City 40 (2016) Reviews

• City 40 is both a history lesson and a warning for our future

  skyemotel2016-09-06

  Goetschel's inventive use of narrative to describe human rights violations in Ozersk and the exploitation of its citizens is singularly successful in describing the reach of the Russian nuclear machine and the affect it has in very human terms. Choosing to put a face - intelligent, courageous - on the nuclear culture of City 40 is perhaps the only way which those of us not directly impacted can relate to an unimaginable covenant. The film classically exposes the deal that has been struck, trading health and freedom for dying and imprisonment, and demands a response from its audience. It artfully raises the question of what would be worth the sacrifice of your life? Your children's lives? Your freedom? Your children's freedom? Beautifully shot, with a score subtle and evocative, City 40 is both a history lesson and a warning about our future.

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• A fascinating story

  tlodovico2016-09-13

  A fascinating view into the cold war era, and the price that societies paid in the name of national security. It highlights trade-offs that a government and its people made for the security of a country. Sound familiar? The issues certainly are still relevant today. And while the film focuses on a few cities in Russia, these are global issues. The story was presented in a balanced way. The information is eye opening. I enjoyed the interviews, which were personal, relatable and human. And there is some beautiful cinematography in there too! I especially recommend this to those with an interest in history, politics, war, peace, human rights, or the environment.

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• Courageous storytelling, informative and insightful

  dame_arwen2017-12-28

  Fantastic documentary, very informative and insightful, a courageous storytelling from all people involved. Considered the grave yard of the earth, this city of 100,000 people is the most toxic place on earth. Inhabitants of Ozyorsk are exposed to at least 5 times the amount of nuclear waste as the ones of Tchernobyl. There are still about 30 known closed cities in Russia. It makes you wonder... how much is a high quality of life really worth in exchange of silence and an often (early) certain death?

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• Incredible

  chanelsamson2017-11-13

  Everyone should see this film. It's a reminder of how people who live in comfort will turn a blind eye to injustice until they are in a survivalist situation themselves. Extremely eye opening and full of information, history, and heart. The main character was an inspirational figure to follow. After watching, I am in awe, disgust, and also full of hope. Environmental and social justice change is not an option anymore, it's a necessity.

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• Enlightening documentary

  xris-832002019-05-11

  Very interesting about mistakes of the past.Of course time is not always a doctor for such dramatic events.All that death in the name of the defensive purpose.Pity for all those people who died from the radiation.