The African Americans: Many Rivers to Cross (2013) Review in 2025
The African Americans: Many Rivers to Cross is a six-hour documentary series that explores the history of African Americans from the 15th century to the present day. The series is hosted by Henry Louis Gates Jr. and features interviews with historians, scholars, and everyday people.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
This documentary series is suitable for older children and adults who are interested in history and social justice.
CineReview Recommendation
This documentary series is worth watching for anyone interested in history, social justice, and African American culture. It's a comprehensive and engaging series that provides a valuable perspective on the African American experience.
Spoiler Alert!
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The series delves into the transatlantic slave trade, the Civil War, the Civil Rights Movement, and the struggles of African Americans in the face of racism and oppression. It also highlights the achievements and contributions of African Americans in various fields, including science, art, and politics.
Review Details
story9.00/10
The story is engaging and informative, covering a wide range of topics and events in African American history. The series is well-structured and easy to follow, making it accessible to a broad audience.
acting7.00/10
The acting is mostly narration, but Henry Louis Gates Jr. does a good job of presenting the information in an engaging and enthusiastic manner.
characters8.00/10
The characters are mostly historians and scholars, but they are well-represented and add depth to the story. The series also features interviews with everyday people, which provides a more personal perspective on the events.
direction9.00/10
The direction is excellent, with a clear and concise narrative that flows smoothly throughout the series. The use of visuals and music is also effective in enhancing the storytelling.
cinematography8.00/10
The cinematography is good, but not exceptional. The use of archival footage and images is effective in conveying the historical context, but some of the modern footage is a bit dated.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The series is well-structured and easy to follow, with a clear and concise narrative that flows smoothly throughout. The use of visuals and music is effective in enhancing the storytelling, and the series features a diverse range of perspectives and voices.
Cons
The cinematography is good, but not exceptional, and some of the modern footage is a bit dated. The acting is mostly narration, but Henry Louis Gates Jr. does a good job of presenting the information in an engaging and enthusiastic manner.
Notable Quotes
"The African American experience is a story of struggle and resilience, of hope and despair, of triumph and tragedy."
"The Civil Rights Movement was a powerful force for change, but it was also a time of great danger and uncertainty."
"The Civil War was a turning point in American history, but it was also a time of great violence and bloodshed."
