Two Raging Grannies

Two Raging Grannies is an intriguing and equally poignant documentary that first premiered in 2013. Directed by the Norwegian filmmaker Håvard Bustnes, the film features two astonishingly passionate, elderly women, Shirley Morrison and Hinda Kipnis, who set out to challenge the idea of infinite economic growth in our finite world. What ensues is a compelling and insightful journey that brings the issue of unsustainable growth to the fore.

The film begins with these charming octogenarians from Seattle who, with their quirky hats and quick wit, could give you the impression of being ordinary grandparents. However, don’t be fooled by their appearances because Shirley and Hinda are anything but commonplace. They showcase towering dedication and curiosity towards understanding why the economy is set up for perpetual growth, regardless of the severe environmental and social implications. Their resolute spirit, drive, and high energy fuels their exploration and questions the norms of our modern economic landscape.

As Shirley and Hinda journey throughout America - from their shared home in Seattle to the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple - the audience is invited to be part of this enlightening expedition. In the backdrop of a rapidly shifting economic paradigm, the film offers a wonderful blend of humor and depth. The pair uses their age as their secret weapon, voicing out critical questions on the concept of growth and its impact on society and the environment to professors, economists, bankers, and even everyday people.

Over the course of the documentary, the two women engage in numerous interviews and excursions that prompt a variety of responses. They ask questions and try to confront the people who promote and benefit from the growth-oriented economy. The idea is to unearth the reasons behind such attitudes and what the future holds if the world continues in this unsustainable trajectory.

The film's tone is anything but anger-filled or accusatory, contrary to what the title might suggest. Instead, it merges lightheartedness and activism in a truly unique way as it captures the viewers' hearts through the grannies' ceaseless quest for answers and deeper comprehension. These two women depict how one is never too old to learn, question, and most importantly, to create a difference. Shirley and Hinda literally take things into their hands, pedaling their motorized wheelchairs around busy city streets, determined to start some sort of dialogue about growth and its consequences.

Despite its entertaining approach, Two Raging Grannies does not avoid the serious implications of our economy’s perpetual-growth model. It is embedded with ironies that underlie the global economy – the fact that even when the system catastrophically fails, we simply attempt to restore it back to its former self without wondering why it failed in the first place. The film illuminates the misconception of equating growth with progress, and it nudges the viewers to ruminate over what true progress should look like.

This thought-provoking documentary rapidly changes the stereotype surrounding what late-age life should look like. It’s an ambitious film that positions Shirley and Hinda as unlikely revolutionaries in the twilight of their lives, rebelling against a system that seemingly many accept as the norm. It serves to inspire, particularly the younger generation, to stand up and question the current system, opening a door to valuable discussions about the concept of sustainable growth.

Two Raging Grannies is far from being about raging and much more to do with enlightening and inspiring. Not only does it challenge the mainstream narrative about economic growth, but it also opens up the conversation to the general public. It's disarming to see these elderly women at a time in their lives when they are supposed to be slowing down, taking things easy, yet they are out there on the frontline, asking the hard, important questions and seeking change. This film is an enlightening display of activism that crosses generational bounds.

In the end, Two Raging Grannies is a heartwarming and engaging documentary that performs the balancing act of telling an entertaining story while also serving as an insightful commentary on our current economic situation. If you are in search of a film that presents a serious global dilemma in a light yet poignant style, this film deserves a spot on your watchlist.