Review of Citizenfour (2014) by Todd S — 18 Nov 2014

Doesn't disappoint, but I did come out of the cinema with a heavy heart. Contrary to popular expectations, the documentary does not elaborate on the illegal surveillance acts, but focuses on Edward Snowden the person.

(Quite ironic as Snowden repeatedly said in the movie that he is "not the story") Based on his well-articulated presentation and some candid camera-work by the director, Snowden's selfless motive is on clear display throughout the movie. The film also captures some tense moments during the days when Snowden was stuck in HK, which we have not seen on news interviews before. The dialogue between him and Glenn Greenward when he decided that he wasn't "fucking hiding" from the government was revelating.

One has to think about how governments around the world continue to take away our privacy in the name of security. To manage by fear is nothing new. One has to decide whether we should willingly give up our, what I call, "freedom of contemplation" so easily over some exaggerated risks. Not to mention, as it turns out, most of the surveillance were used for state or commercial espionage.

And even if it is done genuinely for security reason, the governments should follow the rule of law, or engage the public to change the law, instead of blatantly breaking the law and lie to the people. Having a so called "noble intention" is not good enough to break the law - no one has the right to decide what is good and what is not for others.