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tomcierzo
Reviews
Postcards from the 48% (2018)
Important film, from a certain point of view
Important to note that this is a film very much told from the point of view of someone who is dismayed about the decision to leave the EU, speaking to other people that are equally dismayed. As an exercise in group therapy, it is very good, and does highlight that there are a lot of very passionate people that strongly believe that the this decision to leave the EU is wrong, and should be reversed if that is at all possible.
It is a fascinating insight into the wide variety of people that form the 48%, and the reasons they have for desiring to remain in the EU. Many of the arguments they make around wanting to stay within the EU were sadly lacking from the main remain campaigns, who chose instead Project Fear, a move that spectacularly backfired. But hearing about the investment that the EU has brought into some of the most impoverished parts of the UK, and hearing about the importance of the EU in preserving peace on our continent, and seeing the passion that the remainers are now showing in fighting this decision is nothing short of inspiring. It is great to finally see the positives reasons for remaining rather than hear about all the bad things that will happen if we leave.
The filmmaker himself appears in the film, and is an engaging, passionate narrator, and he has assembled a fine collection of diverse people to make their cases for remaining in the EU. Some famous people are represented, either in sound bites or interviews, but many of the more compelling segments come from what might be termed ordinary people, many of whom are surrounded by leavers, who make their cases with passion and conviction. He also makes some very important points about the issues around the Irish border that puts into perspective the real risk that bringing back a border there would be very bad thing indeed, not to mention almost impossible to effectively manage.
However, I still believe the film makers missed a trick by not including at least some opposing opinions - it feels a bit like preaching to the choir, when maybe what we really need are passionate, reasonable, persuasive people to speak to, and try to understand, the 52% as well. I appreciate that this was not the film makers intention, but I still felt that I was only getting one side of the story, and as such, it didn't feel wholly complete.
Still, well worth seeking out if you get the change, and motivational for anyone who is passionate about trying to correct what I think is one of the biggest mistakes this country might ever make.