• Starring: Jimmy Carter, Rosalynn Carter
  • Summary: Jimmy Carter Man From Plains is an intimate, surprising encounter with President Jimmy Carter. Following the path of Mr. Carter's recent controversial book tour for Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid, director Jonathan Demme reveals a complex individual who, with the gusto and determination of a youngster, criss-crosses the country to get his message across, even as that message creates a media onslaught in which his credibility and judgment are called into question. Jimmy Carter Man From Plains explores both the private and public sides of Jimmy Carter, whose intense sense of justice compels him to pursue, with undiminished energy and hope, his lifelong and deeply spiritual vision of reconciliation and peace. (Sony Pictures Classics) Expand
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 22
  2. Negative: 1 out of 22
  1. An intriguing document, and the first significant film ever made about a former U.S. president.
  2. Uncritical, but not unaffecting.
  3. 25
    There isn't enough revealing material in the tedious documentary Jimmy Carter Man From Plains to sustain an 800-word magazine profile, let alone a two-hour film.

See all 22 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 5
  2. Negative: 1 out of 5
  1. JulieM.
    9
    Pieced together from footage of the months following the release of Carter's controversial book, Palestine, the movie gives a behind the scenes view of Carter, in his 80's, boldly welcoming the chance to meeth with his critics--a natural peace-broker. In one shot, his publicist suggests asking that the media not be invited to a particularly hostile meeting with critics. Carter says simply that he does not care if the media is there or not. The movie easily drew me in, and, as the criticism and accusations became more angry and more personal, it had me on edge watching his pain and waiting to see how he would hold up. The best parts were hearing Carter's heartfelt, precise, respectful, and exceedingly intelligent explanations to his critics. (Reminds of of Bill Clinton). When asked if his choice of book title won't hurt his cause, he ponders and answers honestly, "Maybe," but then explains his decision. Priceless, too, were the shots of Carter interacting warmly with everyone he met, even strangers on a plane--he genuinely loves people. Of course, you also get snippets of his past triumphs--most notablly, brokering peace between Egypt and Israel--and difficulties, and his humble beginnings in Georgia. He was also surprisingly funny. I look forward to watching the movie again. Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  2. AlexZ.
    4
    This movie strictly preaches to the choir. Carter was one of the worst presidents in US History. But now as an elder statesman a little revionist History can't hurt. Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  3. RobS.
    0
    Terrorist enabler, blame America 1st, giving away our territory (Panama Canal), appointing the most radical leftist Attorney General in history (Ramsey Clark), oh and don't let me forget his cowardly handling of our hostages in Iran. How dare they make a propaganda piece reinventing this man to something he never was or incapable of being. PS he's also antisemitic. Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes

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