Ed Koch was one of New York City’s most influential mayors. He was known for his cheeky, charismatic personality and his no-nonsense approach when it came to getting things done. Unfazed by public opinion, rumors about his sexuality, and protest, Koch was a strong leader who did what he had to in order to pull the city out of tough times. The new documentary Koch presents a comprehensive portrait of the late former mayor’s life and career. The film documents both Koch’s many achievements and also his most notorious failures. An entertaining character sketch and an interesting glimpse at the city’s past, Koch is a must-see for New Yorkers of all ages. 

The film begins with local politicians debating whether or not to rename the Queensboro Bridge in honor of Ed Koch. One of the first comments quickly berates Koch as intensifying racial tensions in the city and being an enemy to minorities, especially African-Americans. Despite, this not-so optimistic beginning, director Neil Barsky takes viewers on a much happier journey through Koch’s many successes including fixing the city’s economy and being a champion for public housing. Nevertheless, the film does not leave out, Koch’s major failures: the closing of the Sydenham Hospital and his inadequate response to the AIDS epidemic.

Koch is not your ordinary documentary.  It is a treat for history-buffs and everyday people alike.  Though it contains many interviews with historians, politicians, and even the smiling, witty mayor himself, the film is not only educational, but also hilarious.  It truly captures the spirit and personality of Ed Koch. Barsky definitely succeeded in choosing the right clips and photos of Koch. Every clip matched not only the narration, but also revealed something surprising about Koch’s character or relationship with others.

Besides being an entertaining documentary, Koch also gives us a better sense of what the 1970s and 1980s were like in New York City.  Growing up in modern New York, I could hardly imagine the city in the past. However, my mother, who went to see the film with me, lived through that era. While it was interesting for me to see the chaos of the 1977 blackout, the protest over the closing of Sydenham hospital, and the arsons in the Bronx, for my mom, it was just a trip down memory lane.

This film is extremely powerful. At the end, there is one memorable scene where Koch returns home after Andrew Cuomo wins gubernatorial election. Cuomo’s speech is played in the background while we see a lonely Koch returning to his apartment. Cuomo speaks of an important man who made a huge difference to New York. For a second, we believe he might be referring to Koch, but in the end, he is actually referring to his father (Mario Cuomo, who Koch defeated in the mayoral election). The ending proves how time goes by and we tend to forget the great leaders who shaped our current success. Koch was a man married to the city and to politics with the sole purpose of improving the place he loved. This film tells his story that should not and will not be forgotten.