Not Going Quietly

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Not Going Quietly

Released Aug 13, 2021

1h 36m

Documentary

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22 Reviews

91%

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Fewer than 50 Ratings

A rising star in progressive politics and a new father, 32-year-old Ady Barkan's life is upended when he is diagnosed with ALS. But after a confrontation with powerful Senator Jeff Flake on an airplane goes viral, catapulting him to national fame, Ady and a motley crew of activists ignite a once-in-a-generation political movement called "Be a Hero." Together, they barnstorm across the country and empower people to confront their elected officials with emotional, personal stories to demand healthcare justice and Ady holds groundbreaking interviews with Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren. Through his journey, Ady discovers that collective action and speaking truth to power offers hope for his family and millions of others.

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Critics Consensus

Not Going Quietly uses its subject's remarkable story to offer an uplifting tribute to the way an individual voice can lead to activism and collective change.

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Peter Bradshaw

Guardian

Barkan is a charismatic character who’s easy to like, although one wonders how much the documentary crew resisted showing anything that might dent the halo the film sets round his head.

Rated: 3/5

Mar 14, 2022

Full Review

Cody Song

Austin Chronicle

The film shines when we get to see Barkan as a fully formed figure. This is not solely a somber portrait of a dying man.

Rated: 3.5/5

Sep 1, 2021

Full Review

Tomris Laffly

Variety

Director Nicholas Bruckman honors Barkan's work despite escalating struggles with ALS in a traditional yet surprisingly uplifting fashion.

Aug 13, 2021

Full Review

Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat

Spirituality & Practice

An uplifting and enlightening documentary about the extraordinary life and work of a hero for our time and an exemplar of moral leadership.

Rated: 5/5

Feb 5, 2022

Full Review

Sean P. Means

The Movie Cricket

A celebration of Barkan's indomitable spirit, and the power of determination and righteous activism. If you're looking for a hero, here's a good place to start.

Rated: 3.5/4

Aug 30, 2021

Full Review

Dennis Harvey

48 Hills

Not Going Quietly is an unusually cheering (as well as poignant) activist portrait, because its immensely likable subject refuses to be bowed despite much cause for despair...

Aug 24, 2021

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Taylor Nelson

This documentary is highly moving. It's done with compassion and urgency and ends on a note of hope.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/31/21

Full Review

Charles R

One of the most important and moving films I have ever seen. Challenges us each to do work for healthcare for all and for each of us to be abetter person.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/16/21

Full Review

dave d

I had to stop 'Not Going Quietly' several times in order to let the tears flow. It's such a moving documentary, that you'd be advised to do the same when that inevitably happens. Ady Barkan has ALS. He is an American hero. The cameras follow Barkan around as he tries to save America from itself. He is not alone and it is going to take a lot more people to stop the juggernaut of destruction headed for the United States. This film chronicles a person who is dying before our very eyes and his quest for quality in so many ways not only for himself. but for everyone. It's a must watch! Barkan will spend his last breath fighting for Health Care for everyone while elites with great health care tell him it's not possible. What a country! Final Score: 8.8/10

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

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Nicholas Bruckman

Director

Ady Barkan

Self

Rachel King

Self

Liz Jaff

Self

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Self

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Self

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Not Going Quietly: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

A rising star in progressive politics and a new father, 32-year-old Ady Barkan's life is upended when he is diagnosed with ALS. But after a confrontation with powerful Senator Jeff Flake on an airplane goes viral, catapulting him to national fame, Ady and a motley crew of activists ignite a once-in-a-generation political movement called "Be a Hero." Together, they barnstorm across the country and empower people to confront their elected officials with emotional, personal stories to demand healthcare justice and Ady holds groundbreaking interviews with Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren. Through his journey, Ady discovers that collective action and speaking truth to power offers hope for his family and millions of others.

Director: Nicholas Bruckman
Producer: Amanda Roddy
Screenwriter: Nicholas Bruckman, Martha Shane, Amanda Roddy, Nicholas Bruckman, Amanda Roddy
Distributor: Greenwich Entertainment
Production Co: Park Pictures, People's Television, Duplass Brothers Productions
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Aug 13, 2021, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Oct 5, 2021
Runtime: 1h 36m

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