In the past years a lot has changed in various countries in the middle east. Revolutions took place, which in some countries turned into war. The revolution in Egypt has received a lot of media attention, with the Tahrir square becoming a symbol for it. People camped there to make a statement that a change was needed. Through the news it was possible to get an idea of what was going on, but as a viewer you still saw it from a distance. This documentary shows that revolution from a different perspective and follows some people who lived through it.
Various protesters are followed as they go through this revolution. Despite their different ideas they have a common goal which is to have president Mubarak leave and make sure a new government will be installed. Although their protests are mostly peaceful and they eventually manage to succeed there is a lot of turmoil in getting there. There are stories of toxic gas being used by the government in hospitals. The images are not for everybody as sometimes horrible footage is shown. When one of the protests is violently broken apart by the military there are people who were crushed by the assault vehicles. It is the reality of the situation and shows that a revolution is filled with risks.
The thing which has stayed with me the most is the despair some people feel. One of the people who is followed, Ahmed Hassan, is very passionate and also seems very controlled, but after many disappointments there is a moment where he does not seem to care for his life anymore and runs straight for danger willing to risk it all in order to hurt the government. The Square generates a big range of feelings, that of hope, anger, pain and many more. It is an important documentary which educates and also inspires you to fight for what you believe in.
I was stunned by The Square and surprised by how much it engaged me. It’s such a difficult situation, yet people are still singing and protesting to make a difference. Of course, the new bosses don’t seem any better than the old one. I’m glad you were able to check it out and enjoyed it!
Yeah it is such an engaging documentary. I have had Netflix for a couple of weeks now and I am currently really enjoying their selection of documentaries.
Agree with Dan’s comment above. Stunned me too. It’s amazing, though, that no matter how much good intent and will you have in something, it requires a certain amount of organisation to get things really going. At least it was a learning curve for the protesters involved who are still fighting for change in Egypt.
Yes and it is something that this documentary makes very clear. Of course the availability of internet has helped a lot in doing so.
GREAT to see you loved it too. It turned out to be my favorite documentary from last year. I watched it twice and was glued to it both times. Fine review my friend.
For good reason. It is one which also is very difficult to watch at times, but with a such a subject it is important that it shows it all.
WHOAH! Such a high rating now I’m even more curious Nostra. The cinematography looks stunning as well.
Yeah, it looks really good for a documentary shot in such a hectic situation. Interested in reading what you make of it.
This sounds fascinating and I’ve heard a lot of good things about it. Your score makes me even more determined to watch it soon. I have it on Netflix and will hopefully see it shortly.
Have seen it on Netflix as well. If you are in the mood to handle it, it is well worth seeing.