Occupy The Movie (Corey Ogilvie,2013);Canada

Reviewed by Linda Mccomb. Viewed at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art.

Americans have long struggled with the corporate greed that so often takes center stage in the United States. The term “Occupy Wall Street” is now a term that almost everyone is aware of. Occupy the movie, directed by Corey Ogilvie, tells the story of a movement to stop the greed as well as a glimpse into the lives of the people who joined this movement.

This movie seems to be portrayed from the view of the “99%”, or those we refer to as the working class. The film shows interview of people giving their opinions about how corporate banks are stealing American’s money and how there is an extreme financial inequality in our country. This film does an excellent job in showing the strength and bravery of the “occupyees” and the dedication it takes to stand up for your rights. Many of these protesters were met with obstacles such as violence inflicted by the police. At one point the movie showed people getting pepper sprayed and kicked by officers. Throughout all this negativity however, the director did an excellent job of showing how these protesters were not afraid to fight for what they believed was right.

The film moves from present days scenes of the Occupy demonstrations to scenes of past events that shaped our history. Martin Luther King Jr. was showed at one point as an example of someone who was not afraid to stand up to those deemed “above” him. Bringing in important historical figures from the past was a way for the director to remind the viewers of those who stood up for what they believed in and also as a reminder that change is possible.

This film also discussed the recent history of our country’s tax laws and the deregulation of our banks. This is a topic that is extremely relevant to us today and is something that will always be open for discussion.

Overall, this film did a good job on education the audience of the issues currently going on in our country and the movements that are taking place to stop the social injustice. This movie should be a motivator for the younger generation to fight for their rights as American citizens and not be afraid to do so.

I defiantly recommend this film.