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Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Kudos to Oscilloscope Laboratories for their decision to distribute this crucially important documentary, Burma VJ: Reporting from a Closed Country. This Academy Award-nominated feature-length film charts the revolutionary tactics that a small media outpost, Democratic Voice of Burma, has undertaken to smuggle video footage out of their country. Director Anders Østergaard treats the narrative with reporter's accuracy, yet manages to convey the emotional upheaval and sheer grief that Burmese populations are experiencing under militaristic government rule. Burma VJ is narrated by "Joshua," an exiled head reporter at the DVB's television station, which is in enough constant peril that they use a secret mail process to get all Burmese news footage directly shipped through courier to safe haven in Norway. Joshua, whose name was changed to protect his identity, describes the current political climate in Burma with gentle intelligence, while his video footage, shot from an unbelievably pathetic selection of what seems to be about five coveted video cameras and cell phones, illustrates his points. While there are short interview clips featuring citizens who risk their lives to speak out or put a hand to the camera for fear of discovery, most footage chronicles the 2007 uprising in Rangoon, where Buddhist monks lead the masses in a peaceful protest to free key military prisoners. Their demonstrations and the passions that permeate their formation are chilling and inspirational. Viewers beware, as one witnesses, following these gatherings, monks being violently beat up, bloodied, and even killed. To the film's credit, the violence is edited so that it is potent and disturbing, but does not dwell on the deceased in a disrespectful or sensationalistic manner. Spending ample time listening to the monks' speeches, and on watching interviews with them directly, one develops sympathy for their pleas for help and would be hard-pressed not to become a converted supporter. An extras feature on the DVD offers longer interviews with several politically engaged monks, who intelligently and tragically explain their nation's crisis and their frustrations with lack of United Nations aid. By the end, one wonders why other countries, including the United States, have stood idly by while innocent citizens and holy men beg for help. Ultimately, Burma VJ is not only a rallying cry but also a meditation on the contemporary state of independent media outlets, analyzing what they can and can't achieve as solo endeavors. Essential viewing here. --Trinie Dalton
Product Description
This film offers a rare inside look into the 2007 uprising in Myanmar through the cameras of the independent journalist group, Democratic Voice of Burma. Anders +++stergaard was originally planning to make a small half-hour portrait of a young Burmese video reporter, "Joshua", member of an underground network of activists who daily risk their lives to document the oppressive conditions in the country. Then suddenly, in September 2007, chaotic events involving the rebellion of Buddhist monks against Burma's military junta not only threw the local video reporters into the assignment of a lifetime, it also forced the Danish filmmaker to retool his project. While 100,000 people (including thousands of Buddhist monks) took to the streets to protest the country's repressive regime that held the country hostage for over 40 years, foreign news crews were banned to enter the country and the Internet was shut down. The Democratic Voice of Burma, a collective of 30 anonymous and underground video journalists (VJs) recorded these historic and dramatic events on handycams and smuggled the footage out of the country, broadcasting it worldwide via satellite. Risking torture and life imprisonment, the VJs vividly document the brutal clashes with the military and undercover police - and then they themselves became targets of the authorities. DVD FEATURES: Audio commentary with BURMA VJ Director Anders +++stergaard and film critic John Anderson; FIGHTING FOR FREEDOM - a video interview with BURMA VJ Joshua; Burmese Monks' stories from the uprisings televised on Democratic Voice of Burma; A video message from Richard Gere; CROSSING MIDNIGHT - a riveting film about refugees on the Thai/Burma border.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
By Ryan Tong
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
Let me put this into perspective of how powerful this film is. People died to give you this footage. This isn't an indie film crew trying to do a story on the Burmese in the safety of the local Holiday Inn. This is Burmese citizens facing fear of death every day to bring you the truth.
You will recognize some of the footage if you were watching the news on Burma at the time. The VJ's in this film were the ones that smuggled footage to western news agencies.
The bulk of the film takes place during the Saffron Revolution. In the footage you can feel the nervousness of the people, the fear of being disappeared. And then the most incredible acts of defiance in the face of almost certain death. This film made me cry a couple times and tears don't come easily to me. The film is narrated throughout and you empathize with the frustration of the narrator because as the audience we are as powerless to stop the killing as he is. This film stands as a testimony to their lives as well as the monks and activists that are currently locked up in secret prisons and executed.
You need to watch this film.
This is what Democracy looks like.
You will recognize some of the footage if you were watching the news on Burma at the time. The VJ's in this film were the ones that smuggled footage to western news agencies.
The bulk of the film takes place during the Saffron Revolution. In the footage you can feel the nervousness of the people, the fear of being disappeared. And then the most incredible acts of defiance in the face of almost certain death. This film made me cry a couple times and tears don't come easily to me. The film is narrated throughout and you empathize with the frustration of the narrator because as the audience we are as powerless to stop the killing as he is. This film stands as a testimony to their lives as well as the monks and activists that are currently locked up in secret prisons and executed.
You need to watch this film.
This is what Democracy looks like.
