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THE ACTIVIST is a riveting political thriller set during the Wounded Knee protest in 1973. Two Native American activists, Marvin and Bud, are arrested and held in custody in a small sheriff's office in the middle of nowhere. Why are they secretly kept there when the events make national news? When a lawyer is assigned to the case, she will realize there is more to investigate than it seems. Why does a representative of President Nixon make frequent visits to the detainees? and a U.S. Senator? And a Hollywood star who is also an activist? Confrontations will reveal deep secrets, and the truth will come out that Marvin's wife, who died a few months before in a car accident, might have been murdered…. With nods to actor Marlon Brando, President Nixon, and Vietnam, the film recreates the paranoid culture of the 1970s.
The film got my attention right from the start. I was unaware of what happened during the Wounded Knee protest of 1973 but in the end it came as no surprise. I am sure the Indian tribes that are around today still deal with our corrupt government and their shady business. The opening scene grabs your attention right from the start but what happens after these two men are jailed is painful to watch, it will leave you shocked and angry. The government snooping and conniving is enough to make any white American sick.
I had plans to cover some of the plot details here, I have my notes written down and was ready to go but after watching the film I have decided not to do so because the less you know about what happens the more intriguing the story will be for those wanting to see it.
The film states that it was inspired by true events but certain events and characters have been fictionalized. I did not have a problem with that and I think it will only encourage people to do their own research into what happened in 1973. "The Activist" is one of the most engaging films I have seen in a long time. Everything that happens to the two men after they are jailed makes you wonder what is really going on. A thinking man's political thriller that disturbs and entertains at the same time.
The cast did a great job playing their roles including, Michael Spears, Tonanzin Carmelo and Ron Roggé. Production wise the film looks and sounds great as well. The story takes place inside the jail but the mood, tension, suspense and drama couldn't be better. I highly recommend checking out this riveting film which is available now on DVD with Bonus Features including:
original theatrical trailer
Q&A session with director Cyril Morin.
You can order it HERE. The film deserves a lot more attention than it has received up until now. Hopefully I can be a small part of spreading the word and getting others to check it out.
Released by Media In Sync
***** Out Of *****
The Activist Official Trailer from MEDIA IN SYNC on Vimeo.