Going Upriver: The Long War of John Kerry

Watching George Butler's riveting documentary about John Kerry's tour of duty in Vietnam is an ineffably sad but ultimately inspiring viewing experience. Using archival photos, super 8 film and television video footage from the Vietnam War era, director Butler weaves a tale of one man's heroic journey into a real life Heart of Darkness more immediate and powerful than anything Francis Coppola's "Apocalypse Now" was able to muster. Beginning with his student days at Yale, John Kerry possessed qualities of leadership that belied most young men of his generation. His heroic actions in Vietnam are amply described by fellow comrades-in-arms, one of whom gives an electrifying account of his rescue by Kerry under the most perilous conditions imaginable.

The most revelatory part of this movie deals with Kerry's homecoming. Vietnam veterans were not greeted with a hero's welcome; in most cases the public treated returning soldiers with indifference, even revulsion. John Kerry's compassion and fortitude in working toward giving his fellow soldiers a place of dignity in a cold and uncaring world is heroic beyond measure. GOING UPRIVER has been described by some as one long campaign add for a presidential candidate. That may be so, but if this movie is a shameless plug for electing Kerry to the Presidency, it is also a heartrending social commentary of a time that is inexorably fading into a distant American past. That past , in order to be kept alive, needs movies such as GOING UPRIVER to remind American citizens that the foibles of war repeat themselves unto the next generation. The young, eloquent John Kerry speaking on behalf of his fellow veterans is an unforgettable image. GOING UPRIVER is a mourning for the past as well as an alarum for the future.

I saw this in Toronto. George Butler, director of "Pumping Iron" and "Shackleton," proves his talent again. Though obviously pro-Kerry, this film does not hit you with a sledge hammer and does not come across as propaganda. Artistically, it is in a different league than Michael Moore's heavy handed screed. I'd bet that even after the election is over, and even if Kerry loses, the film will still be frequently viewed because of its insights into the psyches and motives of the veterans who opposed the war. The scene where the veterans give back their medals should be mandatory viewing because it so forcefully rebuts the common conception that the act was some sort of merry prank. It was in fact a solemn and heart-wrenching experience for most who did it.

It is 2:30 in the morning, and I have several hours of work ahead of me. The last thing I was expecting to do today was watch a movie. I did, and I do not regret it - worth the loss of sleep.

I have made up my mind to vote against Bush a while back. My line has been, "I know that Kerry is just another politician. I know that he is a demagogue who promises everything. But, he is not evil, and Cheney and Rumsfeld aside, I can't see who would be worse than Bush."

Now that I have watched the film, I realize how little I knew about Kerry. I've suddenly realized that not only will he be better than Bush, but he is one of the very few people in this country that are perfect for leading the US out of the Iraq quagmire.

"Going Upriver" shows John Kerry to be an insightful, caring, and decisive

leader. I was born in 1969 and there is so much footage of the Vietnam War

and the accompanying protests that I still have not seen, until this film. I recommend it as a film to be shown in middle and high school history students. John Kerry is the leader this country needs right now. A similar documentary showing the accomplishments of George W. Bush could not be made unless a

huge spin was put on it. No spin at all was necessary to highlight Kerry's

achievements and leadership skills in the face of life and death hardship. The footage and story speaks for itself. Anyone who attempts to put a tarnish on Kerry's military and activists record should be ashamed.

Like many others, I was impressed by the quality of this film. The focus on the facts, interviews and archival footage brought a sense of truth and an immediacy that won't be easily forgotten. I was especially moved by the intimate photos of Kerry with family and friends that conclude the film, that are shown during the closing credits. He is obviously both a deep thinker with a subtle mind and a man of strong passions. My lasting impression is that we have a unique opportunity to elect a man who understands the workings and even (at times) the necessity of war, yet is reluctant to send people to fight unless it's absolutely necessary, due to his own unforgettable experiences. His maturity and feeling for others have my vote! I feel he will be best equipped to get us out of the "quagmire" of Iraq, as well as to bring his statesmanship to bear on any future situation in this increasingly complex world.