'JIMMY CARTER MAN FROM PLAINS'

Jonathan Demme's documentary "Jimmy Carter Man From Plains" (★★★½ out of four stars, rated PG for thematic elements and brief disturbing images) contrasts the former president's forthright honesty and transparent decency -- whether in regard to faith, diplomacy or leadership -- with the style of America's presidents since Carter left office in 1981. His candor -- among other things -- cost him his job to a former actor. But his postpresidential work in the quarter-century since has radically changed public opinion about the man. Five years ago, Carter won the Nobel Peace Prize "for his decades of untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts." And he hasn't stopped trying. Demme made "Man From Plains" just as Carter embarked on another effort to find a peaceful solution to an international conflict. The movie follows Carter this past winter on a contentious promotional tour for his book "Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid." The film shows Carter, 82 when the movie was shot, vigorously engaging journalists and students, rabbis and hate-mongers. Sometimes Carter looks frail and then, moments later, he is firing on all cylinders. Even if you don't agree with Carter's politics, he is an inspiration for the way he remains alive to the world well into his ninth decade. Demme is clearly awed by his subject, and his film is a stirring document about how one man's steadfast sense of justice can make a difference in the world.

GLENN WHIPP, LOS ANGELES DAILY NEWS