Jim Brown All American (2002)

Stick to Documentaries, Spike Lee!

Spike Lee has created some of the best documentaries in the history of the genre.

"Four Little Girls" and "When the Levees Broke; a Requiem in Four-Act," by themselves, justifies that statement.

"Jim Brown; All-American" given it's obvioiusly lesser subject-matter than the two aforementioned documentaries, is also a worthy effort on Spike's part.

Spike's movies are too cynical for my tastes -- but his documentaries are inspiring, moving and represent, to my way of thinking, his best efforts as an artist.

One can hear in his voice-over to this piece on Jim Brown not only his commitment to tell Jim Brown's story "like it is" -- the good as well as the bad -- but also, and most importantly, his social and political consciousness as well as his social and political *conscience.*

American filmakers take note: films are not just an industry, they can be -- and should be -- a force for social good. And Spike Lee has shown that he can lead the way.

Nothing achieves the level of art -- ever! -- without an acknowledgement on the part of the author of the social, political and economic forces that influence our lives. So you're in the game, Spike Lee. Don't let us down! August 14, 2008

Complex Subject; Complex Life

This documentary is probably more balanced thatn ESPN's and FOX's versions combined. Subjects like Jim Brown are difficult to be encapsuled in such a short time, but Spike probably did as good a job as any filmmaker could.

I also agree agout the balance concerning his legal issues. Allowing multiple parties to express their perspectives gives the viewer the responsibility to make up his/her own mind.

The most impressive thing was Jim expressing lament and remorse for not being the father he wanted to be for his children (prior to his present marriage to Monique and their two children). He took responsibility for their development and stated that by dealing with his personal survival and conflict with their respective mothers, the children suffer.

Overall, I highly recommend this documetary to anyone who says that athletes are one-dimensional and superficial. December 1, 2006

Very Good Documentary

Jim Brown is One of the Greatest athletes ever&a very down to earth&given cat. this special showcases His Career&also His Many Endevours at given back to the Community through the years. he has touched so many lives for so long.He truly reached back&has a made a world of difference.very moving&a History making Brother. August 8, 2004

Jim Brown All American

I have seen only one Spike Lee movie so what I'm about to say is said (by my own admission) with ignorance, but Jim Brown All American must be his masterpiece... his tour de force. This hour long documentary deeply explores not only the incredible athletic career of this exceptional athlete but also the obstacles-- notably prejudice-- over which Jim Brown had to prevail on his way to greatness. It also reveals what makes Jim Brown an exceptional (and admirable) human being off the playing field as well. His capacity for love and forgiveness, portrayed in the opening scene of the documentary, impressed me at least as much as did his absolutely unbelievable performances on the football AND lacrosse fields.

At the same time, I was very impressed with Mr. Lee's evenhanded and thoughtful treatment of Jim Brown's legal troubles. He didn't whitewash or paper over this turbulent aspect of Jim Brown's life. He also documented the critical intervention of many good people in his formative years without whom Jim Brown's life might have taken a different course.

I know what you're thinking..."This guy's just another rabid Cleveland Browns fan in his 50's who grew up rooting for Jim Brown." Not so. I'm a rabid Chicago Bears fan in his 50's who sees Jim Brown and Gale Sayers starting in the same backfield on God's All-Universe Team.

The documentary was informative, entertaining, and-- above all-- inspiring. I can't wait until it is issued so I can buy it for myself and show it to all the aging Cleveland Browns fans who surround me in my cul-de-sac.

I wish I could give it more than five stars. February 27, 2004

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