Filmmaker Miles Roston’s documentary The Subversives takes viewers back to the 20th century when the U.S. selectively supported right-wing military dictatorships in global hot spots under the banner of fighting global Communism. Older viewers will certainly recall the hell that much of Central and South America descended into following coups that toppled democratically elected leaders, leading to the torture, murder, and disappearances of hundreds of thousands of people. The film centers on the work of a United Nations maverick, Theo van Boven, who led investigations into human rights abuses with vigor, determined to unearth the truth no matter who it upset. Beginning in 1977, van Boven (an elderly interviewee here) embarked on numerous human rights inquiries, traveling to Chile, Argentina, Guatemala, and elsewhere, playing things down a bit by labeling his commission an innocuous-sounding "working group." Still, he was accused of being a Communist, often upset U.S. officials, and rattled the U.N. top brass. The film presents a powerful history lesson, combining archival footage together with interviews of survivors who have no idea where loved ones vanished. As human rights abuses continue in the 21st century—most recently in the Trump administration’s forced separation of children from parents illegally crossing the U.S. border—this is a timely documentary about a sadly perennial issue. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (T. Keogh)
The Subversives
(2018) 70 min. In English & Spanish w/English subtitles. DVD: $349. DRA. Juno Films. PPR. Volume 33, Issue 5
The Subversives
Star Ratings
As of March 2022, Video Librarian has changed from a four-star rating system to a five-star one. This change allows our reviewers to have a wider range of critical viewpoints, as well as to synchronize with Google’s rating structure. This change affects all reviews from March 2022 onwards. All reviews from before this period will still retain their original rating. Future film submissions will be considered our new 1-5 star criteria.
Order From Your Favorite Distributor Today: