Film ReviewsA Rose is a Rose is a Rose
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Davis Guggenheim's documentary, He Named Me Malala, is on the short list of 15 titles vying for the next round of Oscar nominations for 2016, but it seems that this may be due to its subject matter and not because it's a strong or balanced documentary. Malala Yousafzai is a pillar of strength and champion for justice, equality and education in parts of the world where gender defines a person's worth and opportunities to the extreme. Malala became a household name around the world when she was shot in the head by the Taliban in 2012 for seeking and promoting education and equality for young girls. The assassination attempt resulted in a miracle because Malala not only lived, but like a storybook hero, persevered-her voice grew stronger and her resolve knows no bounds.
He Named Me Malala offers viewers a compelling understanding of Malala's family life and the values that shaped her resistance in the Swat Valley in northern Pakistan, and today. One of the best attributes of the documentary is that it provides context for Malala's civic education. She was not simply a 10-year-old girl whose courage came from out of the blue or through the story of the Malala for whom she was named. Malala Yousafzai was shaped by the world around her, Ziauddin Yousafzai's (her father) work, dialogue between learned and critical thinkers, and ideas that didn't differentiate gender or class. Malala Yousafzai was named after Malalai of Maiwand, who in 1880 rallied the local people against the British troops like an Afghani Joan of Arc. Malalai of Maiwand died in the battlefield and became a national folk hero. So what's in a name? The title itself, He Named Me Malala, suggests that names are important, perhaps even foreshadowing destiny, character and duty. At the end of the day, however, it is Malala Yousafzai who decides her path. As Malala continues on a quest for justice she inspires others. The Western World has taken Malala into its heart and provided for her a platform, thus she's becoming more effective in inculcating change and hope, and that's something that no weapon yielded by either the Taliban or the Western world can defeat.
The documentary is heartfelt and also provides a glimpse of Malala now-after the assassination attempt-and the surgeries, relocations and recovery leading up to her Nobel Peace Prize award in 2014. He Named Me Malala provides a charming sneak-peek of Malala the teenager who giggles at the thought of dating, and blushes when she sees images of her favorite male sports stars. He Named Me Malala even provides viewers with an understanding of the values that real Islam holds, which in the end, are not that different than any moderate, Western, [insert religion here] values of human dignity. All these aspects of the documentary are important for viewers to see, especially young viewers. At a time when anti-intellectualism, hate groups and extreme [insert ideology here] groups foment intolerance and grow in the Western World, it takes courageous people like Malala to remind viewers that education is the ultimate and most peaceful weapon against fear and hate. But, He Named Me Malala is more of a call for action that continues to promote Malala's work, philosophy, goals, than an objective documentary featuring other complex aspects of Malala's experience. The documentary touches the surface of the controversy in other parts of the world that revolve around the idea that Malala has become a Western tool against her own people. At times Guggenheim inserts himself into the frames in an intrusive and calculated manner.
Guggenheim uses moving illustrations to tell parts of the story. The illustrations are colorful and well done and make the film more accessible to younger audiences. However, the same gimmick also downplays the severity of the contents, making it feel like a child's story book come to life. Viewers are left with a number of questions about her health and potential future complications. Guggenheim fails to shine a light forward, it's a good thing Malala is there to speak for herself and for the hopes of new generations.
He Named me Malala shows on Monday, January 11 at 8 p.m. at Bear Tooth.
He Named Me Malala offers viewers a compelling understanding of Malala's family life and the values that shaped her resistance in the Swat Valley in northern Pakistan, and today. One of the best attributes of the documentary is that it provides context for Malala's civic education. She was not simply a 10-year-old girl whose courage came from out of the blue or through the story of the Malala for whom she was named. Malala Yousafzai was shaped by the world around her, Ziauddin Yousafzai's (her father) work, dialogue between learned and critical thinkers, and ideas that didn't differentiate gender or class. Malala Yousafzai was named after Malalai of Maiwand, who in 1880 rallied the local people against the British troops like an Afghani Joan of Arc. Malalai of Maiwand died in the battlefield and became a national folk hero. So what's in a name? The title itself, He Named Me Malala, suggests that names are important, perhaps even foreshadowing destiny, character and duty. At the end of the day, however, it is Malala Yousafzai who decides her path. As Malala continues on a quest for justice she inspires others. The Western World has taken Malala into its heart and provided for her a platform, thus she's becoming more effective in inculcating change and hope, and that's something that no weapon yielded by either the Taliban or the Western world can defeat.
The documentary is heartfelt and also provides a glimpse of Malala now-after the assassination attempt-and the surgeries, relocations and recovery leading up to her Nobel Peace Prize award in 2014. He Named Me Malala provides a charming sneak-peek of Malala the teenager who giggles at the thought of dating, and blushes when she sees images of her favorite male sports stars. He Named Me Malala even provides viewers with an understanding of the values that real Islam holds, which in the end, are not that different than any moderate, Western, [insert religion here] values of human dignity. All these aspects of the documentary are important for viewers to see, especially young viewers. At a time when anti-intellectualism, hate groups and extreme [insert ideology here] groups foment intolerance and grow in the Western World, it takes courageous people like Malala to remind viewers that education is the ultimate and most peaceful weapon against fear and hate. But, He Named Me Malala is more of a call for action that continues to promote Malala's work, philosophy, goals, than an objective documentary featuring other complex aspects of Malala's experience. The documentary touches the surface of the controversy in other parts of the world that revolve around the idea that Malala has become a Western tool against her own people. At times Guggenheim inserts himself into the frames in an intrusive and calculated manner.
Guggenheim uses moving illustrations to tell parts of the story. The illustrations are colorful and well done and make the film more accessible to younger audiences. However, the same gimmick also downplays the severity of the contents, making it feel like a child's story book come to life. Viewers are left with a number of questions about her health and potential future complications. Guggenheim fails to shine a light forward, it's a good thing Malala is there to speak for herself and for the hopes of new generations.
He Named me Malala shows on Monday, January 11 at 8 p.m. at Bear Tooth.