User reviews

This documentary takes you in an intimate journey of the 8 years of Obama's presidency, not from a heavily political point of view but more about the human emotions that a true leader requires. Souza soon realized how different the current President reacts to similar situations and he becomes more vocal and automatically an Instagram sensation. A must watch documentary to deeply understand what it really takes to fill the job of President of USA and surprisingly it doesn't have to do with politics or tactics but kindness and empathy.

I know some will see this as a way to diminish Trump. If it does, it's because of the successful portrayal of Barack Obama with all the qualities that make for an admirable human being. Need I say more. Don't forget that this man did the same job for Ronald Regan. This should be watched for the brilliant photos that captured the essence of the moment. It, for me, brought back memories of the ugliness of Sandy Hook and the killings in the Baptist church. It was very well done.

This was an emotional journey for me. I was grinning ear to ear and pretty choked up on occasions of this movie. Shows how important the role of the POTUS is. You truly feel the human emotion and connections. Thanks Pete for this and showing us the internals of the fully functioning administration.

A picture is truly worth a thousand words. I cried for most of it, watching history unfold one frame at a time. The kindness, empathy and concern for others, the hope for a better future, sharing others pain during their toughest times in their lives was incredibly touching. A great reminder that those we vote into office can single handedly make or break a nation's future.

It's nice to revisit the days of "Presidential". Thank you Pete for sharing your gift.

Thoroughly enjoyed this documentary that looks beyond the politics into the lives of the presidents he photographed. A timely story of hope, character and the urgency of truth. I give this documentary a 10 (inspiring) out of 10 {Documentary}

As a borderline atheist my reaction to this wonderful film shocks even me: I realize - in retrospect - that for eight too brief years we were a blessed nation.

This documentary showed us what a REAL President acts like. Both Obama and Reagan both BEHAVED like someone the country could be proud of. Extreme contrast on what we have today in the WH. Made me sad to think of what we used to have compared to the disaster we have now.

This is a great documentary that tells the side of Obama that we don't see. It is captivating, touching and effective.

The first hour showed an excellent account through photographs of the Obama administration but the last 30-40 mins took a turn and was a typical Trump bashing. Not a fan of Trump and really only wanted to get his perspective of Obama.

Pete Souza's perspective is showcased here in this grounded and mostly-well-executed documentary on his political photography that becomes an examination of the role of a US President, and of Souza's move into activism as he is left shocked by what he is seeing post-Obama. I had some problems with what seemed to me inappropriate and painfully-literal musical choices to accompany some of the montages, but his photography is excellent and is well-presented and I am thoroughly glad to have seen it.

I could not help retching, when ever the photographer decided to put his personal beliefs and opinions forward, they are not the majority but the minority. Clearly a one dimensional leftist. Sure takes a good photo but the selective editing and selective bias is far too evident. Its too extreme.

I found this on TV by accident and it has profoundly uplifted me. Maybe we can back to this again someday. Brilliant narratives and photographs. Thank you for making this for us all to share.

This film is truly extraordinary--artistically as a portrait of an enormously gifted person and the ways he evolved as president navigating the eventful times during which he led this country; biographically (not only in relation to Obama but also Souza himself, his evolving insightfulness and creativity); historically; and spiritually. I look forward to purchasing a copy as one of those films I know I will re-watch and gain new insights and inspiration from.

From a 3rd party to view the presidency and go into the other side the public rarely know is the highlight of this documentary. Running a county like a business, making millions and million of dollars, jobs without mercy. Is that what American wants? Results proof everything. Obama makes a world a better place and win his co workers and Americans heart. What did Trump do for the past 4 years ? I just see a boss running a company and his workers hate him.

I can't belive I almost didn't watch this documentary. As a European I don't have a high opinion of American politics or presidents but I'm interested in photography so I gave it a shot. I was wrong doubting the quality of The Way I See It. The documentary is very well made, very emotional at times, and contains stunning pictures of mostly Barrack Obama. The contrast between Obama and Trump couldn't be bigger after watching this movie. Seeing how Obama really cares about the people against seeing Trump showing off in front of his rich friends it's just the right representation of what many people think. I cried a couple times, never thought I would, cried because of the humane picture I have now of America's greatest president ever, certainly as a normal caring human being, taking difficult decisions that are for the greater good. Pete Souza might be political now but he wasn't when he took those pictures. Great photographer, that in the end turned out to be great human being with a good sense of humor. The Way I See It is a beautiful documentary, that should be watched by everybody, whether you like Obama or not, whether you like Trump or not.

I don't give 10s often, but this film deeply moved me in ways I did not expect. After watching the trailer, I actually waited several weeks before taking the time to see it.

The contrast between a president, who meant so much to so many, and the current occupant of the White House was emotionally devastating. I was, oddly enough for the first time, forced to confront the fact that one of the loudest supporters of the 'Birther' movement, somehow weaseled his way into the White House, stoking fear and hatred, meanwhile demeaning the integrity of the office.

The photography featured in the film was mostly new to me. I lived abroad during the Obama years and was removed from American politics. This was the perfect time to watch a perfect film and reflect on what it means to elect a person to the White House as well as character traits that are vital to the occupant. I commend the filmmakers for a master-crafted, moving, work of art.

Mostly compiled of photos of Reagan and Obama, this movie tells the story of Souza, a famous photographer who has taken images of presidents since the 70s. It's definitely a movie that's educational and interesting and during the airing there was only one curse word that was censored for tv (the movie is rated PG-13 for that). If you see this movie, see it on Prime. Highly recommeneded for fans of politics and photos.

It's not just about his time with Obama but that is at the core of this documentary. It also features his time with Ronald Reagan who Pete Souza differed with politically but who he felt was a good man who genuinely cared about the American people he led. This documentary is a stark reminder of the vast difference between a great leader like Obama and the abject failure of leadership we've had under Trump. Highly recommended!

Such a Beautiful Biography of Potus Barack Obama

The Fruits of Kindness Compassion Empathy Loving & Graceful

Had no idea who Souza was b4 watching so did not know what to expect

But what I watched was a great documentation of Obamas Terms as a Man Father Friend Husband. Such a refreshing take and breath of fresh of air compared to other types of documentary heading in2 the 2020 Election.

Thank you Pete Souza 👍

@SheDolphin... the documentary is available for purchase on AppleTV. My basic cable doesn't include MSNBC. Thus, that's where I watched the film. Any road... Cheers.

History, personal profiles, great music. This is a great documentary.