Eyes on the Prize III: We Who Believe in Freedom Cannot Rest

I've seen the original series several times and was taken along for an emotional and intellectual journey on "modern-day" beginnings of the Civil Rights Movement. There is no way I could conceive anyone but a strident racist could not be moved by the sheer simplicity of using the churches as the center to motivate and rally black people. Dr. King is shown as a young minister developing his oratory and the narration is intense. I would have to say that my favorite segment is the at first calm eulogy offered during the funeral following the death of a marcher that becomes angered at the seeming wantoness of murder. It was so impassioned it made me guilty for not being more involved in the Movement as a teen. Buy and watch the series. It will be among the best things you will ever do!

The late Henry Hampton, director of "Eyes on the Prize," was one of the finest human beings I've ever known. It's bittersweet to read of the licensing challenges faced by Henry's Boston company, Blackside, Inc. That might prove, however, that one cannot "keep a good man and his film down." Eighteen years ago Henry had me doing paperwork for him including transcribing the equivalent of dailies. "All Hours Typing," my Cambridge company, had other employees; but for Henry, I usurped the privilege to type, eyes on monitor, earphones on, at points where spirituals swelled up, spirits soared on screen--breath taking and moving then and now. Then to find later that Henry was one of those "still waters that ran deep"-- having been the key public information player for the broad minded Unitarian Universalist church. This documentary is not only great film making but a tribute to his memory and the Blackside team listed on IMDb plus Judy Richardson, Frank Galvin, and Josh Gordon.

In a world where black children search for pride on street corners, and find their idols in drugged out athletes, absent fathers, idiots and zombies, in these television hours lie little glimpses of hope, shining examples of the people who fought and died for love of the future. I make it a point to watch this program at least once a year and show it to anyone who seems to have even a passing interest in tomorrow. Malcolm X, Martin Luther King, Fannie Lou Hamer, The black Panther Party, busing in Boston, political mobilization in Chicago, the fight for freedom has never been given such a detailed depiction. This film is an encyclopedia of black pride and should not only be seen, but should be seen as often as is necessary to restore freedom and democracy to this country.

I have seen parts of the series in no fewer than 3 academic classes of varrying topics during my time at Pepperdine University. This outstanding series is professional to the core, attracting the biggest names of the day to give interviews (from both Civil Rights fighters to pro-segregationists) and give an honest look at the moment in the 1950's and 1960's. Powerfully moving, it brings me to tears each time I watch certain scenes. As comprehensive as any documentary I've seen, Eyes on the Prize gives the low down on the movement, its highs and lows, and provides a very real perspective on why the events played out as they did. A winner in every sense, I give the PBS produced Eyes on the Prize a 10/10 without a second thought.

Kudos for the series.

Excellent and absolutely necessary film for anyone interested in politics and history of the United States of America. Lies are exposed, truth is said, and tears on your face are there as a sign of respect for all those who have dedicated their lives to the fight against this evil empire.

You will not feel hopeless and depressed after watching this film, as is the case with some documentaries. It empowers you, makes you believe that this war between the masters and the slaves will be won, and one day there will be a true slave-less society.

However, if you are easily offended by the people who don't share your exact world view than you should not watch this.