This documentary didn't aim to explain or analyze what happened that day. It did not seek out context for what led to the events that unfolded (i.e. The Big Lie). Rather, it simply presented the day as it happened in its raw, unfiltered form. I remember watching that day unfold before me live on TV. I have since seen every documentary I've found about it. This one goes beyond any that I've seen. It brilliantly combines footage from police, media, building, and rioters to show exactly what happened.
To weave its narrative, it does not rely on a narrator or some analyst to put things into perspective. Rather, it uses the subjects of the footage (such as police officers), creators of the footage (proud boy and other rioters), and members of congress and staff members who saw things unfold and shared what they felt at that time. It is important to note that this commentary is not to put things into context. Rather, it is meant to tell what they were feeling at that time. Indeed, the documentary is so unfiltered that there are times where I was livid at the film for allowing these people so much screen time to spew their disproven conspiracy theories and misinformation. [Indeed, i find the 1 star reviewers here that lambast this film for being leftist propaganda ironically funny because it is the only film I've seen that actually gives them an unfiltered platform] Alas, that is what gives this film its power. You are left to interpret the events as they unfold. To those whom are well familiar with the Big Lie and what happened that day, you can see how these people truly believe they were the patriots and that they were morally correct. It is a powerful image to see them proudly parade the invaded capital building and reminisce about that day - all while superimposed with images of the damage they caused to the building, to the officers that valiantly fought to protect our elected representatives, and to the institution of democracy.
If I may digress for a moment to expand on this point. It was and remains quite chilling to see our seat of government, the house of the people, invaded. As a Colombian-American, I think back to.1985 invasion of the Justice Palace in Bogota where.the M-19 group successfully took over the building and held the Supreme Court hostage. This documentary brought forward new footage and testimony showing how bravely the officers fought to prevent such an outcome in DC. It was harrowing to see that tunnel battle unfold. Yes, we've seen the footage on CNN, Fox News, and Youtube. But here, we see it in first person. We see officers drained in the tunnel but quickly turning back to the battle because they knew that they could not let the Capital become overrun by this mob.
This is a documentary that lays all the cards on the table. All throughout, you are watching and listening to these so-called patriots recount their so-called tourist visit - all the while, completely oblivious to the damage they have caused. You wonder where the accountability goes; you wonder if they still believe this reality. The ending of this film helps answer these questions. You see how these people reconcile the accountability they are now being subjected to as Trump plays golf and essentially abandons them.
This is a documentary that must be seen as an addendum to your study into that day. The only way you will appreciate it fully is if you are already well-aware of the context surrounding these events. You will need to be aware of "The Big Lie," Pence's defiance to Trump, Trump and his Trumpet's incendiary language leading up to that day, the movement within Congress to object to the certification, the danger key figures like Pence, AOC, Pelosi, and Romney faced that day and how some evaded the worst by quick thinking and simple luck.
Basically, this is not the definitive telling of what happened. It's not a one-stop shop. It is however brilliant in providing an unfiltered view of how that day unfolded. A must watch!
To weave its narrative, it does not rely on a narrator or some analyst to put things into perspective. Rather, it uses the subjects of the footage (such as police officers), creators of the footage (proud boy and other rioters), and members of congress and staff members who saw things unfold and shared what they felt at that time. It is important to note that this commentary is not to put things into context. Rather, it is meant to tell what they were feeling at that time. Indeed, the documentary is so unfiltered that there are times where I was livid at the film for allowing these people so much screen time to spew their disproven conspiracy theories and misinformation. [Indeed, i find the 1 star reviewers here that lambast this film for being leftist propaganda ironically funny because it is the only film I've seen that actually gives them an unfiltered platform] Alas, that is what gives this film its power. You are left to interpret the events as they unfold. To those whom are well familiar with the Big Lie and what happened that day, you can see how these people truly believe they were the patriots and that they were morally correct. It is a powerful image to see them proudly parade the invaded capital building and reminisce about that day - all while superimposed with images of the damage they caused to the building, to the officers that valiantly fought to protect our elected representatives, and to the institution of democracy.
If I may digress for a moment to expand on this point. It was and remains quite chilling to see our seat of government, the house of the people, invaded. As a Colombian-American, I think back to.1985 invasion of the Justice Palace in Bogota where.the M-19 group successfully took over the building and held the Supreme Court hostage. This documentary brought forward new footage and testimony showing how bravely the officers fought to prevent such an outcome in DC. It was harrowing to see that tunnel battle unfold. Yes, we've seen the footage on CNN, Fox News, and Youtube. But here, we see it in first person. We see officers drained in the tunnel but quickly turning back to the battle because they knew that they could not let the Capital become overrun by this mob.
This is a documentary that lays all the cards on the table. All throughout, you are watching and listening to these so-called patriots recount their so-called tourist visit - all the while, completely oblivious to the damage they have caused. You wonder where the accountability goes; you wonder if they still believe this reality. The ending of this film helps answer these questions. You see how these people reconcile the accountability they are now being subjected to as Trump plays golf and essentially abandons them.
This is a documentary that must be seen as an addendum to your study into that day. The only way you will appreciate it fully is if you are already well-aware of the context surrounding these events. You will need to be aware of "The Big Lie," Pence's defiance to Trump, Trump and his Trumpet's incendiary language leading up to that day, the movement within Congress to object to the certification, the danger key figures like Pence, AOC, Pelosi, and Romney faced that day and how some evaded the worst by quick thinking and simple luck.
Basically, this is not the definitive telling of what happened. It's not a one-stop shop. It is however brilliant in providing an unfiltered view of how that day unfolded. A must watch!