Inspiring People – Documentary Review

Unsung Heroes reveals the stories of selfless and courageous women who have responded to the call to protect their country from the Revolution to modern day. Rare photographs and an array of interviews not only brings history to life but makes it personal. Produced by Academy Award® Winner Ron Howard, this two-part documentary brings together many well-known stories as well as secrets that time has finally revealed.

Themed chapters weave an inspiring picture of the past and present in multiple branches of the military: Coast Guard, Army, Air Force, Navy, and Marines. Many of the women remain unrecognized and received no benefits in return for their service. However, the narrative maintains pride and love of country throughout. Difficult topics about women in combat such as death, capture, or abuse are not ignored, but faced with open eyes.

When discussing topics that deal with culture shift and questions of proper policy or treatment, it can be easy to fall into strong opinions and negative mindsets. Yet, I didn’t sense a taint of bitterness with either the interviewees or in the storytelling. Instead these women represent feminism well. They ably met and exceeded military standards and honored their brothers in arms and sisters at home. These American women set the example for the next generation of patriots.

One might feel pretty familiar with the story of Neil Armstrong as the first man on the moon, but this biographical documentary reveals a fuller picture of who Neil was and the inspiring people of the space industry. Viewers journey through his childhood and education, family life, traumatic events, the space race, media mayhem, and life after the Apollo missions. Through it all, Neil is revealed as a man who was uniquely qualified as the right man at the right time in history.

Released seven years after Neil’s death, the producers of Armstrong relied upon interviews with Neil’s family, friends, and colleagues. A vast amount of historical footage appeared throughout the film. It ranged from family home videos, news reports and interviews, military recordings, and NASA documentation. These archival portions were kept in their original sizes, a square surrounded by black. In contrast, modern footage, like visiting old homesteads, was filmed in wide screen. These visual cues helped keep the audio and visual story timelines working together. Additionally, the use of sound effects with b-roll or through an interviewee’s onscreen comments, brought the story to life and maintained continuity.

An excellently made documentary, it praises Neil’s quiet intellect, hard work, and steadiness, while admitting to his personal struggles. Fans of space exploration or great Americans can unite behind this inspiring man and the era he represented.