who we are hearing at any time. Mostly good stuff! Directed by janice engel.

Raise Hell: The Life & Times of Molly Ivins was warmly and lovingly received by liberal Austin at the SXSW Film Festival. The film is a loving tribute to one of the funniest political commentators who ever put pen to paper. Ivins was a daughter of Texas who made it her mission to challenge conservative Texas with wit and witticism. She used humor to skewer her enemies. This biopic relies heavily on her words and particularly on archival speeches and presentations. Her wit has become legend such as when she describes Pat Buchanan's 1992 Republican Convention as "It probably sounded better in its original German." The film is clearly meant as a tribute and so it sugar-coats some of the rough spots (although it does touch on her struggles with alcoholism). It verges of liberal hagiography, but still captures so much of her larger than life personality. For all her love of life, her death in 2007 from cancer at only 62 is sobering. Watching the film in 2019, one can not help but wonder what Molly Ivins would done with a Twitter account in the era of Donald Trump. Sadly, we will never know, but we can imagine. Recommended for her fans and admirers.

I never heard of Molly or I forgot about her. Probably would have enjoyed it more if I knew of her. I stuck with it. Quite the character and quite the life. Eye witness to history. Very well done. Recommend.