King: Man of Peace in a Time of War
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King: Man of Peace in a Time of War
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that King: Man of Peace in a Time of War is an educational documentary about the civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr.. The movie presents key moments in U.S. history and shows archive footage of King constantly behaving with dignity, self-belief, and perseverance as he helped make huge changes in the U.S. during the 1950s and '60s. Many interviewees speak about King's work and legacy, including Colin Powell, Hugh Hefner, Laurence Fishburne, and Jesse Jackson. Those interviewed celebrate King while also acknowledging the work must continue to change mindsets and improve the rights and opportunities of Black Americans. Archive footage shows people being teargassed by police as well as Black Americans being referred to as "negroes." There is also one use of "crap." There is reference to activists being murdered and a photograph of King's body at the site of his murder, aged 39.
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What's the Story?
KING: MAN OF PEACE IN A TIME OF WAR is a documentary about the civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr., who dedicated his life to peaceful protest for social change.
Is It Any Good?
This solid documentary is packed with information that may be common knowledge to some, but for others -- especially younger viewers -- will be especially enlightening. As well as running through King's incredible achievements, King: Man of Peace in a Time of War also acts as a microscope to another age. A few minutes are given over to experts from King's appearance on Mike Douglas' TV talk show, in which he is grilled about his opposition to U.S. military action in Vietnam. The calm, measured, and respectful debate is a million miles from the hysterical, flashy, and combative TV displays that play out today. Seeing King deliver a mannered, intelligent, and arresting argument on the TV show, or indeed to 250,000 people at the Lincoln Memorial at Washington D.C., is nothing short of inspirational.
The documentary also highlights rifts between movements, such as Malcolm X's condemnation of King's non-violent approach. Like all aspects of it, just enough information is given to feel informed but also inspire the viewer into reading more about the subject. As well as being a celebration of King, the movie doesn't shy away from the chaos that followed his murder and the state of civil rights in the U.S. 50 years on. As Colin Powell says in the movie, "The danger is thinking it's all done."
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the historical significance portrayed in King: Man of Peace in a Time of War. Why do you think Martin Luther King Jr. is still so deeply admired and respected today? Did you learn anything new about him from the documentary?
What made Martin Luther King Jr. such a positive role model? What character strengths did he have?
While King made amazing changes, people interviewed in the documentary are clear there is still work to be done. What did they mean by this? Can you think of civil rights issues that could be addressed where you live? Can you think of any recent movements or causes? How to talk with kids about racism and racial violence.
Talk about equality. What does it mean to treat people equally?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: January 16, 2007
- Cast: Martin Luther King Jr., Jesse Jackson, Laurence Fishburne
- Director: Henry Stephens
- Studios: Koch Vision, Koch Entertainment
- Genre: Documentary
- Topics: Activism, History
- Character Strengths: Communication, Courage, Integrity, Perseverance
- Run time: 60 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: August 24, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
-
Selma
Outstanding drama about MLK's fight for equal rights.
-
I Am Martin Luther King, Jr.: Ordinary People Change the World
Kid-friendly bio a strong, accessible intro to King's life.
-
Martin Luther King Jr.: One Man and His Dream
Touching tribute to iconic civil rights leader; violence.
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