Eyes on the Prize

"Eyes on the Prize" is an amazingly good and very thorough series about the civil rights movement in America from 1954-1965. While lots of shows have been made about this over the years, this one is the one to watch because of its length and breadth. Now I am not saying it's perfect--it could use an updating and doesn't really talk about the treatment of Black Americans before the mid-1950s and probably would have been better had it covered the late 60s...but it's still terrific. The shows are filled with lots of archival footage, interviews and nice narration. The shows are also very compelling--and well worth your time--and very educational. Great for kids and those not old enough to remember this turbulent time--a time we should all try to remember. See this one.

Excellent and absolutely necessary film for anyone interested in politics and history of the United States of America. Lies are exposed, truth is said, and tears on your face are there as a sign of respect for all those who have dedicated their lives to the fight against this evil empire.

You will not feel hopeless and depressed after watching this film, as is the case with some documentaries. It empowers you, makes you believe that this war between the masters and the slaves will be won, and one day there will be a true slave-less society.

However, if you are easily offended by the people who don't share your exact world view than you should not watch this.

I've watched this dozens of times. It is the most important documentary series ever made. Not even Ken Burns finest work, or Errol Morris, have anything on this series.

FYI The IMDB tagline describes this as a documentary about the Civil Rights movement "1952-1965". It covers 1952 thru the early 1980's.

Surely the original film makers are retired or passed on, but it would be amazing to see a second volume or new episodes of this series. 1980-2020.

The late Henry Hampton, director of "Eyes on the Prize," was one of the finest human beings I've ever known. It's bittersweet to read of the licensing challenges faced by Henry's Boston company, Blackside, Inc. That might prove, however, that one cannot "keep a good man and his film down." Eighteen years ago Henry had me doing paperwork for him including transcribing the equivalent of dailies. "All Hours Typing," my Cambridge company, had other employees; but for Henry, I usurped the privilege to type, eyes on monitor, earphones on, at points where spirituals swelled up, spirits soared on screen--breath taking and moving then and now. Then to find later that Henry was one of those "still waters that ran deep"-- having been the key public information player for the broad minded Unitarian Universalist church. This documentary is not only great film making but a tribute to his memory and the Blackside team listed on IMDb plus Judy Richardson, Frank Galvin, and Josh Gordon.

In a world where black children search for pride on street corners, and find their idols in drugged out athletes, absent fathers, idiots and zombies, in these television hours lie little glimpses of hope, shining examples of the people who fought and died for love of the future. I make it a point to watch this program at least once a year and show it to anyone who seems to have even a passing interest in tomorrow. Malcolm X, Martin Luther King, Fannie Lou Hamer, The black Panther Party, busing in Boston, political mobilization in Chicago, the fight for freedom has never been given such a detailed depiction. This film is an encyclopedia of black pride and should not only be seen, but should be seen as often as is necessary to restore freedom and democracy to this country.