Zapatista (1998)

Good work but falls short of others...

The story of the Zapatistas I feel is one of great importance and I don't think the movie served the movement or past events as well as it could. Their are interviews with Noam Chomsky, Zach De La Rocha, and the leaders of the EZLN that are incredibly valuable. The film portion of the DVD failed to look further than just generalizations. It only looked at specifics of the movement momentarily and then moved on. It also spoke only briefly of the first incursion with the Mexican government in 1994: NAFTA is created, the EZLN is formed, they attack, and are chased into the jungle...in about 15 mins. The newcomer to the issue would be lost. I think the film would have been much better had they broken it into several parts. Starting with 1994 and then had 2 or 3 episodes to the saga. Good work but I could recommend better. July 10, 2008

Great interviews of natives but who cares what mr rage against the machine thinks

Great interviews.Terrible music.Terrible cameras.Like something you would watch while standing in line at a skate shop or something but all in all interesting but if you are into learning more i would buy a place called chiapas much better! July 3, 2007

No such thing as a free lunch

I could write a long review, but I won't. The day of the Zapatista uprising says it all. The day NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) came in to effect - some celebrated, these impoverished and brave indigenous people took up arms to make a point, force change, and make their voice heard.

What can you learn from men wearing black hoods to mask their identities, a fair bit.

People the world over have forgotten, there is no such thing as a free lunch. 'Free trade' is what I call - lipstick on a pig.

I recommend the following other DVDs: The Persuaders, Orwell Rolls in his Grave, Charcoal People, National Geographic Strange Days on Planet Earth, Life and Debt, a skeptical watching of Commanding Heights, and National Graphic's Taboo Season 1 and 2. The latter I recommend watching to realize that not everyone wants to live your lifestyle and people can have very different opinions on how to live. Then if you haven't, go travel abroad.

As for books - Native Wisdom for White Minds.

You might also be interested in researching - Jante Law - on Wikipedia. A life view that is embedded in Scandinavians. October 22, 2005

VERY powerful documentary of the struggle of the zapatistas

This is a very well made documentary about the zapatistas, the indeginous movement in chiapas, mexico. Shows very well the impact of Globalization, New World Order, New Economy, Neo-liberalism on the life of the poor of this world. Gives some history of their movement, but mainly an insight into their problems and struggle and situation. Explains really well their 'ideology' and reasons.

A must see for everybody interested in their movement or interested in seeing Globalization in action and it's devastating effects on the poor of this world. Buy it, watch it, pass it around. (You can order it online from: http://www.bignoisefilms.com/ ) This one will not leave you untouched...

remou May 30, 2000

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