We Are Many

We Are Many is a thought-provoking documentary film from 2014, directed by Amir Amirani and featuring several prominent appearances by awarded actors, activists, and celebrities including Mark Rylance, Susan Sarandon, and Danny Glover. This profound piece of cinema focuses on a consequential event that is largely forgotten by the general public; the global protests against the Iraq War which took place on February 15, 2003.

Diving deep into the fabric of the anti-war movement, the film presents a careful examination of what the director refers to as "the largest demonstration in human history". On this day, over 15 million people from different cultural, political, and social backgrounds in nearly 800 cities around the world gathered and took a clear stand against the proposed invasion of Iraq.

The film attempts to stitch together the various forms of resistance, their organizational patterns, their shared resistance cadence, and last but not least, the inevitable echoes of their collective voices. In doing so, it not only provides a detailed account of this unique day in history but also tries to understand why a movement with such widespread support and global reach was ultimately unsuccessful in achieving its primary objective.

Mark Rylance, Susan Sarandon, and Danny Glover, along with other notable personalities, help to narrate this riveting documentary. They provide a compendium of testimonies and recollections, each one adding a unique insight to a puzzle that remains incomplete almost a decade and a half later. The film is structured in a comprehensive narrative style. It features extensive interviews with activists, authors, academics, and politicians, interspersed with raw footage from protests and news broadcasts from the time. This assemblage allows the movie to be both informative about the events and reflective of the sentiments and motives of the people involved.

The movie offers various perspectives on the enormous scale of the protests, from renowned physicist and mathematician Brian Eno, who provides intriguing insights into the implications and significance of the demonstrations, to vibrant commentary from several young activists who were on the ground at the time. It gives the viewers a holistic understanding of the events that unfolded, allowing them to appreciate the magnitude of these protests, and perceive the profound resonance that they still hold today.

The gripping archival footage from various global cities is utilized impeccably, creating a captivating visual narrative that is both inspiring and sobering. It instills a sense of awe at the grand scale of the protests, making one realize the tremendous spirit of unity exhibited by the people worldwide against a common cause. At the same time, it raises hard questions about the nature of protest, the power of the people, and the seeming impotence of such enormous global action against the stubborn wills of political leaders.

Throughout the film, Amir Amirani asks provocative questions about activism, authority, and the effectiveness of people’s movements in the face of rigid government institutions, giving audiences a lot to ponder. Though primarily engaged with the past, the film imparts enduring lessons about the power and challenges of grassroots activism that permeate the present scenario.

We Are Many, with its powerful storytelling and captivating historic footage, provides a remarkable flashback to a day of unprecedented unity, hope, and resistance. It forces us to face the reality of our political systems while celebrating the indomitable spirit of humanity that refuses to be silenced. A must-watch for those keen on understanding the interplay of global politics, activism, and the human spirit.