From the makers of “The Office,” Netflix’s new flagship series satirizes a very different kind of American workplace, in a very different political-international context. In doing so, “Space Force” manages to comedically introduce to popular television the basic concepts of the ‘Multiplex Order’, and the ensuant tensions provoked by competing national interests in space.
Film Reviews
Everyone has seen a movie/documentary or two that left a deep impression, or at least provoked questions about the ways of the world. Movies provide a window into the workings of society, culture and geopolitics. This section is solely dedicated to enhancing your understanding of the world we live in, through the lens of a film.
What do Imran Khan and Godzilla Have in Common: Both are bitter enemies of climate change
In 1954, Japan’s Toho Studios released the first Godzilla film (Gojira in Japanese), which drew inspiration from the nuclear destruction at Hiroshima and Nagasaki nine years earlier. Now well into his 60s, you would think that Godzilla should have already planned a smooth retirement. Instead, after a blockbuster 2014 Hollywood re-emergence and a superb Japanese Read More…
The Modern Lessons of HBO’s “Chernobyl”
As Craig Mazin’s hit new HBO miniseries “Chernobyl” comes to a close, David Lazzam reflects on the continuing implications the nuclear disaster and the stories behind it hold for our modern political system.
The Wandering Earth: China’s Cinematic Space Race
The Chinese science fiction film The Wandering Earth (Liu Lang Di Qiu) shattered boxes offices in 2019. Directed by Frant Gwo, the movie follows the Liu family’s post-apocalyptic space mission to save Earth from Jupiter’s gravitational orbit. The film’s thematic statements and successful public reception are a reflection of China’s increasing confidence in its space exploration program.
Metalhead and the Fear of Integration
Black Mirror is an anthology series that explores the relationship between humanity and technology. Each episode takes us to a near-future world that often demonstrates the disturbing potential of today’s innovations. Season four includes the episode “Metalhead,” in which our anxieties regarding intelligent, autonomous drones is examined.
How Does Nocturnal Animals Highlight Gender Security?
Nocturnal Animals is a movie which reveals the problem of gender violence and harassment. One of NATO’s missions to address this issue is to promote gender security.
How Does The Great Dictator Connect To NATO?
Charlie Chaplin’s speech in the Great Dictator, and NATO’s mission-values, both share a common message about liberty, democracy and the rule of law.
In Review: Chuck Norris vs. Communism
Did bootleg VHS tapes bring down Romanian communism? Benson Cheung reviews “Chuck Norris vs. Communism”.
In Review: Highway of Tears, A rear-view to the federal inquiry for Missing and Murdered Indigenous women (MMIW)
From local community support to cross-Canada awareness and involvement for murdered and missing indigenous women, Mégane Visette looks back at the documentary Highway of Tears in light of the newly launched federal commission of inquiry MMWII.
In Review: Fighting ISIS
This week as part of NAOC’s Projecting Politics Film & Documentary Review, Ashley McIntyre reviews the VICE Special Report: Fighting ISIS.