War/Peace

War/Peace, directed by Ilkka Taipale and Hanna Nikkanen, is a captivating documentary released in 2017 that revisits the tumultuous period of the late 1960s and early 1970s, especially focusing on the controversial acts of dissent and insurgency that marked that era. The film boasts a brilliant array of intellectuals and activists featuring an ensemble cast including Sally Armbrecht, Noam Chomsky, and Bryan Burrough among others.

The movie serves as a profound exploration of the countercultural currents of the '60s and '70s, offering the audience the chance to better understand the Weather Underground, a radical left-wing organization that primarily operated in the United States. The group, comprised largely of former members of the Students for a Democratic Society (SDS), became infamous for their bombings targeting "the establishment", which they justified as a necessary form of resistance in an imperfect society marred by Vietnam War and racial inequalities.

Well-articulated and meticulously researched, the documentary delves into the ideological roots and behavioural impulses of the Weather Underground, shedding light on the collective belief that spurred their declaration of ‘war’ against the U.S. government. The film's nuanced exploration of these historical events is only heightened by contributions from political commentator Noam Chomsky and journalist Bryan Burrough.

Sally Armbrecht, a former member of the Weather Underground, is one of the key figures in the documentary. She provides an insider's view of the internal mechanics and lived experiences of the organization. Her upfront and honest revelations provide an oddly humanizing perspective of a group often dismissed as radicals.

Noam Chomsky's inclusion in this movie delivers insightful commentary on the socio-political climate during the time of these events. A highly respected linguist and known for his radical political analysis, Chomsky offers lucid deconstruction of the institutionalized power structures existing in the United States, which provides context to the radical actions compelled by the Weather Underground.

Bryan Burrough, a seasoned reporter and author of "Days of Rage," is staunchly objective, offering compelling journalistic insights, further fleshing out the plot framework and enhancing the historical credibility of the narrative. Burrough bridges past events with present-day repercussions and persisting systemic issues, which enables the audience to analyze the events and ethos of the Weather Underground in a broader perspective.

With this well-selected trio guiding along the narrative, War/Peace explorers multiple angles and conflicting perspectives on extremism, terrorism, the morality of violent protest, and the lengths that one should - or should not - go to make a stand.

Throughout the movie, the filmmakers employ a combination of archival footage and contemporary interviews that enhances the storytelling by juxtaposing the past with the present. The message of the movie isn’t just a historical recall; instead, it is symbolic of an ongoing global struggle—the fight for equality, justice, peace, and the different ways this fight is conducted.

Perhaps one of the most well-achieved aspects of this documentary is its questioning of societal norms and power dynamics. It isn’t satisfied with providing a purely historical analysis or a moral judgement about the Weather Underground; Instead, it addresses age-old questions about justice and violence: Can violent actions ever be justified if they serve a higher moral purpose? Can "peace" be achieved through war?

War/Peace raises these provocative questions without providing neat answers; it asks viewers to challenge their own beliefs, to dissect their own moral compass, and to deeply ponder the delicate balance between the use of violent measures for societal change and restraint in the name of peace.

In recent times of increasing socio-political divisions and rising demands for social justice, War/Peace serves as a stark reminder of the historical roots of these issues and urges audiences to engage more critically with the world around them. It is a must-watch for history enthusiasts, political analysts, and those seeking to better understand the complexities of social justice movements and their implications on the world we live in today.