Zeitgeist: Moving Forward (2011) Reviews

• An important film offering a radical solution to imminent global meltdown

  mikeg-952-2047492011-01-16

  Zeitgeist Moving Forward is the third documentary from Peter Joseph. His previous films, Zeitgeist and Zeitgeist Addendum exploded him into public awareness on a global scale with a reported 40 million combined downloads. So what's the big deal? Zeitgeist MF is essentially a documentary with a super-political (beyond politics) agenda - the transition from today's current, - and according to the film 'failing' economic paradigm - to a new 'resource based economy' that does away with money and politics altogether, replacing these 'out of date' concepts with a new money-less society where the world's resources, plus the manufacturing of food and goods are constantly monitored, and linked to an omniscient central computer hub which automatically synchs and optimises their distribution. The idea is that this vastly more efficient system is the only sustainable way to support a burgeoning population whilst maintaining a high (if not far higher) standard of living for all the world's people plus a clean, green, stable environment for all. The fear of the film, which drives the need for such an alternative is that attempting to act within the current economic paradigm is tantamount to doing nothing. A vastly more radical systems approach to society is needed, where the scientific method, instead of 'opinion' becomes the new touchstone for decision making. The film argues that the world is in a deep crises that is about to get much worse. Technological unemployment is on the increase with no new 'services sector' there to mop up jobs lost to automation, the population is exploding exponentially, the volatile 'gambling cartels' of Wall Street create artificial bubbles and the resulting depressions with increasing irregularity which will only be made worse by purely automated computer trading, pollution is rife, top soil is disappearing, the oceans will be empty by 2030, resources are being depleted far more rapidly than they can be restocked, and the end of cheap energy will result in global chaos, war and mass destruction. Phew. Hard to argue with the facts when they are laid bare for you to look at and study at your leisure (all sources in the film have references like in a scientific journal which you can cross-reference and check for yourself). All in all, ZMF brings home a number of disturbing realities to the audience. More importantly - it actually provides answers. A way, literally - to move forwards. If you are a member of 'the Movement' a global group of hundreds of thousands of individuals who believe in the vision of Jaques Fresco (founder of the Venus Project - the basis of the entire theory that ZMF is a proponent of) then a lot of this is old news to you. If, however, Zeitgeist is news to you, and you are a member of the mainstream population who is tired of the toothlessness of democracy, or the mindless lack of humanity of communism and fascism, you may want to watch this film very closely indeed. If, however, you drive a Jeep, like expensive handbags and couldn't care less what happens to billions of people worldwide, then don't bother. You'll never get it anyway. This film takes Zeitgeist firmly away from conspiracy theorists, Zionists, 9/11 truthers and all the rest, arguing that they are focused on the symptoms of the world's problems, not the underlying cause. They also offer no answers. Amazingly, Zeitgeist Moving Forward does. If you can handle the well-meaning, but slightly cheesy ending, you'll do well to watch this film, at a theater if you're quick, or for free over the internet (this is one film you can download without breaking any laws). Possibly one of the most important films you'll ever watch.

• Zeitgeist has moved forwards indeed

  jonnyb_312011-01-23

  I've very much enjoyed the previous films in the series. However their presentation was somehow more conspiracy-theory feeling, even though most of the facts, and ideas in them I found compelling in one way or another. Talking about specific popular religions falsehoods and origins, or government collusion with the events of 9/11 for example were ideas quite abhorrent to some people. I'm glad to say that's not the tone or message you get from The newest Zeitgeist film. You can take a religious minded friend or patriot to see this, or link them the URL when it's released without fearing they will be offended.(affected? Perhaps....) It is because of this much more purely documentary style presentation, that allows it to be less confrontational, and much more cognitive and effective at presenting it's message, This movie shines in comparison, and firmly takes itself out of any conspiracy theory labeling. I will also say that you can truly see a significant change in both mindset and skill set in the producer Peter Josephs work since the original films release in 2007. This film will find far more resonance with a far larger audience. The film is long. It runs 2:40+ mins. Oh gosh, plus it a documentary, so no doubt your expecting to get bored along the way, but I assure you the subject matter they discuss is quite intense in it's own way, and you will be compelled to continue watching it in fascination until the very end.

• One of the best documentaries regarding the application of science since Carl Sagan's "Cosmos"

  nathanmaas2011-01-18

  The filmmaker, Peter Joseph, gathered up some of the best scientists in their respective fields (along with Michael Ruppert, of "Collapse" fame) to present a case for a near-empirical way of dealing with the problems of society. Any fan of science over opinion, evidence over belief or challenging the status quo in general will find much to love here. It is seemingly thought of as a political documentary, but technically, there is nothing "political" about it. It takes no sides in the establishment, basing its solutions on evidence (and the scientific method, in a general sense). This comes off as a radical approach to problems, only because we don't see that in politics. But as far as radical notions go, what Zeitgeist : Moving Forward presents doesn't seem "out there" at all. But the ideas here are really quite universal. They exist in every culture or religion as "goals" or things to work towards. But until now, a clear case hasn't been presented on how to actually get there - how to solve the problems by taking them into account from the beginning. Strong societies require strong foundations - and not a country in the world currently has a foundation like that.

• Something that I enjoyed

  ltcstl2011-01-18

  I watched Zeitgeist: Moving Forward on Jan.15 premiere. I have also seen the others 1 & 2. The one thing I have to say about the movie is that it thinks outside of the box. We do have a problem and it needs to be addressed. The movie will inspire thinking of a different alternative than what we have now. Most people have never been exposed to problems that could arise in the future maintaining the current system. The Venus Project is only a dream just like going to the moon. I would suggest everyone to watch the movie. Its free in most cases and will be on the Internet for free soon. Just a different way of looking at things that might just help. I really have to give them credit for that.

• Moving Forward

  chiropteraus2011-01-18

  Indeed this movie is not for people with short attention spans, but truly it is very relevant material -- fundamental even. Thanks "god" this movie was made. Much gratitude for all those involved. The core brilliance, in my opinion, is how the Transition is proposed, by demonstrating how a virgin Earth (with no prior humans) could be cared for if we inherited Terra at this stage our our species development. What remains is that it can be done, (sustainability, preservation, and optimum efficiency) and the choice remains with us. Is this something we want? Do we want World peace? Do we want Global Abundance? If so, then it's time to make that declaration and act on it.