I’m a Modern Historian. Self-taught, self-appointed. I believe that the 1980s and 1990s are the two greatest decades in the history of the universe. As a student of such things, I was drawn to a 2018 documentary titled “The Untold Story of the 90s.” It’s a fun glimpse of the decade, and a prescient narrative to our present-day issues, good and bad.
Director Paul Bozymowski delivers two 85-minute parts, focusing on a selection of events and characters that shaped the decade. Figures such as Julian Castro, Marco Rubio, and the great Tom Brokaw to name a few, provide commentary on the various topics were witnessing. It was the end of the old world, and the beginning of the new.
Modern History
The piece opens and closes with two major events that bookend the ’90s. The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, and the September 11th attacks in 2001. It’s a unique tactic that I like. Decades don’t begin at the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Day. It’s a gradual transition, with the culture and infamy of the time starting at a specific event. It is interesting that the Berlin wall came down on November 9, 1989. 11/9 – 9/11. Once you know that tidbit you won’t forget it.
Thinking of the 90s as history seems odd, but it’s equivalent to how I thought about the ’60s when I was a kid. Crazy to think that the Berlin Wall came down the same year I saw “Major League” at the drive-in with my parents.
Topics covered a range of politics, crime, technology and the impact it had. Civilians had their own cameras. The Rodney King being is considered the first viral video.
Watching a young Tom Brokaw reporting or actual footage of the people in Germany protesting the wall is amazing.
Not the Best
I’ve watched many ’90s documentaries. This one is fine but it limits itself with the issues it highlights. I like a little mention of everything, or an in-depth look at one thing. “The Untold Story of the 90s” tries to eat its cake and have it too. While not a comprehensive look, it’s a nice addition to your catalogue of history.
