Hi everyone!
Welcome back to Documentary Thursdays, this time with a documentary about Catalonian independence. For a few other Netflix Original documentaries, check out “Quincy” (Episode #270), “Reversing Roe” (Episode #266), “City of Joy” (Episode #256), and “Recovery Boys” (Episode #186). And if you have any suggestions, let me know at onemoviepunch.com.
And now...
Today’s movie is “Two Catalonias” (2018), the Netflix Original documentary from Álvaro Longoria and Gerardo Olivares. The film takes a look into the rise of the pro-independence movement within Catalonia, an autonomous region currently a part of Spain, and the effects of the referendum held on October 1st, 2017. It also looks at the nature of nationalism in a populist world.
Spoilers ahead.
I am fascinated by the Catalonian Independence movement for a variety of reasons. Primarily, I see the future of human civilization eventually moving away from the current concentrations of wealth and power, with a focus on reasonably-sized, actively engaged, democratically controlled autonomous regions. Large enough so that everyone who wishes to be active can truly make a difference and have a say, not the multiple layers of abstracted representation and stagnating bureaucracy we have today, which is easily controlled now by unlimited political spending. Scottish Independence, Catalonian Independence, and even the fledgling (and troubled) California and Texas Independence movements are gaining traction as it becomes difficult to maintain a common national identity in the current nightmarish political landscape. And in all three cases, there are very legitimate arguments to be made for full independence, and a dwindling number of arguments for remaining within their current governing structures. I see all these movements in some way being about the desire of local populations to regain local control over their lives, and out from under the governments and corporations that influence every other part of our lives, and that fascinates me to no end.
“Two Catalonias” follows the timeline leading up to the chaos surrounding last year’s independence vote, where Spanish police and military came out to prevent voters from going to the polls, with brutal amounts of force. It also follows the results and aftermath of that vote, examining the legal, political, social, and economic effects of independence, along with the unique history and culture of Catalonia, as seen by pro-independence and anti-independence citizens. One theme that rises above the larger issues of autonomy and governance, however, is the way in which both sides use a combination of well-reasoned arguments and political spectacle, both positive and negative messaging. It also shows the inability of stagnant governance structures to adapt and change to the needs and wants and desires of the citizens who make up each community.
I will say, however, that I had a very hard time watching the documentary, and that’s as someone who has been following the Catalonian Independence movement since last year. The reason? Confusing titles and subtitles for non-Spanish and non-Catalan speakers. Every Spanish or Catalan title that came up in the film would have an English translation, but it would sometimes flash up in-between the person talking on the screen. I would really, really, REALLY have appreciated either language-specific titles (which may not be technically or easily possible) or a hell of a better job placing the subtitles, because trying to follow this documentary with the current subtitles is as confusing as the political and social situation surrounding Catalonian independence. It’s a real shame, too, because I think understanding this situation will also help us understand and reconsider our own relationship to the governance structures we take for granted, and which need to change to better serve the populations they govern.
“Two Catalonias” (2018) is an insightful look into Catalonian independence, centered around last year’s referendum. While it presents both sides of the argument very well, it can be visually confusing to follow for non-native speakers thanks to rapid fire and jumbled subtitles. Fans of the growing number of independence movements around the world should definitely check out this film, but beware that you need to pay very good attention if you don’t speak either Spanish or Catalan.
Rotten Tomatoes: NR
Metacritic: NR
One Movie Punch: 7.0/10
“Two Catalonias” (2018) is rated TV-MA and is currently streaming on Netflix.
