The Fight is not pulling any punches. It begins with Donald Trump taking oath of office as the President, before going immediately into protests over the travel ban that prevented travelers from 7 Middle Eastern countries. The Fight is a documentary about the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and their constant fight to prevent governmental control from devastating blows to abortion rights, immigrant rights, LGBTQ rights and voting rights. The ACLU has been leading the fight for civil rights for 100 years and has no plans to back down anytime soon.
The Fight is full of topics that are considered “hot-buttons” in America, but they are treated with sympathy and grace. While sometimes for the safety of the client, their face is covered to protect their security, the attorneys in question are front and center. The viewer gets to see how hard they fight and just how much paperwork is on their desks. The section on children being separated from their parents at the borders will absolutely break your heart. I’m going to tell you right now if you’re a die-hard Trump follower you’re not going to like this movie. To be honest though, if you are there’s a pretty big chance you’ve already stopped reading our website long ago. For viewers who are curious about the ACLU, the fight for Civil Liberties, and the importance of questioning unjust laws, this is a must watch. The movie is pretty eye opening when you hear real stories of real people who have been devalued and forced into pretty awful situations because of a political power play. Truth time: I cried so much watching this documentary and wanted to hug so many people.
Keep in mind, however, the ACLU also defends people who they don’t agree with…. including the alt right, Westboro Baptist, and others. The Fight doesn’t shy away from this fact. They lay it all out on the table.
There are also beautiful breaks in the tension where we get to see ACLU attorneys just be people. We see them touring their offices, discussing which places have the best views and who thinks they are too old for “Whiskey Wednesdays.” We also see them with their families and see what has been given up in the mission to protect those people who call America home.
The Fight is directed by Elyse Steinburg, Josh Kriegman, and Eli Despres. To this group of directors, add in additional producers Peggy Drexler and Kerry Washington. Yeah, that Kerry Washington
Magnolia Pictures and Topic Studios will release THE FIGHT on demand July 31st, 2020.
