John McCain: For Whom the Bell Tolls: Season 1

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Generally favorable reviews based on 10 Critic Reviews

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Mixed or average reviews based on 18 Ratings

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5.6	User Score Mixed or average reviews based on 18 Ratings

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Season Details & Credits

HBO | Season Premiere Date: May 28, 2018

Summary: The Peter Kunhardt documentary about Senator John McCain's life and career features interviews, archival newsreel, home movies and personal photos.

Genre(s): Movie/Mini-Series, News/Documentary, Documentary

Season 1 Episodes

No episode information is currently available for this season

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Critic Reviews

Uncle Barky Ed Bark

May 25, 2018

Some might find For Whom the Bell Tolls to be too easy on, if not downright deferential, to McCain. But this last testament in many ways also underscores the respect and admiration he has won from those he’s battled fiercely. Read full review

Richard Roeper

Dec 14, 2018

An insightful, poignant, journalistically sound profile that gives McCain his due, but steers clear of hagiography. Read full review

Ellen Gray

May 25, 2018

For Whom the Bell Tolls covers the things you’d expect, including his years as a prisoner of war in Vietnam. But it acknowledges his flaws, including a powerful temper. And it doesn’t skip past some painful bumps in his biography. Read full review

John Anderson

May 25, 2018

A slightly less-than-worshipful tribute to Sen. McCain, who is dying of brain cancer yet agreed to cooperate with what is essentially a warts-and-all portrait. Read full review

Brian Lowry

May 27, 2018

Offers a definitive portrait of an extraordinary life, boasting extensive access to its subject as well practically as every political luminary to pass through his orbit, including three former presidents. Read full review

Jen Chaney

May 29, 2018

First and foremost, this documentary is as a moving farewell to a flawed, but still admirable, man. But it also comes across as another type of good-bye, one to the basic civility Americans once were able to take for granted in the political realm. John McCain: For Whom the Bell Toll is another reminder that this, too, is dying. Read full review

Inkoo Kang

May 29, 2018

In this deferential retelling, McCain is a lifelong public servant who only erred when he wasn't true to himself, with no ideological bent in his mission to make America exceptional again. It's certainly an inspirational portrait; it's also a blatant exercise in legacy management. Read full review

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User Reviews

NewmansOwn

May 29, 2018

McCain is a patriot who puts country before self and always has. He puts country before party and always has. He is not afraid to stand up to outside pressure and go against the grain when needed. Politics has become far too partisan -- we need more McCain's in congress, not fewer. MaybeMcCain is a patriot who puts country before self and always has. He puts country before party and always has. He is not afraid to stand up to outside pressure and go against the grain when needed. Politics has become far too partisan -- we need more McCain's in congress, not fewer. Maybe then we would see progress instead of gridlock. And, no, this is not a problem that started in Jan 2017 -- it has been a problem for many, many years and begs for a solution. Perhaps this documentary will inspire a new generation of common-sense legislators... but I'm not holding my breath.… Expand

1 of 7 users found this helpful16

TheShrike222

May 29, 2018

A beautiful last moment shared with a man a big enough to admit his mistakes and who served his country with joy and humility. I don't agree with a lot of his politics, but I admire the hero. I appreciate that the film addresses several of his controversies head on and shows his friends,A beautiful last moment shared with a man a big enough to admit his mistakes and who served his country with joy and humility. I don't agree with a lot of his politics, but I admire the hero. I appreciate that the film addresses several of his controversies head on and shows his friends, republican and democrat, and the respect they have for him even when they are on opposite sides of the argument.… Expand

1 of 5 users found this helpful14

Seasons & Episodes

78

Series Overview
Season 1

78
- Season 1 Overview
  Air Date: May 28, 2018
- No episode information is currently available for this season