Tag Archives: Documentary
War is Sell (2004)
“How and why might a culture take their conflict into an organized form?” Napoleon once said, “Men will fight long and hard for a bit of coloured ribbon,” and considering he talked 1000s of men into an insane assault against … Continue reading
Filed under (Anti) War, Documentary, Political/social films
Anarchism in America (1983)
“I’m a man of peace, and that’s why I’m an anarchist.” This DVD includes two documentaries–the title film, Anarchism in America and The Free Voice of Labor: The Jewish Anarchists. In the first film, the filmmakers take the thesis that … Continue reading
Filed under Documentary, Political/social films
Why We Fight (2005)
“They want to spread democracy around the world on the point of our bayonets.” Using footage from Eisenhower’s farewell speech to the nation, director Eugene Jarecki’s documentary film Why We Fight includes the departing president’s warning: “we have been compelled … Continue reading
Filed under (Anti) War, Documentary, Political/social films
Dreams of Sparrows (2005)
“Baghdad is hell.” The documentary The Dreams of Sparrows is the first film from Iraqi filmmaker Hayder Mousa Daffar. Daffar states, “I wanted to show the world what life was like in Iraq.” Those fortunate enough to stumble across this … Continue reading
Filed under (Anti) War, Iraqi, Political/social films
Deserter (2008)
“I don’t understand this war, but I’ve seen what it’s done to the guys who’ve come back and that scares me. I don’t think I’m a coward, and I don’t want to desert my friends or my unit, but I’m … Continue reading
Filed under (Anti) War, Documentary, Political/social films
Storm the Skies (1996)
“Exile was not enough.” The documentary Storm the Skies digs into the life of Ramon Mercader, the assassin of Trotsky and argues against the idea that Mercader was a disillusioned Trotskyite. The film begins by tracing the life of Ramon Mercader’s mother, … Continue reading
Filed under Documentary
The Take (2004)
“Occupy. Resist. Produce.” The documentary The Take examines the fallout of the 2001 Argentine economic crisis with a focus on unemployed factory workers. There’s solid background here–the IMF’s role in the crisis, $40 billion cash exiting the country overnight, and … Continue reading
Filed under Argentinean, Documentary, Political/social films
Forbidden City (1997)
“Well for our purposes we define gated communities as any residential are where normally public places are privatized by restricted access.” The Forbidden City was the name of the Chinese Imperial Palace–an impressive compound of 100s of buildings located in … Continue reading
Filed under Documentary
The Wobblies (1979)
“Jesus Saves Willing Slaves.” The documentary film The Wobblies provides an overview of the rise and fall of the IWW (Industrial Workers of the World), complete with archival footage, loads of interviews, Wobbly art and songs. The film was made … Continue reading
Filed under Documentary, Political/social films
Manda Bala (2007)
“Organized crime has entered the very centre of power.” “Tell me a place in the world where politicians are not sons of bitches” observes Jamil, a jaded policeman from Sao Paolo’s anti-kidnapping division in the excellent documentary Manda Bala. Admitting … Continue reading
Filed under Brazil, Documentary, Political/social films
