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Howard Zinn: You Can't Be Neutral on a Moving Train

Play trailer Poster for Howard Zinn: You Can't Be Neutral on a Moving Train Released Jun 18, 2004 1h 18m Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
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97% Tomatometer 29 Reviews 84% Popcornmeter 1,000+ Ratings
Born in 1922, Howard Zinn began his career as a political activist at age 18, when he worked as a labor organizer. In this documentary, the late historian tells his life story. After serving in World War II, Zinn becomes a professor at Atlanta's Spelman College, only to be fired for his activist agitation. Admirers and friends of the fiercely liberal Zinn testify to his impact on their lives as he discusses his commitment to anti-war politics and rethinking American history.

Critics Reviews

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Jonathan Curiel San Francisco Chronicle Finally, a documentary about one of America's most important academics. Rated: 3/4 Oct 15, 2004 Full Review Kevin Crust Los Angeles Times Leads us on a journey through some of the major historical events of the 20th century, revealing Zinn to be far more than simply an activist version of Zelig. Rated: 3.5/5 Oct 15, 2004 Full Review Steven Rea Philadelphia Inquirer A thinker and an educator, Zinn has led a life of commitment and compassion, and the film offers a loving tribute. Rated: 3.5/4 Aug 26, 2004 Full Review Richard Propes TheIndependentCritic.com Actor Matt Damon provides narration for the film and does so maintaining consistency with Zinn's energy and enthusiasm. Rated: 3.5/4.0 Sep 11, 2020 Full Review Andrea Chase Killer Movie Reviews a spare but dazzling portrait of a unique man and soulful progressive Rated: 5/5 Oct 3, 2010 Full Review Dennis Schwartz Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews A flattering but soft documentary about Howard Zinn. Rated: B Jun 1, 2005 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Audience Member The bio-documentary here is essentially an oral history of the greatest historian of our times. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/17/23 Full Review Audience Member Brings and understanding, and a relevance, to the progression of patriotism from a WWII veteran in the 1950's, 1960's, up through the millennial change. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 01/25/23 Full Review Audience Member Howard Zinn! Need I say more? Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 02/04/23 Full Review Audience Member A pretty interesting documentary. I had never heard of Howard Zinn until I watched it. Although the documentary drags, if you watch and listen you'll learn a lot. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 01/25/23 Full Review Audience Member This was a very powerful documentary for me. It informed me on so many issues of our nation's past that continue to be relevant. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 01/29/23 Full Review Audience Member Really, really, really good. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/06/23 Full Review Read all reviews
Howard Zinn: You Can't Be Neutral on a Moving Train

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Cast & Crew

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Deb Ellis

Director

Denis Mueller

Director

Matt Damon

Narrator

Deb Ellis

Producer

Denis Mueller

Producer

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Howard Zinn: You Can't Be Neutral on a Moving Train

Howard Zinn: You Can't Be Neutral on a Moving Train (2004) Howard Zinn: You Can't Be Neutral on a Moving Train (2004) Howard Zinn: You Can't Be Neutral on a Moving Train (2004) Howard Zinn: You Can't Be Neutral on a Moving Train (2004) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis Born in 1922, Howard Zinn began his career as a political activist at age 18, when he worked as a labor organizer. In this documentary, the late historian tells his life story. After serving in World War II, Zinn becomes a professor at Atlanta's Spelman College, only to be fired for his activist agitation. Admirers and friends of the fiercely liberal Zinn testify to his impact on their lives as he discusses his commitment to anti-war politics and rethinking American history.
Director
Deb Ellis, Denis Mueller
Producer
Deb Ellis, Denis Mueller
Distributor
First Run
Genre
Documentary
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Jun 18, 2004, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
May 22, 2017
Box Office (Gross USA)
$120.3K
Runtime
1h 18m