This interesting documentary tells the story of 84-year-old widow Jean Hill's seemingly quixotic effort to strike a blow for environmentalism, as she faces deep resistance in a town that prides itself on independence. Concord, MA—where the war for American independence began—celebrates its place in history with Revolutionary War re-enactments and annual parades. Many Concord residents don't want to be told what to do, clinging to a rationale that personal liberty trumps all other concerns, including damaging the oceans and contributing to pollution. After learning from her grandson about the destructive impact of plastic bottles that end up in Earth's oceans by the millions, Hill makes it her personal mission to ban plastic water bottles in Concord. The pushback is tremendous and comes from various sources, including the phenomenally profitable bottled water industry; local merchants; and anti-regulation types who cleverly frame Hill's movement as a war on drinking water instead of on the bottles. Year after year, Hill and her supporters work to get their measure passed, only to fail. But the margin shrinks each time, proving that the message is getting through. Filmmaker Kris Kaczor does a thorough job of capturing the politics of Hill's quest, treating all sides respectfully and fairly, while also serving up an affecting portrait of a quiet grandmother who discovers her life's work in her winter years. Recommended. [Note: this is also available with public performance rights for $325 from Bullfrog Films, www.bullfrogfilms.com.] (T. Keogh)
Divide in Concord
First Run, 82 min., not rated, DVD: $24.95, Dec. 15 Volume 31, Issue 2
Divide in Concord
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