Watch Hot Type: 150 Years of The Nation For Free

Simply Perfect

If you don't like this, we can't be friends.

If the ambition is to provide two hours of instantly forgettable, popcorn-munching escapism, it succeeds.

There are moments that feel comical, some horrific, and some downright inspiring but the tonal shifts hardly matter as the end results come to a film that's perfect for this time.

This well presented documentary, directed by the acclaimed filmmaker Barbara Kopple, focuses on The Nation magazine, and website as well, with the magazine being the longest continually running weekly publication in American history, being founded in 1865 and at the time of the filming nearing its 150th anniversary. We get a good inside look at the internal workings of the publication, as we meet its principals,see its writers in the field developing their stories, and learn about its coveted internship program, from which its current editor and publisher Kristina vanden Heuvel emerged.The Nation is the most widely read liberal/progressive publication and I was greatly impressed by its fierce determination to be independent and stay clear of the influences of money brokers. Instead, it focuses on shedding light on the abuses of power in our society and championing the public good, while giving a voice to those that certainly may not have one.All in all, I found this documentary most interesting and inspiring and feel strongly it is needed in today's times more than ever.