The first half of this film is a very in-depth, behind-the-scenes look at the Kennedys...great if you're related to them by blood or friendship, or if you're a Kennedyphile...I am not. I felt like I could not relate to these rich, privileged white people, and I was flat-out bored. However, the second half focused heavily on RFK's accomplishments and sacrifices, and what made him tick. Certain anecdotes about lessons he taught his kids and his reasons for running for office made me wish more of our leaders were like him. Ethel's strength and contribution to the family were also striking, but this documentary is really much more compelling as an insider's view of RFK. I concluded that this film was worth watching because I don't think you'll be able to find this perspective and unique knowledge about RFK and his family in any other film. If you can suffer through the first half, the second half will be worth it.For more reviews and a kickass podcast, check out www.livemancave.com

First off, let me say that I'm not a big fan of the Kennedy family, although judging by some of the comments in the User Reviews and on the message boards for "Ethel," the fact that I don't despise them probably puts me somewhere in the middle. I wanted to see this because I thought it took the whole Kennedy mystique/angle from someone who is rarely the focus of these things...Ethel Kennedy, the wife of RFK. And there seemed to be a lot of home footage and pictures rarely seen by the public that is shown, and I found that very interesting.But what made the film so sweet and very good to me was the commentary of all the different RFK children who are still alive. One sibling - Douglas - is not a part of the movie, and actually, I'd love to hear why that was the case. In the beginning of the movie, the rapport/interaction between the siblings and Rory (the youngest, and the director of "Ethel"), seems loving and genuine. And their affection for each other, as well as their mother and father is evident. While some have criticized the fact that they refer to their parents as "Mummy" and "Daddy" throughout the picture, I thought it humanized Ethel and RFK. While RFK was internationally renowned, and Ethel went along for the ride, in the end, they were parents who raised their children as best they could.I've also seen criticism that this painted too rosy of a picture of the RFK clan. However, documentary filmmakers make decisions every day on what they choose to show and not show of their subjects. There have been many books, movies, TV shows criticizing the Kennedys with sensational allegations or showing some of the more tragic aspects from this family. Accordingly, I think it is appropriate to show one where the Kennedys are shown in a more favorable and "human" light.

An amazing documentary, intimate, legendary and inspirational. The Kennedy family's history is truly without comparison: the hope, the tragedies, the passion, the idealism, the hard clashes with reality, the bonds of tragedy and love, I dare say that it is impossible to experience life more intensely than this family has. And then Ethel stands tall through it all, an amazing woman, wife and (grand- )mother, with her unfaltering smile. If it wasn't for their passion for politics and the family fortune, the Kennedies could have made a fortune in toothpaste commercials. Apparently Ethel sat behind Obama in 2008 at a funeral, whispering in his ear: "the torch has been passed to you". How about them goose bumps?

I just saw this at the Traverse City Film Festival. I am not a Kennedy aficionado, having some reservation about the morals of the family. But what I learned about Ethel made me admire her as possibly one of the great political wives of my time. Directed by her youngest child, Rory, the film primarily consists of an interview of Ethel and input in similar fashion from her remaining children. Ethel is a delight; funny and insightful. Supplemented with a great deal of historical footage, it is obvious how much she loved Robert and how she influenced first him and then, after his assassination, their children. Her life was devoted to her husband, her family, her strong faith and her feeling that she had an obligation to give back to her country for her high-born status. But in addition to this, she could be acerbic, comedic and at times outrageous resulting in several political embarrassments for Robert when he was yet living. She makes few apologies. She is a real national treasure and this film gives a great appreciation for her life of quiet dignity and service. Don't miss it.