★ 3 / 10
This "documentary" in this reviewers estimate, takes a
MovieGuys
This "documentary" in this reviewers estimate, takes a one sided look at the ETA as "terrorists". It largely ignores the brutality of the Fascist Spanish…
This "documentary" in this reviewers estimate, takes a one sided look at the ETA as "terrorists". It largely ignores the brutality of the Fascist Spanish regime under Franco and often repressive attitude, towards Basque separatism, displayed by the democratic government of Spain.
Up until Ferdinand Franco's death the Basque people were repressed, as was Spain in general, under his Fascist regime, ushered in, with the aid, of Nazi Germany.
Spain was police state, where people could even be executed, using the cruel and antiquated garrote. Just look at the movie "Salvador", from 2006, to see how violent and generally repulsive, the regime in this nation was, even in the 1970's. The latter day democratic Spanish government has also responded, quite often, with repression and yes, state violence, against Basque attempts at separatism.
Its in this reality that groups like ETA came into being. Rather than balance the books by placing things in a broader context this interview seems to focus largely and narrowly on ETA as "violent". Cut scenes of menacing people in masks with guns and funerals for police officers, backed by ominous music, endorse this limited perspective.
Small wonder, I felt the interviewee start to come across as somewhat evasive. I would be too. The man never really gets a chance to tell his side of the story, in an open and meaningful way.
In summary, a documentary, that, in my opinion, is one side to the extent that it leaves little room for an open and frank discussion about ETA and Basque separatism, in the context of historical and contemporary Spain and its politics. A missed opportunity, to say the least.
★ 4 / 10
Not convincing at all
sandrakatz
This Ternera guy answers what he wants and how he wants to very specific and strong questions from his interviewer. He contradicts himself and avoids any…
This Ternera guy answers what he wants and how he wants to very specific and strong questions from his interviewer. He contradicts himself and avoids any mention of direct implication in killings, name of the ETA comando where he participated, locations etc. Basically he does not admit any wrongdoing having participated in a violent terrorist organization. In fact, he is very shrewd at NOT answering directly most of the questions post to him.
The format of the documentary is also dull: it's basically an interview with little image content. This was a lost opportunity to clarify an important and sad time in Spanish modern history.
★ 3 / 10
One sided and manipulative
DrIHY
I am not very familiar with the Basque conflict and ETA. I expected to learn something valuable about that but feel disappointed. The journalist put the Josu U…
I am not very familiar with the Basque conflict and ETA. I expected to learn something valuable about that but feel disappointed.
The journalist put the Josu U on trial for his actions but what about the Spanish government? He never asked him what he means by suppression from the government. I would have wanted to hear that as an outsider to learn more about the conflict.
The terminology used by the journalist mimics the government's narrative. He doesn't show or give even a single example of any actions carried out by the governments and authorities that might have been considered as "suppression ". It was obvious that some people were supporting ETA and so one wants to know why?
Besides, ETA stopped violence in 2011. One wants to see and know whether government policies towards Basque country have changed in a good way. Spanish government used violence and imprisoned many Katalan politicians because they went for a independence referendum whilst the UK allowed Scotland to do the referendum and acknowledged the result. If Spanish people think there are democratic channels to reach political aims, why would imprison Katalan politicians for organising a referendum. As far as I know Katalan people never had an organisation like ETA, but Spanish government still used persecution and suppression. So what would one say if some Katalan responds with violent means? Would it be only their faults?
The documentary puts this guy Josu U on trial, this is fine, but never asked the policeman about what he thinks of Franco dictatorship and working as his police officer or as a guard for his unelected mayors. The policeman says Josu U did not feel regret. Does he also regret working for a well known dictator? He might feel regret but the journalist did not even intend to ask him. This is the point I am trying make and so I think this documentary is one sided and manipulative.
I gave 3 out 10 because I think at least Josu U could handle this journalist in an effective way, at least a viewer can see what Josu U really thought. He ignored the provoking and accusatory language used by the journalist professionally and calmly.
Anyways, I think considering that ETA has been dismantled and there is no violent conflict, the ball is the government's field. Violence should never come back. The way to do that is that Spanish government needs to take actions to ensure there are democratic channels for every political cause including pro independence movements and therefore must release all political prisoners and past ETA members to close the chapter of conflict and open a chapter to long lasting peace for all parties.
80%
AUDIENCE
6.4/10
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VIVA ETA!