The Jewish Americans, directed and produced by David Grubin, tells the dramatic history of Jews in America. This riveting documentary focuses on individual personalities and stories that chronicle the 350 year saga about i... more »mmigrants who gradually wove themselves into the fabric of American life by forging a thoroughly American identity without abandoning the cherished traditions that often set them apart.« less
Maureen L. from MIAMI, FL Reviewed on 1/13/2014...
I have not re-posted this DVD because I plan on watching it every few years, and also want to share it with friends. It is the best documentary I have ever seen. We are not Jewish, but it really doesn't matter. This DVD is truly informative, fascinating, historical, etc. Maureen L. from Miami, Fl.
Movie Reviews
Very well done
A. Altman | San Carlos, California United States | 01/25/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I watched the second and third two-hour segments on PBS. It was very beautifully done, very moving. Caveat: I am Jewish and I grew up post-WWII with parents who were children prior to WWII. This presentation gave me a background I needed; it filled in a lot of holes in my understanding of what my parents life was like and what was the context that I was raised in. It also has beautiful music, and graphics are used extremely well. But, CAUTION: I have no idea how well this collection will be received by people for whom the information is NOT so personal. Will this interest you if you did not live it? Perhaps."
A Must-Watch for Jews and Non-Jews!
Jeffrey R. Brant | Cartersville, GA USA | 01/26/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I viewed the full six hours of this wonderfully rendered series on PBS. It provides an excellent, moving history of the American Jews, their changing culture, and their important contributions to American society. The series explores this by bringing to light personal stories of many individuals and families. It does this by incorporating beautiful graphics, music and interviews with famous American Jews and their descendants.
The series answered a lot of questions I had about Jewish American history. Viewers of all faiths and nationalities should find it appealing and educational."
An Amazing Story Wonderfully Told
Lawrence J. Epstein | New York | 02/23/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This great series is a Jewish version of a Ken Burns documentary. The images are great and the characters fascinating. But what stood out for me was how all the material was told in story form. It would have been easy just to assemble material without trying to make sense of it as a narrative. This film did tell that story magnificently.
The final episode was especially valuable because it helped viewers not just witness but also make sense of the American Jewish experience.
Lawrence J. Epstein, author of "At the Edge of a Dream: The Story of Jewish Immigrants on New York's Lower East Side."
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Fantastic Documentary
P. Duffy | Wenatchee, WA United States | 07/14/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I loved it. One of the best documentarys I've seen. Educational, informational and insightful. It's a keeper."