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By the People: The Election of Barack Obama
By Andrea Beach,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Slow-paced, one-dimensional docu captures historic election.
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By the People: The Election of Barack Obama
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What's the Story?
From the earliest days of an unknown senator from Illinois to the final count on election night, cameras follow Barack Obama's first presidential campaign.
Is It Any Good?
This is a documentary about the historic significance of electing the first African-American president of the United States. If you're looking for a neutral examination of the man, his campaign, or his politics, you won't find it here. Everyone in it, from the candidate to staffers to volunteers in small states is painted in a positive light. Budding politicos seeking to appreciate an important milestone in U.S. political history may enjoy it, especially if they're patient.
The story develops much too slowly, especially given that we already know how it ends. A few campaign issues are mentioned, but none is explored in depth. The people in the film are clearly aware of the cameras, and many scenes feel staged thanks to the lack of spontaneous and genuine behavior. Where the movie does capture genuine emotion is among those supporters who are overcome by the significance of Obama's success and eventual election. If only some of that feeling could have been sustained over more of the film.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about running for president. What do you think the best part would be? What would be the hardest part?
Did it surprise you that a 9-year-old boy volunteered for Obama's campaign? Have you ever thought about volunteering for a candidate? Why, or why not?
Do you think this documentary paints a fair, unbiased picture of Obama and his campaign? Should it? Why, or why not?
Movie Details
- In theaters: August 7, 2009
- On DVD or streaming: January 12, 2010
- Cast: Barack Obama , Ronnie Cho , Tommy Vietor
- Directors: Amy Rice , Alicia Sams
- Inclusion Information: Black actors
- Studios: Citi Productions , Class 5 Films , Green Film Company , Reason Pictures
- Genre: Documentary
- Topics: History
- Run time: 116 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: March 2, 2022
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