Rittenhouse Square is more than just a park to Philadelphia. In it's creation, it was initial purpose was for residents and visitors to the city to enjoy the trees. A century ago, the neighborhood was surrounded by lavish townhouses and the wealthiest of Americans like John Wanamakerlived nearby. The park was used as it is today for people to relax and enjoy a life a little more. Rittenhouse Square is a lot smaller than New York's Central Park or Philly's Fairmount Park but it is still one of the city's finest parks for couples to meet and fall in love, to hear music, to dance at the annual ball, to meet friends, to have lunch, to paint, etc. Rittenhouse Square reminds you of the parks in London neighborhoods if you been there. Maybe that's why it's so special. Size doesn't always matter in park size and Rittenhouse Square has survived and thrived and changed it's image from prams and nannies to alternative lifestyles, seniors, adults, college students, residents, visitors, and they enjoy the scene of nature in the city surroundings. The park is just as enjoyable in winter as it is in spring, summer, and fall. This documentary is a tribute to the legacy of Rittenhouse Square.
3 Reviews
Lost opportunities
pau_an31 October 2022
Whether you like it or not, Rittenhouse square has a vibe. There are indeed very different people out there. I live 15 min walk from the area and see it on a regular basis. What is show in the movie is not conveying the culture of the place. The film maker never cared to talk to a diversity of people - for whatever reason, he limited himself to talking to the establishment - rich people who leave nearby and can afford sitting there all day looking at the "pretty girls". He never gave a voice to a single musician, to a single homeless, chess player - to listen to their stories, their connection to the place. It's a sentimental essay that probably has much more to do with author's memories and personal experiences that with the place itself. And I really can't judge him for that but it really hurt to see how such an interesting culture was wrapped into boring monologues of people who author doesn't even specify why we should care about.
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