Inside Burma: Land of Fear

Burma, once known as the "golden land" for its gentle people and rich resources, has now become a vast prison without bars. For the last 34 years Burma (now known as Myanmar) has been ruled by a clique of generals led by Ne Win. Guided by astrologers, Ne Win has used torture, murder, and child and slave labor, to increase his fortunes, terrorize his countrymen, and expand his power. A popular 1988 uprising was promptly crushed, a subsequent election was overturned, and opposition party winner Suu Kyi was placed under house arrest. Written and directed by journalist John Pilger, this undercover visit reveals an enslaved and impoverished land. Pilger shows how big corporations, foreign investors, and naive tourists have been seduced into supporting an illegitimate regime. He also supplies clandestine footage of slave labor sites, receives chilling testimony from those who survived the brutal crackdowns on peaceful demonstrations, and interviews Nobel prize winner Suu Kyi, who retains her faith in a democratic future. The video includes bloody and disturbing footage showing the government's violations of basic human rights. This thought-provoking documentary should be seen by policy makers and human rights advocates. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (S. Rees)