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How to Change the World

Name: How to Change the World
Director: Jerry Rothwell
Released: 2014
Duration: 110 min

Representation Score

9.2/10

Excellent

2014

Not Rated

Director

Jerry Rothwell

Runtime

110 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Jerry Rothwell’s documentary provides a nuanced exploration of how non-conformist groups challenge global power structures. By focusing on the founders of Greenpeace, the film examines the transition from traditional politics to non-violent activism. The film effectively dismantles institutional authority and highlights the role of activists. It successfully portrays a movement operating outside established legal frameworks to promote planetary survival. However, the focus remains primarily on the 1970s pioneers, resulting in limited representation of disability and a secondary treatment of LGBTQ+ identities.

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Category Breakdown

Does How to Change the World have LGBTQ+ representation?

Good

The film includes LGBTQ+ individuals as part of the activist community, but their identities take a backseat to the main environmental mission.

How does How to Change the World portray gender?

Good

Women are featured in key leadership and strategic roles, challenging traditional hierarchies. The narrative emphasizes a collaborative approach that contrasts with conventional male-dominated political structures.

How racially and ethnically diverse is How to Change the World?

Fair

The documentary highlights how environmental issues disproportionately affect regions in the Global South. It uses the movement's history to discuss broader inequalities based on geography and race.

How does How to Change the World represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The film strongly critiques Western institutions and capitalism. It presents ecological preservation as a higher principle that justifies disrupting established social norms.

Does How to Change the World include disability representation?

Fair

There is no central focus on physical or neurodivergent disabilities. The narrative prioritizes the collective political efforts of the group over individual disability stories.

Present on Screen

Effectively challenges traditional gender hierarchies by featuring women in leadership roles.
Provides a strong critique of Western institutions and capitalist economic models.
Offers meaningful insights into non-traditional social structures within activist communities.

Limited or Absent

Lacks prominent or centralized narratives about physical or neurodivergent disabilities.
LGBTQ+ representation exists but is secondary to environmental goals.
Focuses mainly on 1970s pioneers, limiting broader racial and ethnic diversity.

Official Synopsis

In 1971, a group of friends sail into a nuclear test zone, and their protest captures the world's imagination. Using never before seen archive that brings their extraordinary world to life, How To Change The World is the story of the pioneers who founded Greenpeace and defined the modern green movement.

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