JFK – A New World Order

Fifty years ago, on November 22, 1963, President John Fitzgerald Kennedy (JFK) was assassinated, ending the dreams of a nation, and giving birth to the myth, as well as a given number of so-called conspiracy theories. Everyone has an idea of the man and what he meant, but sometimes we need help. “JFK – A New World Order” is a well-done, engaging, and informative documentary – unbiased, I think --, which gives anybody an idea of what JFK accomplished in his two years and ten months in office.

The documentary is presented in eight parts, in which we take a guided tour through JFK’s life in a chronological manner, beginning with “Early years,” where we learn about his early years in Massachusetts, and how his father (the infamous Joseph Kennedy) helped him, and kind of pushed him toward a career in politics. He became the first Irish American mayor of Boston, went to Harvard, wrote his book “Why England slept,” served in the army, won a seat in the House of Representatives, won a Pulitzer Prize for his book “Profiles in Courage,” and more. “For All to see,” the second part, shows JFK’s run for the presidency against Richard Nixon, fights between democrats about JFK (he is too young, he is catholic, his father buys votes, not liberal enough, etc), and the 1960 election. The third part, “New Frontiers,” takes us to January 20, 1961, when JFK delivered one of his best speeches, creates the Peace Corps, his enthusiasm for the space race, the challenge of communism, etc. The following parts cover the Bay of Pigs, the Cuban Missile Crisis, the nuclear scare, his civil rights record, Martin Luther King, and much more, culminating with “Camelot and Beyond,” where JFK’s health problems, family Life, assassination, and legacy are examined. 

As mentioned earlier, “JFK – A New World Order” is a good way to get an introduction to JFK, in a non-manipulative way – at least, I repeat, as I see it. The Blu-ray & DVD combo also features some extras, such as the Kennedy Vs Nixon debate, Assassination of JFK, Funeral service for President JFK, and “Vietnam! Vietnam!” (by John Ford). (USA, 2013, color & B&W, 6 hrs 35 min plus additional materials)

Reviewed on November 13, 2013.  Mill Creek Entertainment Blu-ray