Divide in Concord

The captivating and critically acclaimed documentary Divide in Concord, directed by Kris Kaczor, is a charming tale spun around a controversial contemporary issue. This 2014 film focuses on the historical town of Concord, Massachusetts, renowned as the birthplace of American liberty and designated as the first place in America where military action was initiated against the British Empire, leading to the American Revolutionary War. Yet this documentary tells a different kind of revolution, one that is grounded in contemporary environmental concerns and community activism.

The film’s main protagonist is the vibrant 84-year-old widow Jean Hill, a steadfast Concord resident, whose fiery spirit is as invigorating as it is inspiring. Jean is on a passionate mission: to ban the sale of single-serving plastic water bottles in the town. This mission is fueled by her concern for the environment, a sense of larger responsibility, and a love for her grandchildren, whom she wants to protect from a future deluged with plastic. Her daring goal serves as the core around which this movie revolves dissecting the complexities of small-town American politics and revealing power dynamics at a grassroots level.

Jean Hill's quest to ban the sale of single-serving plastic water bottles in Concord began in 2010. She hit a roadblock when her proposed bylaw got narrowly defeated at the town meeting in 2011. But Jean does not admit defeat easily. Rather, she decides to renew her battle in 2012, which is where the main narrative plot of Divide in Concord begins.

Guided by this passionate activist, we witness the ups and downs, the barriers and battles as the proposed revolution unfolds over three years. The film explores the diversity of opinions the ban attracts, giving a rich gallery of perspectives from the townsfolk of Concord. Jean Hill is supported by Jill Appel, a driven and intelligent ally who brings a decisive legal acumen to this green revolution.

On the other side of the provincial debate are local store owners, notably the business-savvy Adriana Cohen, a society columnist, radio host, and former water company representative who becomes the main opposition against the proposed ban. Other notable opposition figures include the bottled water industry's powerful lobbyists who sway public opinion towards economic implications rather than environmental impact.

But what makes Divide in Concord so remarkably genuine and entertaining is not just the divisive debate it represents. It is the deeply moving commitment that Jean Hill brings to her cause, the community that struggles to find consensus amidst differing viewpoints, and the thought-provoking ripples of change that her attempts stir in a quiet town. It also brings to light the profound influence of seemingly modest local legislation on wider regional or potentially national laws - a poignant reminder to viewers of the power of individual and community-led activism.

The film presents thoughtful interviews and offers moments of candid humor while effectively bringing the contrasting perspectives all to focus on one contentious environmental issue. The character-driven story paints a compelling portrait of contemporary civil discourse over environmental matters, individual rights, and the greater good, set against the tranquil, idyllic backdrop of New England.

The film is a gentle journey that showcases the people in a town struggling with the crossroads of history, progress, pragmatism, and conservation. In its vivacious 84-year-old protagonist, it affirms the power of one person to make a significant difference. As engagingly entertaining as it is stirringly inspirational, Divide in Concord is an American tale that touches a universal chord. It mirrors similar debates and protests taking place worldwide, making this film a must-watch for environmental activists, historians, and those interested in viewing a heated debate in a small town that may hold impressive implications for addressing global environmental issues.

Divide in Concord brings to life the spirit of a small town in America and its caring citizens in an amazing tapestry of community activism and environmental consciousness. Not just a chronicle of an environmental fight, the film is a study in grassroot democracy, illuminating the courage, perseverance, and community spirit needed to steer the future towards sustainability.