Watch Against the Tide

Against the Tide is a 2009 documentary that brings together renowned Hollywood actor, Dustin Hoffman and his son, Jake Hoffman to explore the life and legacy of the legendary Polish-Jewish philosopher, Leszek Kolakowski. Combining interviews with Kolakowski, archival footage, and contemporary debates, the father-son duo delves into the life and works of the thinker who challenged the hegemony of communism in Poland and the Soviet Union, and inspired a generation of resistance.

The film takes the audience back to the period of the 1950s and 60s, when Kolakowski was a young Marxist professor at the University of Warsaw, who believed in the socialist ideology and was a loyal supporter of the communist government. However, as he witnessed the atrocities committed by the Soviet Union, he began to question his own beliefs and gradually became disillusioned with the system.

Hoffman and his son interview a number of philosophers, sociologists, and political thinkers, who reflect on the significance of Kolakowski's contributions to political discourse, and his ongoing relevance in contemporary debates. Matthew Asner, the executive director of the Southern California branch of the Autism Society of America, and Robert Cait, a Canadian stand-up comedian, also join the father-son duo on their journey, adding their own personal reflections on the meaning of freedom, democracy, and tolerance.

The film draws heavily from Kolakowski's ideas of the human condition, religious belief, and the nature of socialism, as he saw them. Against the Tide portrays his ideas as strongly influenced by his deep skepticism of utopian solutions and his recognition that the human condition is fallible, uncertain, and sometimes tragic. He saw the religious impulse as a natural human need, but doubted the truth claims of any particular faith. Likewise, he saw socialism as a noble goal, but recognized its flaws and limitations.

Throughout the film, the father-son duo engage in a series of thought-provoking discussions, which highlight the importance of critical thinking, intellectual curiosity, and intellectual honesty. They explore the personal and political significance of Kolakowski's works, and how they continue to influence political and philosophical debates. They also meditate on the broader implications of Kolakowski's thinking, such as the importance of human dignity, individuality, and belief in the ultimate value of freedom.

Against the Tide is a moving tribute to Leszek Kolakowski, as well as a call to action for a new generation of thinkers and intellectuals. It is a testament to the power of ideas, and the potential they hold to transform the world. The film invites the audience to think deeply about the nature of truth, the significance of human experience, and the role of philosophy in shaping the future. It is a unique cinematic experience that blends personal storytelling, political commentary, and intellectual history. For those who are passionate about the intersection between politics and philosophy, Against the Tide is a must-watch.

Against the Tide is a 2009 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 42 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.