Nessieldwi
Very interesting film. Was caught on the premise when seeing the trailer but unsure as to what the outcome would be for the showing. As it turns out, it was a very good film.
AutCuddly
Great movie! If you want to be entertained and have a few good laughs, see this movie. The music is also very good,
asc85
First off, let me say that I'm not a big fan of the Kennedy family, although judging by some of the comments in the User Reviews and on the message boards for "Ethel," the fact that I don't despise them probably puts me somewhere in the middle. I wanted to see this because I thought it took the whole Kennedy mystique/angle from someone who is rarely the focus of these things...Ethel Kennedy, the wife of RFK. And there seemed to be a lot of home footage and pictures rarely seen by the public that is shown, and I found that very interesting.But what made the film so sweet and very good to me was the commentary of all the different RFK children who are still alive. One sibling - Douglas - is not a part of the movie, and actually, I'd love to hear why that was the case. In the beginning of the movie, the rapport/interaction between the siblings and Rory (the youngest, and the director of "Ethel"), seems loving and genuine. And their affection for each other, as well as their mother and father is evident. While some have criticized the fact that they refer to their parents as "Mummy" and "Daddy" throughout the picture, I thought it humanized Ethel and RFK. While RFK was internationally renowned, and Ethel went along for the ride, in the end, they were parents who raised their children as best they could.I've also seen criticism that this painted too rosy of a picture of the RFK clan. However, documentary filmmakers make decisions every day on what they choose to show and not show of their subjects. There have been many books, movies, TV shows criticizing the Kennedys with sensational allegations or showing some of the more tragic aspects from this family. Accordingly, I think it is appropriate to show one where the Kennedys are shown in a more favorable and "human" light.
rorbach-507-476664
I thought the documentary was great, Ethel has had some life. Did learn some things I did not know about the family.It has great family home movies.Takes you back in time and made me continue to wonder what if.If you like Kennedy family history, this will give you some great insight.My only issue: the mummy and daddy from her children was started to really tick me off, it is nauseating. Seems forced. saying my mother and/or father would have been better! Mummy/Daddy drinking game could be good.....You would be hammered the first half hour!
Irpollock
A first rate documentary about Ethel Kennedy and her wonderful family. There were so many photos and videos of the family that helped to show the family at home and on the campaign trail besides historical footage of news reports that showed that time period. While I was a student at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ in 1968, I worked on the Bobby Kennedy campaign and had the most wonderful time and was able to attend Bobby's speech in Camden, NJ along with other campaign workers where we were also able to see Ethel. Rory did a wonderful job of showing how loving and supportive her Mom was of her husband and what a wonderful mother she was and continues to be. Thank you for giving us an insider's view of your family.
rbsteury
I just saw this at the Traverse City Film Festival. I am not a Kennedy aficionado, having some reservation about the morals of the family. But what I learned about Ethel made me admire her as possibly one of the great political wives of my time. Directed by her youngest child, Rory, the film primarily consists of an interview of Ethel and input in similar fashion from her remaining children. Ethel is a delight; funny and insightful. Supplemented with a great deal of historical footage, it is obvious how much she loved Robert and how she influenced first him and then, after his assassination, their children. Her life was devoted to her husband, her family, her strong faith and her feeling that she had an obligation to give back to her country for her high-born status. But in addition to this, she could be acerbic, comedic and at times outrageous resulting in several political embarrassments for Robert when he was yet living. She makes few apologies. She is a real national treasure and this film gives a great appreciation for her life of quiet dignity and service. Don't miss it.
