[REVIEW] ‘We Rise Up’ or Saving the World One Documentary At a Time

Sometimes we all need a little pep talk. I remember as a child going into assembly hall meetings and hearing speakers designed to encourage us to be kind, not bully each other, not do drugs, be better friends etc. As adults we don’t really get that experience and sometimes I miss it.

This is type of inspirational presentation is essentially what we get in the new documentary We Rise Up. It is a slickly made film designed to help us put aside our differences for the good of the planet. It is also loaded with talented people “from all walks of life” sharing how they didn’t just become successful but they did so in a way that helps the environment.We Rise Up’s message is we can help save the world from pollution and global warming by moving from a system of consumption to one of contribution. Blake Mycoskie from Tom’s Shoes is given as an example. He made it part of his business model to give back and many pairs of shoes have been donated as a result.

The number of interviewees the documentary has is very impressive with everyone from the singer Moby, to the Dalai Lama, to Amina Mohammed (Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations). It’s hard not feel motivated and inspired with so many remarkable people all encouraging change and growth. It’s very effective.

On the downside We Rise Up does feel a bit too corporate at times. It seems like something you’d watch at a corporate retreat rather than a real authentic sharing of experiences. At times it doesn’t really feel like a movie but more a sales pitch for a product- except in this case the product is the We Rise Up movement. This is heightened by the way they do the graphics throughout that feels like a power point presentation.

Nevertheless, this documentary would make a great addition to a family home evening or homeschool lesson. It has so many interviews and the message is so encouraging (as well as the cinematography can be beautiful) that it will be a great jumping off point for discussions on how we can each do more to be a contributor and not a consumer.

6 out of 10

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