A Towering Task: The Story of the Peace Corps

2019

1h 47m

Documentary

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6 Reviews

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Filmmaker Alana DeJoseph examines the rich history of the Peace Corps and the challenges that lie ahead in the 21st century.

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Audience Member

Wonderful history of the Peace Corps, truthfully told with stunning footage and interviews with several Presidents. A feel good movie that we need at this time.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/21/23

Full Review

Audience Member

I'd agree with what writer Paul Theroux wrote about the film. (He served in the Peace Corps and was kicked out — so he brings a depth of understanding and appreciation, as well as the critical distance of a first-rate storyteller): "‘A Towering Task' puts a human face on the Peace Corps – and makes sense of its history of idealism, improvisation, politics, and at times its failings. It is the most coherent and satisfying documentary I know, of the Peace Corps, and I can't imagine a better one. For its truth and its scope, its arc is complete – from the germ of an idea to help the world, spoken late at night by JFK on his presidential campaign, to its execution later, an Act signed into law and carried out – thousands of young women and men leaving for remote places, to teach, to advise, to inspire – and to be inspired themselves by their work."

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/01/23

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Alana DeJoseph

Director

Annette Bening

Narrator

Shana Kelly

Writer

Alana DeJoseph

Producer

Vanessa Carr

Cinematographer

Brook Aitken

Cinematographer

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A Towering Task: The Story of the Peace Corps: Trailer 1

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Devika Girish

New York Times

"A Towering Task" unfolds like a dull, chronological slide show of archival images, basic graphics and seemingly infinite talking heads.

May 21, 2020

Full Review

Lynnette Nicholas

Common Sense Media

Informative documentary promotes global activism.

Rated: 3/5

Jun 4, 2020

Full Review

Ross Anthony

Hollywood Report Card

Have a look. Maybe you'll be inspired to volunteer somewhere in the world ... even if it's just in your neighborhood.

Rated: A-

Jun 4, 2020

Full Review

Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat

Spirituality & Practice

An enlightening and inspiring 60-year history of the Peace Corps.

Rated: 5/5

May 27, 2020

Full Review

Harvey S. Karten

Shockya.com

A wide array of archival films indicates that JFK's Peace Corps is still alive, even flourishing.

Rated: B+

May 17, 2020

Full Review

Raquel Stecher

Quelle Movies

a soup to nuts exploration of the history of this government sponsored volunteer program from 1961 to present day.

May 2, 2020

Full Review

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Synopsis

Filmmaker Alana DeJoseph examines the rich history of the Peace Corps and the challenges that lie ahead in the 21st century.

Director: Alana DeJoseph
Screenwriter: Shana Kelly
Production Co: In the Cause of Peace
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Runtime: 1h 47m
Sound Mix: DTS

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