Watch How to Start a Revolution

How to Start a Revolution is a captivating and thought-provoking documentary that tells the story of how Gene Sharp's ideas on nonviolent struggle have influenced some of the most successful social and political movements of the last thirty years. Directed by Ruaridh Arrow, the film is both a tribute to Sharp's life's work and an analysis of how nonviolence can be used to challenge oppressive regimes and bring about positive change.

The documentary is made up of a mix of interviews, archival footage, and reenactments featuring Robert Helvey, who was instrumental in training democracy activists in Serbia, Georgia, and Ukraine. These elements are blended together in a way that creates a compelling narrative that keeps the audience engaged from beginning to end.

One of the strongest aspects of How to Start a Revolution is the way it effectively conveys the complex theories and strategies behind nonviolent protest. Arrow does an excellent job of using real-life examples to illustrate his points, showing how nonviolence can be used to leverage power and disrupt unjust systems. The film is also successful in dismantling the myth that nonviolence is a passive or ineffective approach, arguing instead that it is often more successful than violence in bringing about lasting change.

The interviews with Sharp himself are especially illuminating, as he shares the story of his own personal and intellectual journey. Hearing about his years of researching and writing about nonviolent conflict, as well as his experiences on the front lines of some of the most significant protests of our time, is both humbling and inspiring. The interviews with Jamila Raqib, who worked with Sharp at the Albert Einstein Institution in Boston, add another critical dimension to the film. Raqib offers a unique perspective on Sharp's work, and provides insight into the organization's efforts to promote nonviolence around the world.

While How to Start a Revolution is fundamentally a documentary about nonviolent conflict, it manages to avoid the trap of being overly didactic or preachy. Instead, it remains grounded in the real stories of people who have used nonviolence to challenge authoritarianism and work towards social justice. The film highlights the power of these stories by allowing the individuals who lived them to speak for themselves, rather than relying on a voiceover or external commentary to frame the narrative.

Perhaps the most significant message of the film is that nonviolent protest can work. While it is true that not every instance of nonviolent protest will result in lasting change, the film makes a compelling case that it is often more effective than violence. By showing real-life examples of the successful use of nonviolent strategies, How to Start a Revolution provides hope for anyone who wants to challenge injustice without resorting to violent tactics.

However, the film is not without its shortcomings. It is critical of some of the approaches taken by the U.S. government in supporting democracy movements overseas, but this criticism is not fully developed. There is also a question about whether the complexity of the ideas presented in the film might be lost on some viewers without a background in political theory.

In summary, How to Start a Revolution is a fascinating documentary that provides an in-depth look at the power of nonviolent protest. Ruaridh Arrow has done an excellent job of blending interviews and archival footage into a compelling narrative. The film is thought-provoking, inspiring, and easy to follow, making it an excellent resource for anyone interested in learning more about nonviolent struggle.

How to Start a Revolution is a 2011 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 25 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.