Better Left Unsaid

2020 • 91 minutes

About this movie

The premise behind Better Left Unsaid, lies in the unconfined analysis of the often violent extremism of today's Western political landscape. As liberal democracy becomes increasingly challenged in the West, we expose the dangerous tactics employed by the radical-left and far-right, alike. In a world where political polarization frames the way in which we live, a new path forward of unity is needed more than ever before. The value of the film lies in its impact, brevity and digestibility - as we confront the philosophical underpinnings of the radical left and their extreme right counterpart.

Ratings and reviews

It pains me to write this review. I agree with so much of what the interviewees speak to in the documentary. But the presenter does not do a good job of tying things together. In fact it's worse than "not a good job." It's an actively bad job. So many of the summaries of far left positions are straw men. Some are even actively misleading. For just one example, the documentary brings up the term "white genocide" and seems to suggest that certain figures on the left are seriously advocating for it. The documentary fails to mention that "white genocide" is a white supremacist talking point, and those cited the documentary were pretty obviously using it in a tongue in cheek manner. I could see a good faith criticism of such humor, but that's not what the documentary does. And then there's the sweeping but somehow also extremely narrow take on 20th century history. The documentary tackles a huge range of historical events (all of which are worth learning about in far greater depth than can even be alluded to in this format) and it boils them all down to "individualism = good, group identification = bad." Not to mention the narrator's monotone voice is both boring and irritating. Godwin's law expectedly holds. I'm afraid viewers of this sloppy production will likely be turned off by it which is a shame, because it is about a very real and concerning pattern of thought and behavior on the left. This documentary would have been so much better as a series of long form interviews. Everything the interviewees have to say is infinitely more interesting than what the documentarian "presents." Every time the presenter comes on screen and starts rambling, I can't help but think of the Pepe Silvia meme. I wonder how many of the interviewees will regret being associated with the project because of how poorly it was organized and delivered. Do yourself a favor, look up the list of people interviewed in this documentary and what they have to say on this topic. It'll be free and far more worth your time.

I'd like to give this documentary a 4.6, so i've rounded up to 5. This documentary is a very brave message in a troubling time. Regardless of where you stand politically, the documentary outlines the danger's of group think and indentity politics. It tries to show you the inherent holes that exist in the "iron clad" ideas claiming the moral high ground that have come to suggest that dialogue discourse and debate are no longer optional. Pointing out if taken to the extreme, where does that lead, to the same place it has always led us. I'm sorry to admit that this message is only amplified by the contribution of minorities in the film. It just goes to show how far we have fallen, and begs the question how much further can we fall? In terms of critiques for the film. I would have liked to have seen more opponents to these ideas actively defending their stance interviewed for the film. The concept that most of these speakers were taken from outside sources does little to diminish that the ideas they are spreading are taken in context. However we are in an intellectual deadlock. It can often be helpful to have the individuals express the ideas as it relates specifically to the film. Though I doubt many would be open to that sort of critique.There are plenty of fallacies to come across either way. That would be a great conversation a second documentary. Actively seeking debate on the issue. It's a very powerfull message when you are not allowed a seat at the table for debate. The classic quote from Nazi Germany comes to mind, "First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out— Because I was not a socialist. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out— Because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out— Because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me. - thank you for your contribution to the debate

This documentary takes a critical look at the evolution of politics in USA across the Right-Left divide in the last two or so decades, with a focus on the Left and its current dominance in political discourse (social justice, wokeness, cancel culture, critical race theory, intersectionality, etc.). The viewer is invited on an interesting journey that reveals how America arrived at its current crossroads, and where the multiple paths emerging out may lead. It is definitely worth your money ($4) and time (2 hours), whether you agree or not with the main arguments the producer and those interviewed put forth. Although it is just April, it could easily be the best/most important documentary of 2021.