The one facet in media and entertainment that I have the most interest in, as well as the most critical of, is media targeted towards children. This is mainly due to the impact children’s media has upon the young viewer’s life. A child’s favorite shows and movies more or less shape their life, their personality, and their ways of thinking, which is why it is imperative for children’s media to be of high quality. And while I myself did not grow up with Fred Rogers and his television program Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, watching Won’t You Be My Neighbor?, a documentary that focuses on Fred and his unique worldview, I soon begun to appreciate all of what Fred Rogers had done, as an influence among television, children’s entertainment, psychology, and even politics, as this documentary looks into Fred and how he has influenced the world and the people around him.

Director Morgan Nelville tackles the subject through some very clever editing, combining archived footage from the series, previous interviews Rogers conducted, current interviews with Fred’s surviving friends and family, and other pieces of kids media, all to illustrate the history of Fred Rogers, diving into his past, his work on Mister Rogers’, the legacy the show created, and Fred’s thought process. It effectively uses Fred’s own words, as well as the people and the world around him, to paint a portrait of a man who wanted to make life better for children in a way that explained the confusing, scary world they were surrounded in without talking down to them. Some of the best moments that exemplify this come from the interviews with the gay black actor on the show, Francois Clemmons, exploring Fred’s shifting views on homosexuality and the moment he and Clemmons attempted to fight off racist attacks against swimming pools by putting their feet in a wading pool. Other highlights showcase the kids media that surrounded Fred during his show’s run, with clowns and violent cartoons flooding the air waves.

But what is perhaps most impressive is how the film dives into the entire life of the figure in a streamlined and well-paced manner. Every part of what made Fred Rogers such a wonderful and unique individual is present, but the way the film utilizes every facet of his life and contributions in a meaty yet efficient execution in just 93 minutes is mighty impressive, showing what makes Fred special in touching, funny, or thought-provoking ways, resulting in a joyous documentary that will likely be even more special for those who grew up watching Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood fondly.

Won’t You Be My Neighbor? works on many levels for all kinds of people, much like the famous television series this documentary focuses on. It paints a beautiful portrait of a kindly man who wanted to make children’s lives better, and like the show, is accessible to all, whether the viewer is or isn’t familiar with the source material. Bless Fred Rogers for his positive contributions to television and children all over the world, and bless this film for giving Fred the respect he deserves.