The War on Democracy

2007 "Never believe anything until it is officially denied"

The War on Democracy

8.1 | 1h36m | R | en | History

Set both in Latin America and the United States, the film explores the historic and current relationship of Washington with countries such as Venezuela, Bolivia and Chile. Pilger says that the film "...tells a universal story... analysing and revealing, through vivid testimony, the story of great power behind its venerable myths. It allows us to understand the true nature of the so-called "war on terror". According to Pilger, the film’s message is that the greed and power of empire is not invincible and that people power is always the "seed beneath the snow".

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8.1 | 1h36m | R | en | History , Documentary , War | More Info

Released: June. 15,2007 | Released Producted By: , Country: Budget: 0 Revenue: 0 Official Website:

Synopsis

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Cast

Hugo Chávez , Philip Agee , Jacobo Árbenz

Director

John Pilger

Producted By

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Trailers & Images

Cast

Hugo Chávez

as Self

My Friend Hugo The Undefeated Crude South of the Border The War on Democracy The Revolution Will Not Be Televised

Philip Agee

as Self

The War on Democracy Rebel Music - The Bob Marley Story

Jacobo Árbenz

as Self - President of Guatemala (archive footage)

The War on Democracy Bowling for Columbine

Reviews

Platypuschow I'm dual nationality US & UK, I've spent half my life across each nation and have always been far prouder of my American heritage but by that I mean the country, it's people but not it's government.Let me clarify, the British government is atrocious and highly corrupt but the leaders over the pond have taken it to the next level ever since their creation.This fantastic piece by British journalist John Pilger is about Americas direct influence into Latin American countries such as Chile and Venezuala and the atrocities they have caused to better their own interests.Heartbreaking, powerful and eye opening if you aren't aware of the steps the US go to further their economy this is essential viewing.The USA for anyone with any awareness is the proverbial boy who cried wolf. They manipulate their people using the media to such an extent with their lies that every time a new story comes out you do have to question it.They've been lying about the middle east for decades and still are. At time of writing how much of what we are told about North Korea is true? And how much is to sway public opinion to their own personal agendas?The Good: Professionaly made Great interview segments Essential viewingThe Bad: Doesn't make for the easiest watch Things I Learnt From This Movie: The US has attempted to overthrow 50 governments, more than I had originally believed

Matt Norman I could write pages of why this film is so good. But I won't. I could write pages of why this film is needed but I won't. I could write pages on why Pilger is the greatest documentary maker of all time but I won't. Pilger is one of those people that doesn't do it for praise, doesn't do it for glory and also doesn't do it to make friends ;) John Pilger does it because everyone else doesn't. What I find so remarkable is that I don't know another journalist or filmmaker who truly represents the true nature of being human. A man who not only sticks to his guns but has a pure spirit to get things right from the beginning. I "SALUTE" (selfless plug) you mate. You are my favorite film makers of all time. I will forever hold you in the highest respect in these simple words.. "You make me a better person and a much more courageous filmmaker. For those reading this.. don't just watch this film but go purchase every film ever made by Pilger. 10/10 for being you.RegardsMatt Norman Director / Producer "SALUTE" www.salutethemovie.com www.theactorscafe.com"I can only dream that I will make a difference, but I can assure you I will" (Matt Norman 2009)

felicity-11 I thought the scenes looked too set up for the camera. For example, the ladies learning to read and write. It seemed that thousands were missing out and only a few are getting any lessons 10 years into the Chavez regime. The shots of Pilger in the interview with the CIA guy - which are usually done when the interviewee has left the scene were really bad. Pilger used the shot of Chavez justifying why millions people live in barrios in such a rich country as "well they don't want to be millionaires - like Americans" and I was left thinking, Well if they educated them they might want more than what they have now" I couldn't see any advantages in sight for these people rely on populist dictators. It is no wonder they escape to Australia and America whenever they can. The film was basically a lot of anti-American slanging off with no hope of change, i.e. sharing the wealth, in store for the people. The countries in the film all go from one dictator to another much like Africa does these days since the end of colonialism and the people just survive. I would prefer to see a film on the subject made by a film maker from one of the countries mentioned. Pilger was very condescending, agreeing with anything the current dictator said. As it didn't include any comedy it only rates a 1 out of 10 from me.

Jeffrey Blackler Students of Uncle Sam's doings in Latin America from the overthrow of Allende or earlier will find little new in Pilger's first big screen documentary. But its message needs to repeated again and again and as widely as possible: that "freedom" and "democracy" loving US regimes have stolen or overridden the rights of the poor in every part of the world, perhaps most of all in the "back yard". I saw the movie in a white liberal middle class district of London where the normally reticent audience gave it a round of applause. Preaching to the converted maybe. It needs to be shown as widely as possible. Viva Pilger!