Barbara Lee: Speaking Truth to Power

Released Aug 20, 2021

1h 22m

Documentary

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9 Reviews

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An intimate, inspiring, and timely portrait of Congresswoman Barbara Lee, a true pioneer of American civil rights who was the lone voice in opposition to the authorization of military force after the September 11th attacks. A unique selection of political commentators, activists, politicians, and family members add depth to the story of the highest-ranking Black woman in the US Congress. Uncompromising and conscientious to the core, she is its most steadfast voice for peace, and for economic and racial justice.

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ranny l

The fantastic documentary, Barbara Lee: Speaking Truth to Power, directed by Abby Ginzberg shares an historic story generations should witness. I admire how this documentary focuses more on the current impact of Barbara Lee. Many documentaries based on a single influential person are solely focused on the past, while this film does not. Barbara Lee is currently a United States Congresswoman who has pushed boundaries and broken glass ceilings. This documentary follows the initiatives she stands for and how she has impacted the politics as the 100th Black member of Congress. It is exciting to see so many familiar faces throughout this film, such as, Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) and the late former Congressman John Lewis. The flow and organization of this film is my favorite aspect. As most documentaries are known to be information heavy, I love how Director Abby Ginzberg starts the film off with Lee's most recent endeavors. This demonstrates that Congresswoman Lee is still making history and that I am living in it! It is interesting to see how Barbara Lee differs from other politicians—her life in this film is depicted as one large campaign trail to get more people involved in what she advocates for. Barbara Lee says the message of this documentary herself, stating, "You have to be true to yourself." Also, although faced with so much controversy and hardship throughout life, we must, in every circumstance, know who we are and act accordingly. This film is a call to action from all of us to take a stand on the issues we care about. I give Barbara Lee: Speaking Truth to Power, 5 out of 5 stars, and I recommended it to ages 7 to 18, plus adults. By Ashleigh C., KIDS FIRST!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

dave d

If you haven't heard of Barbara Lee, a longtime member of the United States House of Representatives, then you're not alone. There is generally a blackout of progressive voices in the mainstream corporate media. She's a hero of the poor and working class and this is not a warts and all look at her life. It's a puff piece, but one that is well deserved. Lee has had a lonely voice for a long time and understands better than most how Washington works. She was alone in her disagreement with the War Powers Act and the Iraq war and history has proven her right! The doc is sometimes unfocused, but when it zeros in on the congresswoman it's best. Final Score: 7.7/10

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

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Abby Ginzberg

Director

Barbara Lee

Self

Cory Booker

Self

John Lewis

Self

Ayanna Pressley

Self

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

Self

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John Lewis: Good Trouble

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The Most Dangerous Year

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Stockton on My Mind

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To the End

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The Fight

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Barbara Lee: Speaking Truth to Power: Trailer 1

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David Lewis

San Francisco Chronicle

We don't always get a full picture of Barbara Lee, however, there's no doubt for a single frame that this consummate politician - a pragmatic firebrand - is long overdue for recognition beyond the Bay Area.

Rated: 3/4

Aug 17, 2021

Full Review

Sarah Vincent

Cambridge Day

“Speaking Truth” may have a few missed opportunities in it, but it’s still a portrait of a woman true to herself as she fights systemic injustice.

Rated: 3/4

Aug 16, 2023

Full Review

Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat

Spirituality & Practice

A truly inspiring portrait of a courageous and committed public servant.

Rated: 5/5

Feb 8, 2022

Full Review

Carey-Ann Pawsey

Orca Sound

This showed me that it is still possible for one person to make a difference.

Rated: 3/5

Jan 6, 2022

Full Review

Paula Farmer

culturevulture.net

While Lee makes an understandable subject of interest, the actual film presentation does not rise above a charming portrayal. And that may be enough... for certain audiences and definitely to justify its creation.

Aug 27, 2021

Full Review

Dennis Harvey

48 Hills

Lee is articulate on any subject, in any context, whether touring housing/ homeless crisis sites in Oakland or opposing racial disparities in mass incarceration nationwide.

Aug 24, 2021

Full Review

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Synopsis

An intimate, inspiring, and timely portrait of Congresswoman Barbara Lee, a true pioneer of American civil rights who was the lone voice in opposition to the authorization of military force after the September 11th attacks. A unique selection of political commentators, activists, politicians, and family members add depth to the story of the highest-ranking Black woman in the US Congress. Uncompromising and conscientious to the core, she is its most steadfast voice for peace, and for economic and racial justice.

Director: Abby Ginzberg
Producer: Abby Ginzberg
Distributor: Greenwich Entertainment
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Aug 20, 2021, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 20, 2021
Runtime: 1h 22m

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