CMFH Film Reviews

2002, USA
Documentary, History
Review by Deborah Dearth

Undeniably fitting for the current state of political unrest in the U.S., hindsight to 1969 is brought to life through a 2002 lens. Not that directors Sam Green and Bill Siegel have affected a modern slant on their documentary of protest, but it is impossible not to extract a mindset and address it towards actions of the current administration.

There are many great nonviolent leaders of this century: Gandhi, Martin Luther King...you know the line-up. The Students for a Democratic Society began as such a like-minded organization in the 60s, sickened by an impetus towards war in Viet Nam and disgusted by racial strife in their own backyards. They observed what they considered to be ineffectual marches of protest and speeches that went no further than in one ear and out the other. Their own group began to splinter, and those that felt a nonviolent approach was no longer effective labeled themselves the Weathermen.

The moral justification amongst these members was that on a sliding scale of violence, their acts were only a small fraction of the pain that was being created overseas by our own government. Their new slogan bluntly commanded: "Bring the war home!" Supporting a belief that worse than violence was a lack of action, they decided to bomb structures they believed would leave important statements. In reaction to the murder of Black Panther leader Fred Hampton by Chicago police, they choose a policeman's ball as the target. During preparation, the bomb prematurely exploded in the arms of their own members. The reverberations of violence hit close to home, and their aims were greatly affected.

Leaders of this revolution are interviewed in the present day (with the exception of prison-bound David Gilbert), interspersed with numerous historic film clips, photos, and audio clips. In the past, these rebellious youth are straight-faced, harsh, and forceful. It hardly needs to be stated that they ceased to believe in monogamy, for they are truly a solid being, devoid of mutual respect and care. Though they shout for equality and a truthful society, they cannot portray these demands in their actions, as they desire to kill as indiscriminately as they accuse their government of doing during war. They feel their aim is focused, and yet they do not take the time to meet their enemy in the way that they demand to be met.

This film produces many great discussions. The members are intelligent, eloquent citizens, some of whom regret their previous positions, some who stand strident, and some who are still attempting to sort through their actions and the resulting consequences. Despite these slightly differing perspectives, an urgency is felt. An urgency towards a revolution that in its desire for peace and equality, maintains a sense of humanity.

Extras include separate commentaries by director Sam Green, and by former Weather Underground leaders Bernardine Dohrn and Bill Ayers. Also included are two original Weathermen audio communiqués sent to the media at large, and an interesting short film made in 1998 interviewing former W.U. and Black Liberation member David Gilbert.