Movie reviews

DOCS AGAINST GRAVITY

PRE-CRIME

Watchable. The future of policing is prevention and faster, more effective investigation. The documentary involves like a thriller. The algorithms whose work it presents are imperfect (but are humans any better?) and seen as victimizing. The edge of the film lies not in questioning them but showing how it works and what is feasible. It's a proof that science fiction is becoming our reality. It shows our very likely future of 5-10 years to come.


TERAZ I W GODZINE SMIERCI

Recommended. About the power of prayer throughout recent history: from post-war Austria, overthrowing President Marcos in the Philippines, through the US war in Afghanistan, the Ukrainian revolution in Maidan, the Rwandan war, Boko Haram terror in Nigeria to a Brussels terrorist attack - not in such order or chronology but such a scope. The documentary is staunchly Catholic. The only explanation of some lucky escapes given here is the power of the Rosary. I see it in more secular terms, as the power of faith and religious experience. What struck me was a Rwandan war survivor's testimony in which she says how, in the moment of religious ecstasy, the tiny bathroom she and a few other women had been hiding in for 3 months suddently started smelling beautifully. It's very similar to what a Polish jihadist said in "Insha Allah. Krew meczennikow" ("Insha Allah. Blood of the Martyrs") about an ISIS martyr's blood. To me it's a proof that our imagination can overwhelm our senses. The Boko Haram terrorist who let a pious Catholic woman free was no miracle either. Christians and Muslims are both People of the Book and true, peaceful Muslims understand that. The notion that it's secularism that's the threat, not terrorism is some food for thought. The film has power, regardless of your interpretation.