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Going Upriver: The Long War of John Kerry

PG-13 Released Sep 18, 2004 1h 29m Documentary List
91% Tomatometer 85 Reviews 70% Audience Score 500+ Ratings
Following Sen. John Kerry from his days as a soldier fighting in the Vietnam War to his 2004 presidential run, director George Butler captures many of the crucial moments that came to define and forge Kerry's career and leadership in the peace movement, and as a United States senator from Massachusetts. Conducting interviews with the men who knew Kerry best -- fellow soldiers, roommates and friends -- Butler searches for and depicts what made Kerry a leader. Read More Read Less
Going Upriver: The Long War of John Kerry

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Critics Consensus

Interesting and revealing footage of both Kerry and the Vietnam era in general.

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Critics Reviews

View All (85) Critics Reviews
David Ansen Newsweek Butler's stirring film wasn't made to refute its slanders, though it does. It's a richly documented history of Kerry's war- time experience and of the Veterans Against the War movement. Mar 13, 2018 Full Review Marjorie Baumgarten Austin Chronicle Rated: 3.5/5 Oct 19, 2004 Full Review Andrew Sarris Observer This should be revelatory to most people -- but most people will probably never see Mr. Butler's film, and certainly none of those who consider George W. Bush as next to God. Oct 14, 2004 Full Review John A. Nesbit Old School Reviews compelling story without fancy gimmicks and trickery Rated: B Aug 5, 2012 Full Review Mark Halverson Sacramento News & Review Rated: 4/5 Aug 7, 2008 Full Review Jason Gorber Film Scouts It's too bad that Kerry's likely to lose the upcoming election, because this type of hagiography would be far better in the unlikely event that Mr. "Wartime" President is going to be defeated. Rated: C- Jun 21, 2007 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

View All (27) audience reviews
Audience Member Really, John Kerry has such an interesting life. I only wish more people could appreciate this movie, since he has been so slandered over the past decade. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/07/23 Full Review Audience Member Most political documentaries suck. This one is a little better then most, but it still is along the same lines as most of the others. It's one-sided, not so much of a biography as propaganda for the cause of the time. Just another way of promoting Kerry before the presidential election. Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 01/25/23 Full Review Audience Member One of those films that has a short shelf life. Interest in Kerry goes up in 2004 and disappears soon thereafter. I found it and it is pretty good biopic of a rapidly fading public figure. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/07/23 Full Review Audience Member Always nice to hear about others but my eyes hurt Rated 1 out of 5 stars 02/03/23 Full Review Audience Member A thoroughly researched and documented biography of John Kerry as it relates to his heroic service in Vietnam and his subsequent opposition to its continuance. Lots of live footage of him and the people who knew or dealt with him along with archival film of both the events he attended and his statements at the time. Long clips, not just soundbites. Carefully details both his commitment to his fellow soldiers and American ideals through organizing and supporting vets and then his reluctant parting with Veterans Against the War when government paid infiltrators started pushing them toward violence. A sad chapter in American History. Shows Kerry as a man who steadfastly held to his principles regardless of the cost. An effective and essentially complete rebuke of the "Swift Boat" slander. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 01/16/23 Full Review Audience Member What I loved about this documentary is how it shows his leadership and diplomacy on a controversial issue, and earning the respect or recognition of many at such a young age. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/24/23 Full Review Read all reviews
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Movie Info

Synopsis Following Sen. John Kerry from his days as a soldier fighting in the Vietnam War to his 2004 presidential run, director George Butler captures many of the crucial moments that came to define and forge Kerry's career and leadership in the peace movement, and as a United States senator from Massachusetts. Conducting interviews with the men who knew Kerry best -- fellow soldiers, roommates and friends -- Butler searches for and depicts what made Kerry a leader.
Director
George Butler
Producer
George Butler
Screenwriter
Joseph Dorman, Douglas Brinkley
Distributor
ThinkFilm
Production Co
White Mountain Films
Rating
PG-13 (Disturbing Images of War|Some Dialogue)
Genre
Documentary
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Sep 18, 2004, Original
Box Office (Gross USA)
$613.3K
Runtime
1h 29m