a criminally underrated snapshot of history Watched this 20 years after it was released. I understand why people had negative reactions to the premise, because beginning around when this was released, and continuing to the present, we have been focused understandably on the ways that America has not lived up to its promise. However I would still strongly encourage you to give this 10 minutes of your time, and if you aren't amazed you can stop watching there.
This is an incredible snapshot of history that should be shown to students in 50 years so they understand late 20th early 21st century America. The types of lives people lived. Their accents, which are already far less common now in 2023. Their hopes, dreams, aspirations, and struggles. It's all here. As a 38 year old guy who was 21 when this was released, watching this brought me back.
It also drives home how much we have lost in the past 20 years. The optimism, the fun. 2023 is a strictly no-fun zone. And really, is optimism all that bad? Today it's very out of style, essentially frowned upon. But I wonder if life would be better if we found a way to indulge optimism without losing sight of the ways we want to improve.
Other things I was struck by: The size of crowds in churches (won't see that these days). The apparent strength of people's friendships (we're more isolated now). I could also feel some strength in the middle class that we lack now.
Again, this movie is criminally underrated. Many people should watch this, and they should do a sequel.