Educational Media Reviews Online

Once again, Patricio Guzmán has documented the continuing story of Chile’s journey toward true democracy. After deposing the dictator Pinochet in 1990, the Chilean government continued to operate under the Constitution which had been implemented in 1980. Although some reforms and amendments were forthcoming, many citizens were not happy with the conditions in their country. In October of 2019, the government announced an increase in the subway fare and that was the straw that broke the camel’s back. The people of Chile had had enough, and they began a second revolution. This eventually led to a new Constitution and the election of a new president. The people rejected the old far-right policies in favor of a more equal, fair democracy. This film is the story of that second revolution.

While watching this film, I repeatedly saw scenes that recalled other social movements. The very large protest marches reminded me of the Black Lives Matter marches in 2020. These protests were also largely peaceful but there were outbreaks of violence, looting, and destruction. And an attempt by some politicians to paint all protesters with the same brush.

In another scene, protestors took down a temporary wall or barricade that had been erected by police around a statue. This strongly evoked images of the tearing down of the Berlin Wall.

This is a powerful, moving film that repeats the lesson that what most people want is the right to live free and to pursue their lives without the heavy, oppressive hand of government. It also reminds us that change can happen without the bloodshed of military might. The Chilean protestors took on the Chilean police and military who were armed with guns, water cannons, and tear gas. The protestors had little beyond rocks and willpower. Yet, the protestors eventually won.

This film documents history in the making. I found it to be powerful and riveting. There are scenes of violence, especially clashes between police and protestors. Yet, the violence does not overwhelm the message of hope that is the real story. The film is in Spanish, but the English subtitles are easy to follow. Altogether, I found this to be an excellent documentary.

Change can improve people’s lives, but the process is neither swift nor easy. As one woman in the film said: “We must be patient. These changes are not for us. They are for the next generations.”

Awards:
2022 Spirit for Freedom Award, Best Documentary, Jerusalem Film Festival

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