Unconstitutional

Unconstitutional: The War on our Civil Liberties, released in 2004, is a gripping and intense documentary that delves into the vast impact and shady implications of the USA PATRIOT Act on American society and civil liberties. The film features a diverse support cast, including professional rower Aquil Abdullah, former US Attorney General John Ashcroft, politician and law commentator Bob Barr, along with Azmat Begg, the father of a detainee.

The film melds a myriad of genres, such as historical, political, and investigative documentary. Through a series of interviews, personal stories, legal cases, and in-depth scholarly examinations, Unconstitutional paints a worrisome picture of the post 9/11 American society and its politics. It manages to provide an insight into the psychological and personal impacts the PATRIOT Act had on many American citizens, seen through the eyes of real individuals who experienced them.

In a riveting blend of personal narrative, and insightful commentary, Aquil Abdullah speaks about his own experiences. Having been a national rowing champion and hopeful Olympian, he found himself at the receiving end of draconian checks and measures. His narration paves the way for a larger scope, bolstering the theme of government surveillance and its rooted injustices.

John Ashcroft, a prominent figure in the Bush Administration and the drafter of the Patriot Act, provides a contrasting view steeped in his convictions about national security. Through Ashcroft, the documentary explores the Patriot Act as an instrument of counter-terrorism, and the perceived need for such stringent measures in an environment summarily changed by the catastrophic events of 9/11.

Bob Barr, a conservative libertarian and former Republican Congressman, delivers hard-hitting critique of the act, its implications, and the encroachments on personal freedom that he believes it represents. His commentary highlights the concerns of intrusion on private lives, the amplification of government powers, and potential misuses of these powers.

Then there's the brave voice of Azmat Begg, whose son was held in Guantanamo. Begg's narrative infuses the film with poignancy and a deeply personal touch, giving it a stronger connection to its audience. His son's experiences portray the abuses and the denial of rights that have rippled out from this legislation, piercing the very heart of human rights ethos.

Unconstitutional also goes beyond these stories, offering a broader analysis of the situation. It illuminally explores the precedences of such initiatives and their aftermath. It draws attention to the changing landscape of American civil liberties, and poses pressing questions about the long-term implications of such changes - on the constitutional rights and protections that Americans have long valued.

The documentary packs a punch with interviews and case studies of the most prominent challenges posed by the Act. It touches upon issues like immigration, racial profiling, surveillance, detention, and related aspects. It also probes into key themes of justice, democracy, freedom, and equality, persistently challenging the viewer to reflect on what these principles truly mean in the context of national security concerns.

What stands out starkly in Unconstitutional is its non-partisan yet incisive critique. It pulls no punches. From the patriots to the protesters, from academics to ordinary people, the film is a stunning mosaic of voices and opinions together presenting the stark reality of post-9/11 America. It prompts a critical examination, not just of the Patriot Act, but broader questions of power, security, and liberty in the post-modern world.

Unconstitutional: The War on our Civil Liberties, with its compelling narrative and poignant personal stories, is a highly engaging documentary for anyone interested in delving into the more sinister side-effects of rigorous national security laws, and contemplating the hard questions about the balance of liberty and security in the fight against terrorism. It offers a deep dive into an America that is struggling to reconcile its cherished liberties - once taken for granted - with the real-world demands of a post 9/11 landscape. It is a powerful exploration not just of the enactment and deployment of the Patriot Act, but also a portrait of a country grappling with its identity amidst fears of internal and external threats.