SummaryKing in the Wilderness chronicles the final chapters of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life, revealing a conflicted leader who faced an onslaught of criticism from both sides of the political spectrum.
Directed By:Peter W. Kunhardt
Written By:Chris Chuang
King in the Wilderness
Metascore
Universal Acclaim
97
User score
Generally Favorable
6.5
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Top Cast
Metascore
Universal Acclaim
97
100% Positive
6 Reviews
6 Reviews
0% Mixed
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Mar 30, 2018
100
A quiet and understated film, which lingers lovingly on its subject. We see Dr. King’s famous sermons at the pulpit, and also see him sitting quietly with family and friends.
Mar 29, 2018
100
Though this film is simple to summarize, to understand and experience the powerful emotional charge King in the Wilderness conveys, it simply must be seen.
Mar 27, 2018
100
King in the Wilderness is a searing film because it takes Martin Luther King Jr. down from the mountaintop. You glimpse the real glory of who he was: not a walking monument but a human being with fear, humor, guts, and (amazing) grace under pressure.
Mar 27, 2018
90
The filmmakers assemble a dense portrait of a man disheartened by his failure to move the needle on economic justice, even as he succeeded in tracing ties among the common problems facing blacks, Latinos, Native Americans and even low-income whites.
Mar 28, 2018
88
A fascinating and poignant look at the less-examined final years of the man’s life, timed for the 50th anniversary of his death.
Mar 27, 2018
88
Not just rewarding and quite moving, but important oral and visual history, a movie worth watching even if you think you’ve read or seen all there is to know about this seminal figure in American history.
User score
Generally Favorable
6.5
73% Positive
8 Ratings
8 Ratings
0% Mixed
0 Ratings
0 Ratings
27% Negative
3 Ratings
3 Ratings
Apr 5, 2018
10
'King in the Wilderness" shows Dr. King in his most human form. His anger, fears, worries and concerns are exposed. This documentary also allows me the opportunity to peek inside of Dr. King. What I discover is a man who is even more spiritual, and is even greater, than I once believed.
Feb 20, 2020
9
Mostly what matters in documentaries like this is new information, well explained debate, comprehensive organizing timelines or actual video. I like that he was angry about violence, the 2 often seem the same. It was interesting to see how he differed from his dad, who believed only in the bible but not philosophy. "If America's soul becomes poisoned, part of the autopsy must read Vietnam." I did not know that all his supporters abandoned him over Vietnam. It's weird he knew a couple years before he died it was coming. 'If you are going to be free you have to overcome the love of wealth and fear of death.'
Production Company:
- Kunhardt Films
Release Date:Mar 30, 2018
Duration:1 h 51 m
Rating:TV-14
Awards
News & Documentary Emmy Awards
• 1 Win & 1 Nomination
Image Awards (NAACP)
• 1 Nomination