5 of 6 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Young Filmmakers Risk Their Lives for Peaceful Change in "Burma VJ"
June 23, 2010
Format:DVD
As a journalist who has reported from Asia and understands the life-and-death pressures in Burma (or Myanmar), I highly recommending this new-to-DVD documentary. "Burma VJ" is essential viewing for anyone concerned about grassroots peacemaking, powerful new-media tools and the awe-inspiring courage that religious convictions can fuel in ordinary men and women. We've all seen far too much TV footage of homicidal suicide bombers--religious fervor fueling the destruction of innocent lives. In "Burma VJ," we see ordinary men and women courageously risking and sometimes sacrificing their own lives on behalf of peace.
One wonders: Why do these people do it? Their chance of peacefully toppling the ruthless military government of Burma/Myanmar is slim. In fact, as you know before you even watch this film, the protesters did not succeed in the 2007 movement. So, why even atempt this challenge? The question is answered by one of the young filmmakers in "Burma VJ" who dares to shoot footage of Buddhist monks attacked by thugs from the military dictatorship. Why do these monks inspire this young man? He answers: "They are acting out of their knowledge of history. They are not acting out of anger."
Stunning. Their faith is unshakeable in its assumption that goodness will prevail. If not 20 years ago in the last major protests, if not in the 2007 protests--then in the next wave they are organizing secretly even as you read this review. And we're not talking about mere risks. Toward the end of the film, your heart will break in a scene that was carried by news networks around the world: a beaten monk's body drifting away in a river.... Read more ›
One wonders: Why do these people do it? Their chance of peacefully toppling the ruthless military government of Burma/Myanmar is slim. In fact, as you know before you even watch this film, the protesters did not succeed in the 2007 movement. So, why even atempt this challenge? The question is answered by one of the young filmmakers in "Burma VJ" who dares to shoot footage of Buddhist monks attacked by thugs from the military dictatorship. Why do these monks inspire this young man? He answers: "They are acting out of their knowledge of history. They are not acting out of anger."
Stunning. Their faith is unshakeable in its assumption that goodness will prevail. If not 20 years ago in the last major protests, if not in the 2007 protests--then in the next wave they are organizing secretly even as you read this review. And we're not talking about mere risks. Toward the end of the film, your heart will break in a scene that was carried by news networks around the world: a beaten monk's body drifting away in a river.... Read more ›
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By R Zern
Format:DVD
I saw this movie at SXSW last year, and it really interested me because my mom and her side of the family is from Burma. I knew that there were problems going on in Burma, but I wasn't really familiar with any more details regarding the problems. Watching the footage made me feel as though I was watching something that I wasn't allowed to watch, and I wanted everybody to watch and learn what was going on in Burma. Everybody should be able to record and document what is going on in life, and I really appreciate Anders Řstergaard going out and making a film about the problems in Burma.
After watching the movie, I felt so much more educated about the subject. I wanted to learn more about it, and I wanted my mom and the rest of my huge family to watch it. I told everyone about it, and it was definitely my favorite documentary at SXSW 2009...and probably of the whole year. I'm so glad that it received an Oscar nomination, and I really think it should have won.
After watching the movie, I felt so much more educated about the subject. I wanted to learn more about it, and I wanted my mom and the rest of my huge family to watch it. I told everyone about it, and it was definitely my favorite documentary at SXSW 2009...and probably of the whole year. I'm so glad that it received an Oscar nomination, and I really think it should have won.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By Leslie
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
This has been an invaluable resource in our community as we have many refugees from Burma! It does not depict every day life as we had hoped but it does depict the turmoil they face on a daily basis and why it is they flee the oppressive government. Many in our community have viewed it and it has opened up conversations for not only our community organizations but Burmese families and refugees.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By Annette
Format:DVD
Here are religious leaders who evidently care about their people. Rather than continue to stay out of politics, Buddhist monks and nuns suffer torture and even death to protest again the oppressive government. It's inspiring for even a Christian like myself. The film is all-around excellent. It's also incredibly emotionally stirring, so be prepared for a tear jerker. For an American unfamiliar with much of what goes on in Communist Myanmar, it was an eye-opener. One small but significant complaint: At times, the dramatizations take precedence, serving only to create extra suspense where none is really needed. Some of this reel time could've been used instead to provide viewers with valuable background information about Burmese political history.
7 of 10 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
A powerful film that everyone must see! So glad it received an Oscar nomination for best documentary.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Burma VJ
This documentary offers an astonishing inside look into the 2007 "Saffron Revolution" in Myanmar through the cameras of the independent journalist group, Democratic Voice of Burma. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Gus Venegas
3.0 out of 5 stars
I like to get my videos on discs.
I guess I'll get used to it, but having this film on my computer is not as convenient as having it on a portable disc. I plan to download it myself.
Published 5 months ago by Linda R. Weltner
1.0 out of 5 stars
Probably a great movie - but can't watch via Amazon Instant Video
Probably a great movie, but made the mistake of paying USD10 for this movie using the Amazon Instant Video App. Read more
Published 7 months ago by WW
5.0 out of 5 stars
Courageous and Upsetting...
Atrocities are prevalent throughout the world and some get more attention than others. I've read the other reviews, and am compelled to add my 5-stars. Read more
Published on January 21, 2011 by R. Gawlitta
5.0 out of 5 stars
Inside Burma
A must see for those who want to understand what is happening in Burma and the extent to which people are risking their lives for personal freedom from a dictatorial and paranoid... Read more
Published on December 21, 2010 by margaret b. pierce
