There are just a few individuals in the world that have the level of wealth necessary to influence global policy and politics. While some of these individuals manage to engender praise from the general public, there are others who are seen as divisive political actors. Using the right/left dichotomy, two names come immediately to mind in the United States. These are Charles and David Koch and George Soros. Charles and David Koch fund policy initiatives and political activities in a similar fashion as George Soros with all being vilified by those who have a different political agenda.
Soros provides a uniquely personal biography by examining how his early life growing up in Budapest during the rise of Nazism has influenced his political philanthropic efforts throughout the world. Through interviews with family, friends, leaders within his funded non-governmental organizations (NGOs), academics, and world leaders, viewers understand how his movement towards an open society is driven by his lived experience. It is clear his experience during the Nazi occupation of Hungary and the lengths his father went to ensure the family would be safe drives his desire to protect those in the minority and give rise to their voices by removing what he sees as a threat to their existence.
In what is a sympathetic examination of Soros using clips of criticisms as a means of directly responding to those making the accusations, Soros does little to address the accusations on a policy level but is able to humanize him as an individual. While the level of access provided by this film is beneficial, a more thorough examination of the political and philosophical ideas of an open society is needed. This film will likely not change anyone's existing view of his political agenda but hopefully it will offer a glimpse into what drives this controversial figure in global politics. This is a well-shot film and a strong optional purchase for those interested in modern politics or collections supporting political science programs. A strong optional purchase. Adu: H, C, P (Michael LaMagna)