The Race to Save the World is a documentary aimed toward enlightening its viewers on climate change and the people who stand up to fight this threat. As it explores the journeys of a number of activists, the world can see all that these individuals put on the line, all that they sacrifice, and what it means to them to ensure a safe and livable future for their friends and family.
Everything feels fabricated to a degree. It feels like everyone is well aware of the fact that they have cameras in their faces and that they are acting differently as a result. Furthermore, I have an issue with the dialogue. Either this is the most articulate group of individuals on the face of the earth (which surely isn’t impossible), or their lines are written for them. The seemingly inorganic nature of The Race to Save the World never dissipates, and it’s off-putting. The Race to Save the World feels like a theatrical experience rather than a naturally occurring documentary about curbing climate change.
The Race to Save the World presents viewers with a terribly dangerous message. It seems to tell viewers that if you believe in something enough that it’s alright to break the law, it’s alright to put yours and others’ lives in danger, and it’s alright to go toe-to-toe with law enforcement (even if that means being physically aggressive). As the film plays out and new scenarios arise, The Race to Save the World says to its viewers that nothing is unacceptable when fighting for climate change. You can sacrifice your life, your freedom, your family, and everything in between–and that’s viewed as okay according to director Joe Gantz and the subjects on screen. While I understand that the cast and crew of The Race to Save the World aims to express that a change needs to be made, impressionable minds will see this film, and that creates a danger to all of us.
There becomes a political agenda that rises to the surface about halfway through the film. The interviewees begin pointing fingers at opposing politicians and blaming entire political parties for the issues that are occuring in the world. As The Race to Save the World became more and more divisive I struggled more and more to care about what the film was saying–and it fell further from success as a result.
With all of this being said, it would be unfair of me to ignore the cinematic properties of The Race to Save the World. So, the ability of the camera operators to make their way into the thick of the protests being depicted throughout the film, or to get up close and personal with nearly everyone involved is a work of art and a dedication to that artform. Seemingly nothing was able to stop this crew from capturing this story and bringing to light the issues that The Race to Save the World focuses on, and they find success through every moment of the documentary as a result.
The Race to Save the World is infuriating, and the reality is that through most of the film I struggled to empathize with the subjects on screen. They were often depicted taking part in illegal actions, advocating for their children to take part in the same things, and encouraging everyone willing to watch to follow in their footsteps. Again, The Race to Save the World presents viewers with a dangerous message. Sure, you should fight for what you believe in, but there’s a line that shouldn’t be crossed. You shouldn’t put yours or others’ lives in danger, you shouldn’t break the law, and you shouldn’t hinder the ability of law enforcement officers because you want to exercise your First Amendment rights–there is always a better way. The following rating is as high as it is as a result of the cinematography and the abilities of the camera operator–and nothing else. The Race to Save the World is a dangerous documentary, and in the wrong hands, viewed by the wrong people, I’m afraid that this may lead to something catastrophic.
Directed by Joe Gantz.
⭐⭐/10
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