Shouting Fire: Stories from the Edge of Free Speech

I saw this film a few years back on TV and was amazed how little attention this well made, thoughtful film has gotten.

Even in 2012 there is hardly any reviews on this film, maybe Liz Garbus had a bad distributor? This documentary discusses freedom of speech seen partly through Garbus father, attorney Martin Garbus.

They discuss among many things how the government in the USA have tried their best at silencing awkward opinions in post 9/11 America. But also what is the point of having freedom of speech? Is it needed?

Should racists, anti abortion activists, intelligent design people, etc have the same right? These and many other questions are raised in the film.

And it is not just one side of the political spectrum who get a chance to talk but Garbus interviews people with different political views. It is required viewing by anyone interested in freedom of speech or just interested in seeing a well made documentary.

This film should seen side by side with Fück (2005) directed by Steve Anderson. Noticed the odd spelling of Steve Andersons film? Yes, IMDb doesn't allow four letter words.

I found this documentary to be very informative about how in certain times of crisis the government will punish your freedom of speech. This is a very big deal because the government shouldn't be allowed to do that but they can.We see many different stories about how a certain crisis happened in America and how different peoples freedom of speech were punished. The documentary give a different view of our right to freedom of speech and how if they can't punish you for your speech then they'll find a different problem to accuse you with. When we think freedom of speech we think that we can say whatever we want but in reality the government can take away our ability to do so. This is a great documentary on how if the government feels like you are going to cause a panic in the society then they can take your freedom of speech and make it harder for you to say what you want without getting punished for it. If you are interested in learning about freedom of speech and the different ways that it has been used against people I recommend that you watch this documentary.

It's a very important topic and a very interesting one, but at 74 minutes in length, this is too rushed and scattered to be a great documentary. Really any one of about ten different threads in the documentary could be teased out for a more thorough documentary by itself (I'd love to see one connected to academia and the first amendment, for example). As such, it comes off more as a good appetizer than a fulfilling meal.

I LOVE this movie ! It is amazing.

If you get a chance to see it - don't miss the opportunity ! It's playing on HBO these days. (Thank you HBO for the courage to show such a controversial documentary.) Why is this movie controversial ? Because it is SO political. It is probably about the most political movie you will ever see.

I think this single movie may do more to change your view of the world than any other movie you've ever seen.

The director of this movie - Liz Garbus - gives us an incredible portrait of her father - the courageous fighter for free speech - Martin Garbus. I can't imagine any child ever creating a more powerful tribute to their parent.

I watch this movie and I LOVE this guy. He is a true hero.

In the age of spreading fear by the government and unprecedented attacks on free speech by the Bush mob - this movie yells "Stop !" "Think." "Let's look at things from an unpopular point of view." I can't describe just how incredible this movie is. But you may hate it if it threatens your deeply held (but unquestioned) beliefs.

This movie is highly, highly political. You will love it or hate it.

I thank Liz Garbus for introducing me to her lovely father.

He is truly a beautiful man.