My fondness for documentaries has grown over time. Just last weekend, in a discussion with the family about worthwhile television, I commented that I find it far more incredible to watch a good documentary than most TV shows. And it all started back in 1987, with the airing of "Eyes On The Prize" on public television. I clearly remember watching it intently, with shock, regret, and utter disbelief that the actions chronicled had transpired less than 30 years earlier. I was riveted. And with a sense of 'coming full circle' after having progressed on to watch and embrace numerous other landmark documentaries, I've recently stumbled upon this on DVD and I'm working my way through viewing it once again.
Still with shock, regret and utter disbelief. This 14-hour documentary is jaw-dropping and dumbfounding. Having grown up in California with fairly liberal parents, it's simply inconceivable to me that anybody could or would treat people so unjustly as captured here. From segregated drinking fountains to lynchings and everything in between. What's incredible is how determined, focused and disciplined the civil rights movement became, and how quickly, too. It's as if a collective conscious just reached a point in unison, and said 'enough'.
I'm only a few hours into it, but it's as good if not better then it was when I first saw it in 1987. It's right up there with so many other favorites. It's a must see and a reminder of the George Santayana quote "Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it."
I'll choose to remember.
Visit the pbs.org website for a detailed series description and a wide array of much more information.