Title: Battle In Seattle

Studio: Alliance Films

Director: Stuart Townsend

Principle Cast: Martin Henderson, Ray Liotta, Michelle Rodriguez, Channing Tatum, Andre Benjamin, Charlize Theron, Connie Nielson, Woody Harrelson

Length: 1 Hour 40 Minutes

Rating: 14A

Released: April 28^th 2009

Reviewed By Kindah Mardam Bey (Ontario)

“Be tough on your issues, but be gentle on my town” – Ray Liotta as Mayor Jim Tobin

Possibly one of the most relevant films in recent years, Battle In Seattle has been seen by far too few people. Anyone who saw the 1999 World Trade Organization “Millennial Round” in Seattle remembers some vague debacle, violent protestors and media mayhem. No one outside of the action really left with an understanding of what happened over that three day period. Battle In Seattle seeks to focus on that short, but highly poignant event.

In brief, the World Trade Organization is intended to “liberalize international trade,” but what appears to happen more often than not is that the financially strong prey on the financially weak and the next thing you know, you can’t find a single item not made in China or Taiwan, and you end up paying for bailouts in a “world recession”. With recent world politics and financial crisis, the protestors of 1999 look downright prolific. In truth, every event holds thousands of stories, and Battle In Seattle highlights all aspects of that three-day period. The policy holders of the WTO couldn’t access the meeting areas due to protestors who were non-violent, but defiant in trying to shut down the WTO gathering. What usually happens with a large-sized group (originally thought to be 10,000 protestors that ballooned to 50,000) of individuals – not everyone agreed with the approach and a small amount started to damage corporate buildings, shops and the downtown core of Seattle. The police must retaliate and as they do, the lines of right and wrong, innocent and criminals blurs.

Stuart Townsend, a good actor, but fantastic writer and director, has found his true calling with his debut film on the other side of the camera. Townsend trims the fat away from the issues and brings a collaborative cast of characters that each relay the politics and battle point intersections of each viewpoint from the event. Townsend is careful not to flash a glare on the WTO directly as that would muddy the storytelling waters, but instead focuses on the politics on a very human level. Issues that come to the surface are those that are heavily discussed today – the environment, home-based production, human rights, freedom of speech, world economics, and so much more. Superbly put by Townsend’s character Django, played by Andre “3000” Benjamin, that if you can’t see how each of these issues are connected “you’re just not connecting the dots.” Townsend furthers his commitment to quality storytelling by seamlessly blending actual protest footage with the fictional accounts of the event.

The cast is dynamic and full of actors that suit the roles to the absolute letter. You can easily get a sense of how invested all the cast were in relaying this story. Ray Liotta, as the Mayor who desperately tries to avoid violence, Martin Henderson as the rally leader, and a quiet but poignant performance by Rade Serbedzija (Fugitive Pieces) are standouts. Equally strong in the performances they delivered, Michelle Rodriguez puts her heart on the line and Charlize Theron gave a very convincing a heartbreaking performance as a bystander caught up in the chaos. Most surprisingly was Andre Benjamin, better known as Andre 3000 from Outkast, who drew home an uplifting and inspiring character portrayal.

Battle In Seattle has a Paul Haggis Crash-type feel to it, by putting a community of people at the core of the story. The issues brought to light may be liberal in philosophy, but with respect to the other side of the story, which was highly effective in its delivery. The soundtrack is highly compatible and just plain awesome; it is as gritty and collective as the way the film was shot. Battle In Seattle is a highly relevant and poignant film that should not be missed. Take the opportunity to understand the past, so you can have a strong comprehension of the present. The movie's website (www.battleinseattlemovie.com) has 5 ways in which you can be active in your international community should you feel inspired by the film to be an active participant in the betterment of the world in which you live.

The special features are particularly relevant as the film commentary and behind-the-scenes documentary are also full of information that didn’t make it into the film and a collection of interviews with Labor Leaders and Members of Congress that focus on the issues that the Labor protestors in Seattle brought attention to.

Special Features: Feature Commentary with Director Stuart Townsend and Editor Fernando Villena, Behind The Scenes: The Making Of Battle In Seattle, The Battle Continues: Interviews with Labor Leaders and Members Of Congress, Theatrical Trailer

Written by :

Kindah

 

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