Reich is a world-renowned economist, a gifted former UC Berkeley professor, a former Labour Secretary to President Obama and a defender of democracy in the era of Trump. The film was not filled with footage of Reich discussing the divisive politics that are tearing Americans apart and attacking the foundation of democracy. Instead, the film is a look inside the intellect, heart, and passion of a decent man who is committed to educating as many young minds as possible and loving every minute of it. A review by Matt Stoller Scitz on Roger Ebert.com describes Reich as a “public intellectual” committed to educating people about the happenings of the world around them and inspiring curiosity about government, public service and people making a “social contract with each other”. In his last class, Reich stressed the importance of being fair with each other and being educated about how social issues and how a troubled government affect all of us.
Reich is a physically small man but when he speaks to his students he is giant in their eyes. The respect and excitement his students emit during his lectures is beautifully captured by director Elliot Kirschner.
Reich’s writings about the connection between economics and democracy are an essential contribution to the education of college students as they enter the real world, and will learn how money and politics will affect their present and future lives. The movie captures Reich’s genuine passion and concern for how people treat each other and understands the importance of working through our ideological differences on economics and political affiliation.
Reich’s optimism was a strong aspect of the film. He projected an understanding and empathy for his students pessimism, but true to his brilliance, urged them not to become cynical.
Watching a teacher in love with his craft, the subjects he teaches, and the young people whose lives he touches was emotionally moving. It left me wishing men like him, people like him, were running this country with equality, honesty, curiosity, and decency guiding our social discourse and commitment to protecting our democracy. As long as Reich keeps advocating for us to be educated about how to come together with our differences and want the best for each other and the country, democracy will survive.
