The Roosevelts: An Intimate History

This is the best way to get history. So engaging. Understanding who these massive figures are that have shaped our american history, and the world's, was just a history test in high school for most of us. To understand the New Deal for example is fascinating. This series is so well done. The only wrinkle is I have no idea who's voice Meryl Streep is doing, but it's no one who ever lived. Very distracting from hearing Eleanor's incredible words. But everything and everyone else is A+

Only watched first 5 episodes before it was removed from Netflix but I was thoroughly enjoying it!

While The Civil War will probably always be my favorite documentary from Ken Burns and company this is really great storytelling.

The documentary focus is on both Theodore and Franklin Roosevelt two of the most highly ranked President(s) of the United States of America and also Eleanor the wife of Franklin and niece of Theodore (she was a fifth cousin of Franklin).

While Theodore and Franklin represented different parties they were both progressive in their own way. Both men also had various human character flaws.

The arc of Eleanor's life is also fascinating and she played an important role as an advisor to her husband and campaigned for many social causes she believed in.

The narration by Peter Coyote is compelling and there is a cast of great actors who read the various writings of these historical figures.

I will say, this mini-series did seem biased at times, but honestly, all political documentaries are at times. Ken Burns made the Roosevelts seem empathetic, making them more human than we realized. Franklin, with his diseases that most people knew nothing about at the time to his philandering. Mind blowing to say the least.

The presidency has sure changed a lot since the end of FDR's tenure in 1945, especially with the health concerns of the leader. The pictures of Franklin's declining health shown in the series were eerie, and surreal, most unseen before. A great leader, he was, but under it all, that's what ultimately ended his presidency and his life.

After his death, it explores the fight for progress that Eleanor was a part of, until her death in 1962. A renowned woman for her time, she was "First Lady of the World," a phrase coined by President Harry Truman. Very historical documentary.

However, I do wish they had gone into more detail about the Japanese internment camps and the failures of FDR's presidency.

This 14 hour mini-series by documentary icon Ken Burns, gives an in- depth look into the lives of this famous family. This documentary can make a person who does not know anything about The Roosevelt Dynasty into an expert in an entertaining and educational way.

This film has a fine feel of history supported by a very clear narration. The documentary covers facts that take place between 1858 and 1962. The subjects are mainly Theodore and Franklin Roosevelt and their entire lives from birth to death and everything in between.

The Roosevelts: An Intimate History is a wonderful look at the history of one of the greatest American Dynasties. I love the way they make some parts narrated as if a person from that era is talking. The only thing I have a small problem is the length. The entire thing is 14 hours long. This may be a bit challenging if you try to keep attention of younger audience but, if you stay with it, the film teaches you a lot about history. If you have the time, it is a great film to watch and learn from.

My favorite scene is when they talk about the birth of Theodore. He is sickly and is not expected to live long. However, he lives a very good and successful life even though every time he sees a doctor they say he has very little time left. He refuses to live with those limitations and to avoid stairs, hard hikes or anything challenging and he lives life to its fullest despite his sickness.

This film is very mature and talks about some touchy topics so I would recommend it for ages 12 to18. Younger kids may get confused of some things. I give this film 5 out of 5 stars for fantastic narration, wonderful layout and a fantastic educational background. After all Ken Burns wrote the book on documentaries! If you like learning about history – this is the way to go.

Reviewed by KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Gerry O.