Watch The Day the '60s Died

The Day the '60s Died is a documentary film released in 2015 that examines the events that took place in Kent State University on May 4, 1970, when national guardsmen opened fire on unarmed college students protesting the Vietnam War, killing four and injuring nine others. Directed by Chris Sheridan, the film features interviews with eyewitnesses, surviving victims, and government officials to piece together the events leading up to the tragedy and their aftermath.

The film starts by providing a brief historical context of the 1960s, a decade of social upheaval and cultural transformation in America. The civil rights movement, the rise of the counterculture and anti-war movement, and the assassination of political leaders are some of the significant events that shaped the era. The film proceeds to show how these events converged on the campus of Kent State University, a small town in Ohio, on May 4, 1970.

The filmmakers use a mix of archival footage, photographs, and contemporary interviews to reconstruct the events of that day. The film shows how the student protests against the Vietnam War had been escalating in the weeks preceding May 4. The FBI had been monitoring the activities of student leaders and anti-war groups, leading to heightened tensions between the students and the authorities.

On May 4, the Ohio National Guard was sent to Kent State to disperse a gathering of students who had occupied the campus. The film shows how the guardsmen, armed with rifles and bayonets, moved towards the students, who were chanting anti-war slogans and throwing rocks. Suddenly, without warning, shots were fired, and chaos ensued. In the confusion, four students were killed, and nine were injured.

The film then goes on to examine the aftermath of the tragedy. The families of the victims speak about their grief and disbelief at losing their loved ones. The surviving victims describe the trauma and lifelong effects of the shooting on their bodies and psyche. The film also shows how the government responded to the incident, with Nixon's administration initially defending the actions of the guardsmen and blaming the students for the violence. The subsequent investigations and trials of the guardsmen are also recounted.

One of the strengths of the film is its attempt to present a balanced view of the events. The filmmakers interview several guardsmen who were on duty that day, giving their perspective of the incident. The guardsmen report feeling threatened by the students and believing that they were under attack, which led to them opening fire. The film also shows how the conservative media, like Pat Buchanan, used the shooting to blame the anti-war movement and depict the students as unpatriotic.

The film concludes by examining the legacy of the Kent State shootings. The event remains a potent symbol of the dark side of the 1960s and the government's response to dissent. The filmmakers argue that the shooting was a turning point in the Vietnam War, leading to further protests and undermining Johnson's administration's credibility. The film also shows how the incident has influenced subsequent protests and social movements, such as Occupy Wall Street and Black Lives Matter.

In summary, The Day the '60s Died is a well-crafted documentary that provides a nuanced and thought-provoking exploration of the Kent State shootings. While it focuses on a specific event, the film speaks to broader issues such as the role of dissent, government accountability, and the impact of violence on the psyche. The film's use of archival footage and contemporary interviews creates an engaging and thought-provoking narrative. Overall, the film is an essential watch for anyone interested in American history, politics, or social movements.

The Day the '60s Died is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 57 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.