Reviews

In this new age of dark and disturbing documentaries, Joshua and Rebecca Tickell stray from this and provide viewers with optimistic and powerful viewing experiences. Their new film, Revolution Generation: How Millennials Can Save America and the World, is no exception. This is not just a film about millennials and the misconceptions behind them; it is a live-time documentation of the restructuring of the world. What do I mean by this? Well, according to the film, social, political, and historical change is coming and it is being propagated by millennials. Characterized by the "Hero" archetype by the Strauss-Howe Generational Theory, millennials are predicted to be the protector generation to be succeeded by Generation Z as the "Artist" generation which will bring progression after the Hero has conquered. I thoroughly enjoyed the wide range of areas covered in the film. From social change to environmental advocacy to political takeover to technological advancement, millennials have proved the necessity for youthful voices. The film also includes many notable faces such as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Shailene Woodley, and Michelle Rodriguez to prove just how influential millennials have been when given a platform for social advocacy. As a young adult not only did I feel inspired by the documentary, but I felt heard. I definitely recommend this film!

War films have become a dime a dozen, and rarely do directors venture into the tragedy of the "collateral damages' ' of said wars. Genuine and riveting, Oualid Mouaness' directorial debut 1982 recounts the events of the Israelite invasion in South Lebanon through the perspective of children and teachers in a Lebanese school. Due to Mouaness' drawing from his own memories as a child during the war, viewers are provided with a beautifully narrative about adolescent love and the power of innocence. There were times during the film where I found myself so invested in these children's lives that I forgot there was war waging just miles from the school. Strong directing choices and simple yet stunning cinematography are what truly set the tone for the film. Choices such as lack of music for many scenes or long takes of establishing shots created a sense of realism by emulating the natural human perspective. Although war may not be a universal experience, emotions such as fear, confusion, and love are something many can sympathize with and relate to, which in turn makes this films simplicity its greatest weapon.

The purpose of documentaries is to inform, educate, and often create a call to action for audiences. The film Kiss the Ground (2020) executes this beautifully. Amidst an incredibly challenging time, directors Josh and Rebecca Tickell elevated their documentary portfolio by creating this stunningly optimistic film, which highlights the efforts being made to create a more sustainable and healthy Earth through agricultural regeneration. From stunning visuals to concrete evidence from reliable sources such as Nada and NOAA, the film successfully creates a comfortable atmosphere for audiences, free of judgment. Worth mentioning is also the unique casting choice for the narrator: Our favorite natural born killer, Woody Harrelson. I will never be able to step outside and not think about the worth of the dirt under my feet now that I have seen this documentary. For that reason alone, I consider this film a must-watch!