“Eyes on the Prize” (1987) Review: A Landmark Documentary Series on the Civil Rights Movement

Eyes on the Prize (1987) is a powerful and comprehensive documentary series that chronicles the history of the American Civil Rights Movement from the 1950s through the 1980s. Narrated with a sense of urgency and poignancy, this 14-hour series covers key moments in the struggle for racial equality in the United States, focusing on the personal stories of individuals and the grassroots efforts that helped shape this monumental period in American history.

Produced by Henry Hampton and directed by Paul Stekler, Eyes on the Prize is widely regarded as one of the most influential and informative documentaries ever made about the Civil Rights Movement. With its mix of archival footage, personal interviews, and historical context, it provides an in-depth look at the struggles, victories, and tragedies that defined the movement, offering viewers an emotional and educational experience that brings to life the heroic efforts of activists, leaders, and ordinary citizens who fought for racial justice.

Structure and Content

Eyes on the Prize is divided into two major parts, each covering a distinct period in the Civil Rights Movement. The first part, “Eyes on the Prize: America’s Civil Rights Years 1954-1965,” covers the formative years of the movement, beginning with the landmark Supreme Court decision Brown v. Board of Education (1954) and following the development of key events such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott, the Little Rock Nine, the Freedom Rides, and the March on Washington. This section also explores the lives of prominent figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and Malcolm X, among others.

The second part, “Eyes on the Prize II: The Time Has Come 1965-1985,” picks up where the first series left off, covering the later years of the movement, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Voting Rights Act of 1965, the rise of Black Power, and the challenges faced by African Americans in the years following the legislative victories. This part also covers the shifting landscape of activism, including the rise of more radical movements like the Black Panther Party, the continuing fight for economic equality, and the challenges faced by African American leaders and communities in the 1970s and 1980s.

Themes of Struggle, Resistance, and Change

At its core, Eyes on the Prize is about the ongoing struggle for racial justice in America. The series provides a nuanced view of the many different facets of the Civil Rights Movement, emphasizing that it was not a monolithic struggle, but a diverse and often contentious one, involving individuals and groups with varying strategies and ideologies. From nonviolent direct action, led by figures like Martin Luther King Jr., to the more militant resistance of groups like the Black Panther Party, the documentary illustrates the multiple approaches to achieving racial equality, showing the tensions and compromises that arose within the movement itself.

The documentary also highlights the persistent resistance to change, both from entrenched racial prejudices in the South and from political and economic systems that sought to maintain the status quo. The stark images of police brutality, voter suppression, and the violence that Civil Rights activists endured are not easy to watch, but they are an essential part of the story. Eyes on the Prize doesn’t shy away from showing the brutal reality of what it meant to fight for justice during this era, giving voice to those who were directly affected by the systemic racism that existed in the country.

Additionally, Eyes on the Prize emphasizes the grassroots nature of the Civil Rights Movement, showcasing the everyday people who took part in sit-ins, protests, and other forms of direct action. It reminds the viewer that while well-known leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. played a central role, the movement was driven by the collective efforts of ordinary African Americans who had the courage to stand up against racial oppression, often at great personal risk.

Personal Stories and Interviews

What makes Eyes on the Prize especially powerful is its focus on the personal stories of individuals who lived through the Civil Rights Movement. Through interviews with activists, community leaders, and ordinary citizens, the documentary humanizes the movement and gives a voice to those who fought for change. These first-hand accounts provide a deeper understanding of the emotional and psychological toll of the struggle for justice, as well as the immense personal sacrifices made by those involved.

The stories of people like Rosa Parks, who refused to give up her seat on a segregated bus, and John Lewis, who led the march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, serve as both inspirational and sobering reminders of the courage required to stand up to injustice. The interviews also reveal the internal debates and struggles within the movement, such as the divisions between the nonviolent wing led by King and the more radical factions that emerged later, demonstrating that the path to equality was never simple or linear.

Impact and Legacy

Eyes on the Prize had a significant cultural and educational impact when it was first released, helping to bring the history of the Civil Rights Movement into classrooms, public spaces, and homes across the United States. The documentary series was praised for its comprehensive and balanced portrayal of the movement, for focusing on the voices of those who had been marginalized in mainstream narratives, and for providing a much-needed historical record of an era that shaped the course of American history.

Even today, Eyes on the Prize remains an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to understand the Civil Rights Movement in its full complexity. The series serves as a reminder of the ongoing fight for racial equality and social justice, showing that while progress has been made, the struggle is far from over.

Cinematography and Direction

The cinematography in Eyes on the Prize is both poignant and powerful. The use of archival footage, including historical news reports, photographs, and video clips from the Civil Rights era, adds a sense of immediacy and authenticity to the story. This is complemented by thoughtful interviews and narration, which allow the personal voices of the people involved to come through strongly. The film’s pacing is steady, giving ample time for each key event to resonate while maintaining a sense of urgency throughout.

Director Henry Hampton’s vision for the series is clear: it is not just a historical account, but a call to action and a tribute to the unsung heroes of the Civil Rights Movement. The structure of the film is both detailed and accessible, with each episode delving into pivotal moments in the movement’s history, while also painting a larger picture of the political, social, and economic forces that shaped the struggle for equality.

Final Thoughts

Eyes on the Prize (1987) is an essential documentary series that provides a comprehensive and deeply human exploration of the American Civil Rights Movement. Through its powerful interviews, historical footage, and nuanced storytelling, the series paints a vivid picture of the struggles, sacrifices, and triumphs of those who fought for racial equality in America. It serves as both a historical document and an inspiring call to continue the work toward a more just and equitable society.

For anyone interested in understanding the history of racial injustice and the ongoing fight for civil rights, Eyes on the Prize is an indispensable resource that continues to resonate with relevance today. It is not only a tribute to the past but also a reminder of the work still to be done in the pursuit of justice.