Fahrenheit 9/11 DVD > Reviews > When will they listen?

Author's product rating:   

Did you enjoy it?	Loved it
Story	Outstanding

Advantages:	Insightful and important viewing
Disadvantages:	Heart - wrenching and ungly

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

Directed by: Michael Moore
Written by: Michael Moore
Genre: Documentary
Release Date: October 2004
Classification: 15 (due to scenes of a sensitive nature)
Run time: 122 minutes
Cost: RRP: £19.99 Amazon Price: £5.97

Awards:
Won 23 awards including Canne Film Festival Golden Palm award and Nominated for 12 further awards, including an Oscar

DVD Features:
2 discs (1st disc is the feature film 2nd disc contains the following:)
Film footage from Iraq
Abdul Henderson Interview (Marine Corporal who opposes the war on Iraq)
Music Selection
Career Gear Mini Feature

Plot Summary:
The almost infamous film maker Michael Moore explores the repercussions of 9/11 and the ensuing war on Iraq, and the failings, secrecy and deception of the US government in the aftermath of the tragedy.

About the Film-maker:
For information on the Film-maker, Michael Moore, take a look at my review of Bowling for Columbine (4th July '06).

The Feature:
This isn't a pleasant film, but then it doesn't pretend to be. Like 9/11 and like the war on Iraq that followed, this film is ugly and in places very hard to watch. But we must. Once again, Moore combines research, fantastic story-telling, human perspectives, disturbing footage and even humour to inform and induce reactions from his viewers and in particular, the American public.

It is clear Michael Moore hasn't endeared himself to the government body and most certainly he hasn't made a friend in George Bush who he continually strives to bring down by exposing lies, mistakes and cover ups he has been involved in.

The film opens with images of the 2000 elections and various politicians preparing for interviews and their moments in the spotlight. (It's great seeing big-wig suits with tissue under their collar as they have makeup applied)

The screen then goes black and we hear the awful sounds of September 11th. People crying and screaming and asking what is happening. The sounds of pure terror which engulfed the Big Apple on that tragic day. The screen then returns to show the people of New York in various states of panic and confusion and looking for their loved ones. It is absolutely gut-wrenching to watch and I challenge anyone to not shed a tear.

He then moves on to discuss the government's immediate reaction to the 9/11 catastrophe. It covers to total negligence on the part of the government in acting quickly and appropriately. He investigates the relationship the Bush Family has with the Bin Ladens and the amount of money Saudia Arabia has invested in the US (approx 6% of its whole value). He goes on to show that after the attacks The Bin Laden Family (21 relatives) living in the US, were chauffeured around the county by private plane for "safety" reasons. Fair enough, except in most cases you would have expected the family members of any criminal to have been at the very least interviewed. This didn't happen.

He talks about the personal financial investments the Bush family have in several large companies in America, including those who build weaponry and armed vehicles for the purpose of war. In effect, each day the States are at war with Iraq, the fatter good ol' Georgey's wallet becomes.

He gets off track a bit when he goes into the details of Bush's first (debatable) election win reporting a number of areas for concern. Although I think this is a serious issue which needs addressing, I am not sure it fit with the rest of the film.

Michael Moore's intent on educating the US and embarrassing the government was beautifully displayed as he drove an ice cream van around Capitol Hill reading the Patriot act to the representatives who didn't appear to have read the legislation they had passed. Another fantastic bit saw him chasing after congressmen trying to get them interested in enlisting their children for a tour of duty in Iraq. Needless to say, not many members were so forth-coming when it was their children involved.

Some of the imagery taken from Iraq is truly astounding. Young soldiers, some who are barely 18 years old talking openly about their disgust at the war and their revulsion towards the state George Bush and his colleagues (He has since compiled a book of letters he has received from soldiers stationed in Iraq) The cameras follow soldiers compassionately as they prepare for action and the injured are taken away.

A proud patriotic mother (from Moore's hometown of Flint) of a son lost in the war gives moving testament about her despair over how the government is acting in the follow up to 9/11. She paints a picture of a simple boy who enjoys simple things like playing golf. Hardly the image of a man obliged to fight for his country and a government he is quickly losing faith in.

Most moving of all is the when this mother of an American War Hero, meets a grieving Iraqi woman quietly protesting the war outside of the White House. These two women, from conflicting worlds find common ground and share a sentiment which is echoed by many people world-wide.

This is a difficult film to watch and is quite the emotional roller-coaster, however I think it is vital viewing for everyone. Some will argue that Michael Moore is turning more to propaganda and presents a very one-sided view. Perhaps this is true. There are areas he covers which I don't think are balanced. Particularly when he criticises George Bush on his initial response to hearing about the attacks on the Twin Towers. George, was at a school listening to 6 year olds read out loud when an agent whispered the news in his ear. The President stayed calm and appeared to almost ignore the news. I am not sure he had much choice - would it have been more appropriate to stand up shouting that the world was going to end and that everyone should get under their desks? Having said that Moore has exposed many other areas open for dispute in connection with the Bush Administration.

His bias aside, Michael Moore has produced a documentary which makes viewers think and encourages them to second-guess the government and to ask questions where they are so desperately needed. The world needs the likes of Michael Moore - people who are brave enough to fight for the Freedom Bush is always talking about.