Just Do It: A Tale Of Modern-Day Outlaws ***

Award-winning documentary film-maker Emily James’s latest ‘window on life’ comes at a very appropriate time when most of us are feeling rather impotent and disillusioned at the way modern-day existence is heading, what with global capitalism ruling the planet and banks (and newspaper organisations) pulling the strings of those in power.

Just Do It and its band of environmental activists echo that private and public sentiment, and even painfully admit to feeling their actions are often futile. But what James’s film does is bring hope to the rest of us that there is still a sizeable resistance out there – present-day ‘outlaws’ who know that rather than do nothing, they have to do something to make their voice heard. In a way, although such a film is meant to inspire other groups to sprout up and unite, if not quite ready to take the tent on the road, we’re happy to know that there are others willing to take up the fight and tussle with the authorities in our name as we stay inside in the warmth.

Just Do It gives an insight into an assortment of activities and campaigns led by green activists – both public and secret, from charming, tea-making eccentric Marina to young hands-on activist Roman – by focusing on members of Plane Stupid and Climate Camp. Emily points her camera at events over the course of a year to understand their motivation and passion that include breaking into power stations and bank RBS’s HQ, to attempting to stop a third runway being built at Heathrow and disrupting world leaders’ G20 Summit in Copenhagen in 2009.

James captures an inner Brit fighting spirit by following a select bunch of backpacking activists resembling ‘privileged’ middle-class students to frustrated mothers. As ‘protest’ becomes more acceptable language in contemporary British society after recent global capitalist atrocities, so James’s authentic piece of film-making enhances this people power change, rather than probing what actually motivates some to leave ‘normal life’ behind and travel the globe to take action. Indeed, more questions like, “Are you doing any good” addressed to quirky tea lady Marina would have gone further to win more dormant supporters of ‘civilised disobedience’ rather than just household recycling. In a sense, all those interviewed on film are highly articulate and could have given a more convincing argument for their way of doing things.

At times, the film simply feeds stereotypes that it feels like it’s adding nothing new to what we already think we know. But it does surprise and shock still – such as Danish Police’s illegal caging of protesters at G20 caught on a mobile phone recording and their ‘Marshall law’ ways. In other moments it cynically feeds some of the tax-paying public’s perceptions of law-breaking, non-working trouble-seekers whose actions spurn public condemnation, but those ideals bring a deep-seated respect, if we’re honest, for what they believe is their job at hand; helping save the planet. This is evident with the conflicting feelings felt by some of the police officers featured, and the transforming of derelict greenhouses in communities blighted by proposed plans of a third runway at Heathrow.

In the end, armed with the website (justdoitfilm.com) and a strong message to ‘get involved’ and start your own group, the film leaves it up to us to judge, with some encouraging results, including proposed plans for a new E.ON power station and Heathrow’s third runway dropped, and Danish courts ruling that police methods were illegal during the 2009 Summit. Without a doubt, Just Do It inspires a whole new ethic when we feel our hands are tied on a daily basis. But however outraged we might feel, is it enough to turn outlaw – all depends on your situation in life, but you will have a strong opinion either way after watching.

3/5 stars

By @FilmGazer

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WATCH THE TRAILER HERE