John Lewis: Good Trouble – An Inspiring Portrait

One of the most inspiring figures in U.S. politics over the last six decades is undoubtedly Georgia congressman John Lewis. He is certainly an inspiration whose impact could not be overstated. Lewis has certainly lived a life full of plenty of life experience, gaining notoriety for his activism while fighting for causes such as civil rights, voting rights, gun control, health-care reform and immigration. John Lewis: Good Trouble is the latest documentary chronicling Lewis’ life and illustrious political career in a very intimate way through rare archival footage and interviews as cameras followed the popular figure over the course of the 2018 election season as he reflected on his life and accomplishments. Meanwhile, the fight he started was still ongoing as the tumultuous political climate continued to put his good work in jeopardy.

The story of John Lewis is undisputedly an inspiring one but some may not know it started. John Lewis: Good Trouble is a well-rounded documentary that admittedly jumps around a little too much, telling Lewis’ story in a non-linear way, going from his tough upbringing as an ambitious and principled young man in 1940s Troy, Alabama though mostly focusing on his activism and impact on the aforementioned causes both as a civilian fighting against the authority all across the southern United States for civil rights and to end racial segregation (i.e. good trouble as he would call it) preaching peace and non-violence. Over time, Lewis found himself with the likes of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., most notably as part of the attempted march from Selma to Montgomery Alabama, among others before moving to civil service and eventually becoming a member of congress, sponsoring or co-sponsoring several important pieces of legislation while representing Georgia’s 5th congressional district since 1988.

If it wasn’t already clear, John Lewis is a legendary figure whose activism has impacted countless lives, inspiring others fight for what they believe in. Meanwhile, many chose to do so by entering politics like he did. John Lewis: Good Trouble is more or less a greatest hits of sorts but what ties it all together is the sheer charisma of Lewis. His warmth and powerful presence are incredibly engaging to watch despite the film’s somewhat frustratingly non-linear nature as he and others recount his emotional journey and talk about the impact he and it has had on their lives. In the end, one can’t help but not be inspired by his story. Luckily for us, his story is far from over.

Overall, perhaps a narrative focusing more on Lewis’ accomplishments instead of trying to fit the whole story within its 97 minute running time would have made John Lewis: Good Trouble an even more impactful watch but as it currently stands, is a solid documentary and a great history lesson of the civil rights movement.

still courtesy of Magnolia Pictures

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Keith Noakes

The EIC of the coincidentally-named keithlovesmovies.com. A Canadian who prefers to get out of the cold and into the warmth of a movie theatre.