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Gabby Giffords Won't Back Down
By Monique Jones,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Inspiring, intense docu promotes empathy, perseverance.

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Gabby Giffords Won't Back Down
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What's the Story?
GABBY GIFFORDS WON'T BACK DOWN is a documentary about former U.S. representative from Arizona Gabby Giffords' life in politics, her difficult recovery from an assassination attempt, and her crusade to end gun violence in America. The film features tough commentary on the U.S. Congress' frustrating gridlock on meaningful gun reform and the efforts being made to break through.
Is It Any Good?
This film could be a hard watch if you're squeamish about or triggered by gun violence, but it's necessary to watch if you want to gain a better perspective on the effects of gun violence. The movie shows how it has ravaged Giffords' and others' lives and lays bare the political maneuvering that keeps Americans unsafe and at risk.
Gabby Giffords Won't Back Down rightly points a finger at the NRA and U.S. Republicans for their refusal to do what's important for Americans. But some viewers might question the film's focus on mental health as the key cause of the country's gun violence. While the man who attempted to kill Giffords was diagnosed with schizophrenia -- and is implied not to have treated it properly or as being without the means to treat it properly -- statistics show that people with mental illness are not the main cause of gun violence. The documentary doesn't focus on other factors, including abusive partners, White supremacist views, and other forms of thought that may lead to domestic terrorism. Still, the film makes a solid case for viewers who are still on the fence about advocating for gun control to join the cause and leave the legacy of a violent United States in the dust.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about resilience. How does Giffords show resilience in her life? What makes that an important character strength?
How does Giffords advocate for gun safety? What successes has she achieved? Where has she met difficulties? Can you think of a cause you would advocate for?
How does Giffords' experience inspire empathy and compassion in others?
Movie Details
- In theaters: July 15, 2022
- On DVD or streaming: August 4, 2022
- Cast: Gabrielle Giffords , Mark Kelly
- Directors: Julie Cohen , Betsy West
- Inclusion Information: Female directors
- Studio: Briarcliff Entertainment
- Genre: Documentary
- Topics: Activism , Great Girl Role Models
- Character Strengths: Compassion , Courage , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time: 95 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG-13
- MPAA explanation: thematic material involving gun violence and some disturbing images
- Last updated: December 1, 2022
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