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Watching Revolution Generation was the most entertaining media I have seen to showcase the true qualities of the millennial generation. To be frank, I have only ever seen millennials depicted in a very negative light and this is touched on by Directors Josh and Rebecca Tickell very early on. Narrator Michelle Rodriguez highlights the common misconceptions of this generation in an enticingly refreshing manner including her own personal anecdotes as she is also considered a millennial. Michelle is exceptionally entertaining in this task as she speaks of the struggles she faced growing up in a world seemingly destined to burn, while the previous "nomad" generation of the 1960s-1980s judged from afar. Her story is only one among the many included in this film of millennials who have struggled in adulthood and what it means to be a functioning member of society. Throughout the film, the Tickells deliberately chose to highlight the current issues going on in the world and their cyclical nature. As depicted in the film, there seems to be 4 "turnings" of generations and each new one comes with their own archetype. The directors also did well in this aspect by making the historical explanation of human nature equal parts informative and interesting. In this last turning, we have our "heroic" millennials, and it just so turns out that they live up to the 80-year theory. Politicians like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and activist Shailene Woodley are utilizing their current positions and influence to help change the world. Revolution Generation is a film that encourages all to see hope, because millennials are the heroes of this generation. It makes you want to be a hero too.

The realism that is displayed in the new film "1982" was definitely a great breath of fresh air providing an interesting perspective on war. Straight from the brilliant mind of director Oualid Mouaness, he depicts the events of what could have occurred at an average Lebanese school during the invasion. The camera angles and suspenseful cinematography entices the audience's attention and brings you into the minds of people living in a war-zone. The characters are thoughtfully constructed from the 11-year-old main character who has a crush on his classmate to his conflicted and terrified teachers and staff at this grade school. The juxtaposition of storylines combines to formulate an unsettling mood, leaving you on the edge of your seat. The superbly raw emotions simply radiate from each actor and actress creating a touching sense of a loss that had yet to happen. However, you know in the very beginning how the story ends and hang off the silence in every scene foreshadowing the pain that would come to this country. As a human, you feel inspired to recognize the horrors that are happening as the result of war and disagreements on ideology. The tension of the consequences also added to the general tone of losing and gaining hope and the fear of ultimately being trapped and unprotected. Since watching this film, I have personally gained a new intriguing perspective of what life is like for people on the other side of the globe, and it makes me want to help and advocate for them; because they are also human.

Not very often do you see a diversity of people included in documentaries like Kiss the Ground. It is safe to say that directors Rebecca and Josh Tickell wanted to represent all types of environmentalists. Included in this documentary are farmers and activists in America, politicians in Europe, and even environmentalists in China. Seeing all of these different faces and people from plenty of walks of life further inspired the message that anyone can and should be an environmentalist. Everyone found different ways to help their respective diverse communities: Kansas farmers have increased biodiversity, Detroit activists as well as San Francisco politicians have enacted programs to increase composting. This film creatively includes people all over the world have contributed to multiple carbon capturing solutions, all in hopes to reverse the negative affects of climate change. The shots and anecdotes chosen in the final cut are just as dynamic and impressive as the cast, and further adds to the story Woody Harrelson narrates. It felt like the audience was also on a journey around the world, experiencing different walks of life and the climate being slowly regenerated. Personally, I greatly appreciated seeing people who look like me and maybe you will feel inspired too.