Yay or Nay? Won't You Be My Neighbour? (Documentary)

So I’ve read the book, and finally! The documentary came out on Netflix! So I’ve watched it, hearing that it is really good! 

And it is! It’s pretty enjoyable and its a good documentary. 

I believe its got nearly a 5-star rating on Netflix, not the ratings are always the harbinger of truth, but in this case, I think it deserves at least that or a 4-star rating. Is it a perfect documentary? No, but it is one that was clearly made out of love and admiration for the man of it. And I think that this shows, and helps to make it more enjoyable. 

The Story

Similar to my last review on the biography of Fred Rogers, which you can read here, the documentary is the life and story of Fred Rogers, complete with interviews with people who knew and worked with him, and video-testimonials and interviews with the man himself. 

In the biography it was said that Rogers wanted to start his own memoirs, but unfortunately, died before he got the chance to. So, like with the biography— this documentary as well serves to provide a narrative of Rogers’ life from those closest to him, and all the good he did throughout his life on television and as a public figure. So, instead of reading the novel— this documentary is also a very informative and entertaining medium to watch. 

My Thoughts

Unlike the book (which was my basis for this documentary) I think this showed the theory behind why Rogers did what he did— or why he said the things that he did. There was a method to everything he did and what types of messages he wanted to get out to the children. I think this documentary emphasizes on that theory as well, and what he meant behind famous lines like “I like you just the way you are”, and address some common rumours around Mr. Rogers himself. 

I think its interesting to be introduced to the thought-process of Mr. Rogers and the times where he often dealt with serious material in an often grown-up (but still for kids) way. It shows that not only did he put a lot of work into what he did, but that there was a method and message for the kids to take away that often, was not surface level, but downright involved critical thinking skills (which is good! And gets the kids thinking). 

Its also interesting to see his personal thoughts on certain events— how sometimes he thought he couldn’t do it, or wasn’t strong enough to. It shows a lot of background on the figure that the normal person often wouldn’t see. It opens a world up about Mr. Rogers that made you see the magic behind the man behind the curtain. There was a lot of struggles Fred Rogers went through, and like the book highlights, a lot of things in his life were not easy, or as simple as everyone thinks. You see the life behind the puppets and Rogers’ puppeteering. I found that interesting because it was a way of expressing himself that most people didn’t initially see. For example, Daniel Tiger was the “real” Rogers often expressing himself and saying what he couldn’t through the puppet, on television. I thought this was rather interesting, and not something that most people (myself included) considered as a part of his life. When in reality, it really was. 

So not only will you get a sense behind who the man was, and what it was that made him so special, but you'll get an appreciation for why. And consequently, I was near tears a lot of the time. Every time I watch something about this guy, it makes me cry, and I'm not sure why but it really hits home with me. Having seen the "behind the scenes" man, I think that gives me a better appreciation-- as I've said, as well. 

My Rating

So overall, yeah, its a great documentary, and if you’re curious it’ll definitely make you tear up and cry a little bit, and take you back to a nostalgic time in your life! If you've got a free night, and a Netflix account, give it a watch! It's a yay! 

My Rating:  ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 Stars

~Meghan