Who’s Afraid of Nathan Law?

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Who’s Afraid of Nathan Law?

Released Sep 20

1h 26m

Documentary

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5 Reviews

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Fewer than 50 Ratings

A compelling look into the forces that create heroes, Nathan Law was a shy college freshman who found his identity in activism and political leadership. He helped launch Hong Kong's Umbrella Revolution, a student-led occupation demanding the government to allow citizens to elect their own leader. This awakens an entire generation of young people along with many in the older generation. Law would become the youngest elected official in Hong Kong history--only to be ousted from the role--he helps launch a new movement, further galvanizing the population. When Beijing responds with draconian measures, Law finds himself at a crossroads--committed to the cause of democracy but caught in the crosshairs of the Chinese regime. With incredible access to Law, director Joe Piscatella (who brought us Joshua: Teenager vs. Superpower, 2017) paints a striking picture not only of how quickly a democracy can become a police state but also of how voices are created and refuse to be silenced in their call for freedom.

John Anderson

Wall Street Journal

It is impossible not to admire the heroism it captures. Or to increase one’s fear of Beijing as a regime that is irrational at best, sociopathic at worst.

Sep 20, 2024

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Dennis Harvey

Variety

[An] equally skillful if much more downbeat sequel...

May 9, 2023

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Charles Solomon

FilmWeek (KPCC - NPR Los Angeles)

At a time when people in this country are trying to suppress the vote, it's a reminder that there are generally heroic people who are trying to obtain it and guarantee that right.

Oct 9, 2024

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Avi Offer

NYC Movie Guru

Illuminating and well-edited, but conventional and undercooked.

Sep 16, 2024

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Rachel Ho

POV Magazine

Piscatella’s film is a display of the cunning nature of students, and a reminder for those of us many years removed from our school days of the fierce potential we felt with the world at our feet.

May 15, 2023

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KEN W

A very well made documentary centered on Nathan Law’s experience and perspective. Fantastic editing, it made number of important events surrounding the main subjects and their activist experiences much easier to follow for the audience.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/20/24

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Joe Piscatella

Director

Nathan Law

Self

Joe Piscatella

Writer

Joe Piscatella

Producer

Mark Rinehart

Producer

Matthew Torne

Producer

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Synopsis

A compelling look into the forces that create heroes, Nathan Law was a shy college freshman who found his identity in activism and political leadership. He helped launch Hong Kong's Umbrella Revolution, a student-led occupation demanding the government to allow citizens to elect their own leader. This awakens an entire generation of young people along with many in the older generation. Law would become the youngest elected official in Hong Kong history--only to be ousted from the role--he helps launch a new movement, further galvanizing the population. When Beijing responds with draconian measures, Law finds himself at a crossroads--committed to the cause of democracy but caught in the crosshairs of the Chinese regime. With incredible access to Law, director Joe Piscatella (who brought us Joshua: Teenager vs. Superpower, 2017) paints a striking picture not only of how quickly a democracy can become a police state but also of how voices are created and refuse to be silenced in their call for freedom.

Director: Joe Piscatella
Producer: Joe Piscatella, Mark Rinehart, Matthew Torne
Screenwriter: Joe Piscatella, Joe Piscatella
Distributor: Cargo Film & Releasing
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Sep 20, 2024, Limited
Runtime: 1h 26m