Juonikuvaukset(1)
Silvie Dymáková's raw documentary uncovers the manipulation, humiliation and pressure that exist behind the closed doors of "product demonstration excursions for seniors" in the Czech Republic. The sad heroes of her film show us the non-functional saucepans, unused vacuum cleaners, "wool" blankets and bio-lamps they bought during such excursions for tens or even hundreds of thousands of crowns ... and that is the best-case scenario. In exchange for their ID cards, which have been confiscated by sellers, many have signed loan contracts. Despite their shocking experiences, the elderly take part in these events again and again in a bid to escape their loneliness or because they can't say no to the offers. Dymáková succeeded in smuggling a hidden camera into product presentations and, with a psychologist and a lawyer, analysed the high-pressure methods employed. Even while it was being completed, her documentary sparked a deserved uproar when it became clear that dozens of Czech firms were abusing seniors' inexperience, credulity and certain dependencies. (One World)
(lisää)Videot (1)
Arvostelut (7)
I gave the movie a rating of 4* not because it was somehow groundbreaking or amazing, but because it shows human stupidity in all its colossal glory. It is clear to all average intelligent people what quality they will get for the money at sales events, but some penny-pinchers let themselves be cheated three times just to drool eagerly at the designated gathering place and look forward to being robbed for the fourth time. We are quickly informed that these mostly retired unhappy individuals are not to blame because they cannot withstand the hardships of today's terrible times, but try to get ahead of such a defenseless person in line at the post office or at Kaufland, I guarantee you will be glad if you do not suffer any harm to your health...
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Three stars for a purely performative gesture, after which maybe something will start to happen. As a documentary, for me, it sometimes goes beyond the edge of what I can stand. To address this heated topic in such a exacerbated spirit, often with the preference of emotions over context and the author's pervading messianism, is unsatisfactory (the use of Vltava, a powerless street scene with March of the Gladiators, and the final fairytale scene with a crying Maruška). At the very least, the analysis of practices and psychological mechanisms is interesting and meritorious; the question is whether, for example, Czech Dream named similar things much more receptively and in a more stimulating way. Are the demonstrations really an anomaly, or is it more of a common systemic process brought on an ad absurdum, and is the fundamental problem not precisely the "dependence" of the participants and the inability to think for themselves, which is far from limited to lonely pensioners? The film told me what I have known for years and said what I did not know in a few sentences. It just needs more analysis, but if the debate starts with this film, why not... P.S. The Blesk logo at the end is an incredible absurdity, which reminded me of a member of SPO, how at the end of Spřízněni přímou volbou he shouts at Klusák "which tabloid are you from?". Who is actually the bastard here?
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In terms of this film, I am not seeing enough negative reactions directed at the confession of the guy who openly admitted that he would do the job again. And then there is the "little thing" in that a feature-length Czech documentary announces a problem and addresses a segment of the population that exists in a completely different universe than the audience of a feature-length Czech documentary. And I ask for the intersection of these worlds.
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Based on the quality of filmmaking skills, this documentary does not impress and can be compared to warning consumer journalism. However, its educational and social significance far outweighs the unremarkable artistic qualities of the film. The hidden camera captures the harsh pressure on senior citizens during demonstration events and showcases a parade of human naivety, herd mentality, ignorance, and consumer desires on one hand, and on the other, ruthlessness, manipulation, rudeness, lies, and intimidation. The best defense is to ignore such actions and use common sense and basic taste. The film indirectly corrects the persistently maintained misconception that retirees are the poorest and socially most vulnerable segment of society. If that were the case, then similar questionable companies with their aggressive marketing wouldn't exist, and filmmakers would have nothing to film. In reality, the socially most vulnerable are families with multiple children and disabled individuals. The biggest problem for retirees, at least until now, is not the level of pensions and economic background, but loneliness and social isolation. Overall impression: 65%.
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It was really sickening. That may be the reason for such rating. Nevertheless, this is an example of a documentary that had a purpose and most importantly, had an impact. It helped to get a few bastards in jail, and it helped some people clear their name. And for me, that’s the reason why documentaries should be created.
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Kuvagalleria (19)
Kuva © Aerofilms
Mainos