Join or Die

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Join or Die

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1h 33m

Documentary

History

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20 Reviews

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Fewer than 50 Ratings

Join or Die is a film about why you should join a club -- and why the fate of America depends on it. In this feature documentary, follow the half-century story of America's civic unraveling through the journey of legendary social scientist Robert Putnam, whose groundbreaking "Bowling Alone" research into America's decades-long decline in community connections could hold the answers to our democracy's present crisis. Flanked by influential fans and scholars -- from Hillary Clinton, Pete Buttigieg, and Surgeon General Vivek Murthy to Eddie Glaude Jr., Raj Chetty, and Priya Parker -- as well as inspiring groups building community in neighborhoods across the country, join Bob as he explores three urgent civic questions: What makes democracy work? Why is American democracy in crisis? And, most importantly... what can we do about it?

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Nina Metz

Chicago Tribune

If you’ve been feeling depleted and disconnected from a world of diminished meaningful in-person interactions, “Join or Die” explores one reason why, as laid out by social scientist Robert Putnam.

Rated: 3/4

Nov 8, 2024

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Natalia Winkelman

New York Times

Some of the film’s points feel simplistic, and questions linger. The film also breaks up its Putnam biography by spending time with a handful of Americans who benefit from local communities -- but these mini-profiles are too brief to resonate.

Jul 18, 2024

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Josh Kupecki

Austin Chronicle

Pete and Rebecca Davis have created a lively if superficial entreaty to become more civically engaged

Mar 20, 2023

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Jayne Nelson

Radio Times

Once you adjust to the bouncy pacing, however, Putnam's research is eye-opening.

Rated: 3/5

Oct 25, 2024

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Liz Braun

Original Cin

This fascinating and important doc persuasively argues that community engagement is key to preserving health and democracy, maybe even extending one’s lifespan.

Rated: B+

Oct 18, 2024

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Brett McCracken

The Gospel Coalition

The film’s implications go beyond politics and have huge relevance for the church.

Sep 12, 2024

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dave d

Join or Die is the neoliberal approach to fixing America. While the feature documentary makes a case, there are holes like swiss cheese with how to get Americans back to joining clubs and groups like author Bob Putnam would desire. Hard to word two jobs and 80 hours Bob, but keep those Ivory tower out of touch ideas that ruined the democratic party. Well Done. Bad premise and tiring doc. Look, game shows are nearly a relic, it sucks but we move on. The world changes and neolibs need to adapt, but the people interviewed here were a who's who of who has f'ed up the USA. Why should we listen to them? We shouldn't. Final Score: 5.6/10

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

11/20/24

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Karl S

very informative film about Social Capital and why its essential to belong to a group/club/team. The american history shown was surprising, to me, of how we are less social and less connected

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/13/24

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Pete Davis

Director

Rebecca Davis

Director

Robert Putnam

Self

Hillary Clinton

Self

Pete Buttigieg

Self

Vivek Murthy

Self

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Synopsis

Join or Die is a film about why you should join a club -- and why the fate of America depends on it. In this feature documentary, follow the half-century story of America's civic unraveling through the journey of legendary social scientist Robert Putnam, whose groundbreaking "Bowling Alone" research into America's decades-long decline in community connections could hold the answers to our democracy's present crisis. Flanked by influential fans and scholars -- from Hillary Clinton, Pete Buttigieg, and Surgeon General Vivek Murthy to Eddie Glaude Jr., Raj Chetty, and Priya Parker -- as well as inspiring groups building community in neighborhoods across the country, join Bob as he explores three urgent civic questions: What makes democracy work? Why is American democracy in crisis? And, most importantly... what can we do about it?

Director: Pete Davis, Rebecca Davis
Producer: Pete Davis, Rebecca Davis
Screenwriter: Pete Davis, Rebecca Davis
Distributor: Abramorama
Production Co: Delevan Street Films
Genre: Documentary, History
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jul 19, 2024, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Oct 18, 2024
Runtime: 1h 33m

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