Filmmaker Bo Boudart’s documentary focuses on the activism of S. Brian Willson, a Vietnam War veteran who vowed to dedicate his post-military life to anti-war activism. Willson gained public prominence in the mid-1980s while protesting the Reagan administration’s backing of the Contra rebels in Nicaragua. He was part of a 40-day hunger strike by World War II and Vietnam veterans against the government’s efforts in Central America, generating attention that ultimately helped persuade Congress to cut off funding to the Contras. In 1987, Willson was part of a group of protestors who tried to block a rail shipment of arms to the Contras from the Concord Naval Weapons Station outside of San Diego—a train that protestors tried to stop but it did not halt and Willson was run over, losing both of his legs. After being fitted with prosthetic limbs, Willson continued to be a prominent presence in anti-war protests around the country. While Willson is a charismatic and often intense personality, the film strays to incorporate interviews with prominent figures who have been featured in other activism-focused documentaries, including Daniel Ellsberg, Martin Sheen, Alice Walker, Phil Donahue, and Cindy Sheehan. While their input is articulate, they also keep Willson offscreen for too long. Extras include a featurette following Willson on a 2014 trip to Nicaragua. A strong optional purchase. Aud: C, P. (P. Hall)
Paying the Price for Peace
(2016) 96 min. In English & Spanish w/English subtitles. DVD: $19.95. Cinema Libre Studio (avail. from most distributors). Volume 33, Issue 6
Paying the Price for Peace
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