Educational Media Reviews Online

Decades of authoritarian rule and dwindling foreign investment have historically stunted Burma’s development. In recent years, however, the Burmese government has instituted reforms to address the nation’s poverty, dilapidation, and perennial lagging behind its Southeast Asian neighbors. The filmmakers travel across Burma to evaluate these reforms. The film centers on one investigator, who travels by train, bus, foot, and any other way she can to gain a firsthand perspective.

A building frenzy begun, and the Burmese government aims to revitalize its population. The President’s chief advisor is interviewed and offered pointed questions, including past charges of violence and corruption. The advisor candidly provides the government’s motives to turn Burma around and not become “another North Korea.” Due to newly instituted freedoms, those who were once imprisoned by the once oppressive Burmese regime are now successfully running for office.

While the audience witnesses that there is still widespread poverty, the film cites job opportunities, political rallies, media exposure, tourism, and other things that were unthinkable just a short time ago. While some residue of past remains, there appears to be a growing trust for the once feared national military. The documentary interlaces a global assessment of Burma, examining Chinese investments and Western powers lifting their sanctions on Burma.

This fine work offers a seamless micro- and macro-analysis of Burma’s economy and political situations. The tempered but genuine optimism, with glimpses of gritty reality throughout, promote the work’s objectivity and keep it from falling into naive sanguinity. Overall, this work is balanced with intimate portrayals of the investigators’ discoveries and insights.