Watch The Animal People

The Animal People is a captivating documentary film released in 2019 that revolves around the events that took place in 2002 in the United States. The movie follows the lives of a group of activists who were accused of conspiring to commit acts of terrorism. The Animal People stars prominent figures in the animal liberation movement, including Steven Best and Heidi Boghosian, who were both indicted in the case. The movie offers an in-depth look at their experiences and the motivation behind their actions.

The film begins with the background of animal liberation and the animal rights movement in the United States. The documentary highlights various aspects of animal rights, ranging from the use of animals in experimentation to those being used for entertainment. It also covers the tactics employed by the animal liberation movement, including the use of nonviolent civil disobedience, to push for change.

As the plot unravels, the audience gets to see the three-year-long undercover operation by the FBI, which led to the indictment of the activists. The film also delves into the tactics employed by the FBI in their investigation, such as the use of surveillance and infiltration.

One of the central themes of the movie is the concept of eco-terrorism. The term was coined by the FBI in the 1990s to describe acts of violence committed against corporations and individuals who were perceived to be damaging the environment. The Animal People examines the controversial use of the term and its relevance to the case.

Throughout the documentary, the viewer gets to experience the trial and tribulations of the activists who were indicted in the case. The film offers a glimpse into their personal lives, their motivations for activism, and their fears regarding their future.

The Animal People also features archival footage of the events that took place in 2002. This footage includes courtroom scenes, interviews with the activists, and news reports. The footage is expertly woven into the narrative, providing the audience with a real-life sense of the events that took place.

One of the most significant aspects of the film is its focus on the relationship between corporations, the government, and the environment. The Animal People highlights how corporate interests often come before environmental issues, citing the case of animal experimentation as an example.

The documentary also examines how the government often sides with corporations, particularly in cases involving activism. It highlights the use of the law to limit civil liberties and the rise of militarization in policing.

Steven Best, one of the activists indicted in the case, serves as an excellent subject for the film. He is charismatic, eloquent, and passionate about animal rights. The documentary effectively uses his story to explore the issues and challenges at the heart of the animal liberation movement.

Heidi Boghosian, another prominent figure in the film, is equally compelling. The documentary depicts her journey as an activist, including her involvement in the case and her eventual resignation from her job as the executive director of the National Lawyers Guild.

George W. Bush, the former President of the United States, is also featured in the film. The documentary examines how his administration's policies and rhetoric impacted the animal rights movement, particularly with regard to the labeling of animal rights activists as terrorists.

Overall, The Animal People is a powerful documentary that will resonate with anyone interested in animal rights, environmental issues, and civil liberties. It raises important questions about the relationship between governments, corporations, and the environment, and serves as a reminder that the fight for justice is far from over.

In conclusion, The Animal People is a must-see documentary that provides a poignant and thought-provoking account of the events that took place nearly two decades ago. It is an inspiration for all those who seek to challenge the status quo and fight for a better world.

The Animal People is a 2019 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 37 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.8.