Breaking Social Review: An Irresistible Rallying Cry for Global Activism
In the compelling documentary Breaking Social, director Fredrik Gertten embarks on a global journey to meet activists who have reached their breaking point with corruption, kleptocracy, and deep-seated structural inequality. The film serves as a powerful testament to grassroots movements, while historian Rutger Bregman provides insightful commentary that elevates the narrative with his unique perspective.
Rutger Bregman's 'Possibilist' Philosophy
Rutger Bregman, the bicycling Dutch historian featured prominently in the film, rejects the label of optimist. He argues that optimism can breed complacency, leading people to assume history is naturally progressing in a positive direction. Instead, Bregman identifies as a "possibilist"—someone who believes fervently in the potential for change and the ability to reshape societal structures. His presence in the documentary adds a layer of intellectual depth, offering cuddly nuggets of wisdom that challenge conventional thinking.
For instance, Bregman reinterprets the concept of evolution, suggesting that survival during the ice age was less about "survival of the fittest" and more about "survival of the friendliest." He posits that cooperation and warmth from friends were crucial for enduring harsh conditions, a metaphor that resonates with the film's themes of solidarity and collective action.
Global Activism in Focus
Breaking Social delves into diverse activist stories from around the world, though some critics note it packs too many narratives into its runtime, each deserving of its own feature-length exploration. The film's primary focus is on Chile and the United States, highlighting:
- Chilean Feminists and Climate Activists: In Chile, feminists take to the streets in marches, while climate activists confront mining companies blamed for exacerbating drought conditions through environmental degradation.
- Amazon Workers Unionising: In New York, Amazon employees organise to form a union, finding humour in their boss Jeff Bezos's space travel endeavours as they fight for better labour conditions.
- Corruption Exposés: The documentary also covers corruption scandals, such as in Malta, where the son of murdered journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia investigates "golden passports" following her death after exposing high-level government corruption.
Additional stories include an American school teacher leading strikes and a 21-year-old indigenous individual becoming Chile's youngest-ever politician, showcasing the breadth of activist efforts.
Expert Insights and Infectious Energy
Journalist and corruption expert Sarah Chayes, a former adviser to the Obama administration, contributes a thorough analysis of global kleptocracy, providing cold hard facts that ground the film in reality. Her expertise helps contextualise the activists' struggles within larger systemic issues.
Despite its packed narrative, Breaking Social maintains an infectious energy and sense of possibilism that inspires viewers. The film's ability to weave together these stories creates a cohesive rallying cry for change, emphasising that collective action can challenge entrenched power structures.
Breaking Social is set to be released in UK and Irish cinemas starting 6 March, offering audiences a timely and thought-provoking look at the power of protest and the potential for a more equitable world.
