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Documentary

Mighty Ira (2020): Cast & Ratings

Mighty Ira (2020) movie poster

Mighty Ira is a 2020 documentary directed by Nico Perrino and Chris Maltby, starring William F. Buckley Jr. and Ira Glasser. It runs 1 hour 39 minutes and was made on a reported $500,000 budget. Its Echo Score is 88/100.

Echo Score
88
budget
$500K
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Mighty Ira (2020) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 39m (99 min)
Directors
Nico Perrino and Chris Maltby
Genre
Documentary
Original language
English
Budget
$500K
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Mighty Ira About?

The premise of Mighty Ira without spoilers.

Ira reflects on a lifetime dedicated to championing civil rights and liberties. As he approaches retirement, he recounts his experiences at the forefront of defending the rights of all Americans, sharing stories of the challenges and triumphs in the fight for equality. His journey highlights the ongoing importance of protecting fundamental freedoms.

Mighty Ira Themes & Keywords

· 4 tags
  • aclu
  • american civil liberties union
  • free speech
  • first amendment
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Cast & crew

Mighty Ira Cast

William F. Buckley Jr. leads the cast, with Ira Glasser. Directed by Nico Perrino and Chris Maltby.

Ratings

Mighty Ira Reviews & Ratings

Our Echo Score gives it 88/100, strongest in character & emotion (90) and weakest in sensory experience (75).

88 /100

Mighty Ira Echo Score Breakdown

Mighty Ira delivers a compelling portrait of Ira Glasser’s lifelong defense of free speech, emphasizing his principled stance and the documentary’s educational value. The film’s strong interview lineup and well‑curated historical footage create an engaging narrative, though some critics note that the vignette structure occasionally hampers a fully cohesive portrait. Overall, the positive reception outweighs structural concerns, positioning the documentary as a noteworthy and inspiring work.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 85

    In terms of direction and visual presentation, the documentary is praised for its effective use of historical footage and well‑executed cinematography. Reviewers note that the unconventional choices in sequencing add visual interest, while the editing maintains a clear focus on Glasser’s story. The overall craft supports the film’s thematic goals, resulting in a solid artistic execution.

  • Character & Emotion 90

    When it comes to character depth, Glasser is consistently described as a charismatic, articulate, and humane figure whose personality drives the film. Critics highlight the warm portrait and nuanced portrayal of his relationships, particularly with William F. Buckley Jr. The documentary succeeds in fostering emotional resonance through Glasser’s sincere interviews, earning strong character‑focused praise.

  • Story & Flow 80

    The narrative flow receives largely positive remarks for its fascinating account of free‑speech battles and well‑timed pacing. Some reviewers appreciate the compelling segments that link past events to contemporary issues. However, a minority view the vignette approach as occasionally disjointed, preventing a fully cohesive storyline. Nevertheless, the story remains engaging and informative for most audiences.

  • Sensory Experience 75

    Sensory elements such as the soundtrack and visual style are noted as competent but not extraordinary. The documentary’s use of archival footage and measured sound design support its informative tone, and viewers find the cinematography adequate for the subject matter. While the sensory experience enhances clarity, it does not significantly elevate the overall impact.

  • Rewatch Factor 88

    Rewatch value is high, with multiple reviewers recommending multiple viewings for its timeless message and inspirational content. The film’s relevance to contemporary debates on free speech, combined with its uplifting portrayal of advocacy, encourages audiences to return for both education and motivation. This lasting appeal contributes to a strong replay factor.

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FAQ

Mighty Ira FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date

Runtime, release date, director, cast, budget and post-credit scenes of Mighty Ira, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Mighty Ira?

Mighty Ira runs 1 hour 39 minutes (99 minutes).

When was Mighty Ira released?

Mighty Ira was released on October 9, 2020.

Who directed Mighty Ira?

Mighty Ira was directed by Nico Perrino and Chris Maltby.

Who is in the cast of Mighty Ira?

Mighty Ira stars William F. Buckley Jr. and Ira Glasser.

What was the budget of Mighty Ira?

Mighty Ira had a reported budget of $500,000.

Does Mighty Ira have a post-credit scene?

No. Mighty Ira has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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