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Howard Zinn: You Can't Be Neutral on a Moving Train

Play trailer Poster for Howard Zinn: You Can't Be Neutral on a Moving Train 2004,  1h 18m,  Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist 97% 29 Reviews Tomatometer 84% 1,000+ Ratings Popcornmeter
97% Tomatometer 29 Reviews 84% Popcornmeter 1,000+ Ratings
Born in 1922, Howard Zinn began his career as a political activist at age 18, when he worked as a labor organizer. In this documentary, the late historian tells his life story. After serving in World War II, Zinn becomes a professor at Atlanta's Spelman College, only to be fired for his activist agitation. Admirers and friends of the fiercely liberal Zinn testify to his impact on their lives as he discusses his commitment to anti-war politics and rethinking American history.

Critics Reviews

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Jonathan Curiel San Francisco Chronicle Oct 15, 2004
3/4
Finally, a documentary about one of America's most important academics. Go to Full Review
Kevin Crust Los Angeles Times Oct 15, 2004
3.5/5
Leads us on a journey through some of the major historical events of the 20th century, revealing Zinn to be far more than simply an activist version of Zelig. Go to Full Review
Steven Rea Philadelphia Inquirer Aug 26, 2004
3.5/4
A thinker and an educator, Zinn has led a life of commitment and compassion, and the film offers a loving tribute. Go to Full Review
Richard Propes TheIndependentCritic.com Sep 11, 2020
3.5/4.0
Actor Matt Damon provides narration for the film and does so maintaining consistency with Zinn's energy and enthusiasm. Go to Full Review
Andrea Chase Killer Movie Reviews Oct 3, 2010
5/5
a spare but dazzling portrait of a unique man and soulful progressive Go to Full Review
Dennis Schwartz Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews Jun 1, 2005
B
A flattering but soft documentary about Howard Zinn. Go to Full Review
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Howard Zinn: You Can't Be Neutral on a Moving Train

My Rating

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Cast & Crew

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Deb Ellis

Director

Denis Mueller

Director

Matt Damon

Narrator

Deb Ellis

Producer

Denis Mueller

Producer

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Howard Zinn: You Can't Be Neutral on a Moving Train

Howard Zinn: You Can't Be Neutral on a Moving Train (2004) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis Born in 1922, Howard Zinn began his career as a political activist at age 18, when he worked as a labor organizer. In this documentary, the late historian tells his life story. After serving in World War II, Zinn becomes a professor at Atlanta's Spelman College, only to be fired for his activist agitation. Admirers and friends of the fiercely liberal Zinn testify to his impact on their lives as he discusses his commitment to anti-war politics and rethinking American history.
Director
Deb Ellis, Denis Mueller
Producer
Deb Ellis, Denis Mueller
Distributor
First Run
Genre
Documentary
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Jun 18, 2004, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
May 22, 2017
Box Office (Gross USA)
$120.3K
Runtime
1h 18m
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