The Look of Silence (2014) | How Woke Is It?

Our VerdictNot Woke

The Look of Silence2014

In a free society the right to critique art is essential and protected speech. These reviews reflect personal opinions and not statements of fact.

What We Think

"The Look of Silence" is a refreshingly non-woke documentary. It stays focused on the true story without shoehorning in ideological messages or prioritizing identity politics. This is how you handle a serious topic without turning it into a lecture.

Score Breakdown

Compromised:Narrative Integrity

Not Woke

What is this?

The film sticks closely to its investigative documentary style, focusing on the personal tragedy and history of political violence in Indonesia. There’s little evidence of identity politics overriding the story or characters being selected for reasons other than the real-life subject matter. Narrative feels intact and natural.

Compromised:Cultural Foundations

Not Woke

What is this?

While the documentary grapples with violence, history, and family trauma, it doesn’t undermine concepts like family, tradition, or religion. Its critique is squarely directed at individuals and systems of violence, not cultural or religious norms themselves.

Compromised:Ideological Monoculture

Not Woke

What is this?

While the film clearly takes a stance against the 1965 atrocities, it doesn't villainize alternative viewpoints beyond the perpetrators of violence themselves. Complexity and nuance are present, with personal stories on different sides given attention.

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Disclaimer: In a free society the right to critique art is essential and protected as a form of free speech and freedom of expression. The reviews and commentary on this site represent personal opinions and interpretations. They are not statements of fact and should not be taken as factual claims about any individual, company, or creative work.