Watch Clearcut

Clearcut is a Canadian drama film from 1991 that explores themes of social injustice, environmental activism, and cultural identity. The movie features a star-studded cast including actors like Ron Lea, Graham Greene, and Michael Hogan, delivering powerful and compelling performances that bring the story to life. At its core, Clearcut is a story about a young lawyer named Peter Maguire, played by Ron Lea, who is sent to investigate the brutal murder of a wealthy businessman in a remote part of British Columbia. From the outset, it is clear that Maguire is out of his depth in this unfamiliar and hostile environment, as he is constantly met with suspicion and hostility from the local residents.

As the investigation unfolds, Maguire discovers that the murder was committed by a group of First Nations activists who were protesting against the logging industry in the area. This revelation sets the stage for a tense and emotionally charged confrontation between the activists and the authorities, with Maguire caught in the middle.

One of the most impressive aspects of Clearcut is its portrayal of the complex social and cultural dynamics at play in this part of the world. The film does not shy away from the harsh realities of life in rural British Columbia, depicting the poverty, discrimination, and sense of displacement felt by many of its First Nations residents.

This sense of injustice and despair is embodied in the character of Arthur, played with remarkable nuance and depth by Graham Greene. Arthur is a middle-aged First Nations man who has lived his entire life in the area, but feels increasingly alienated from his surroundings as the logging industry destroys the natural beauty and resources of his homeland.

Despite the many challenges and setbacks faced by their cause, Arthur and his fellow activists refuse to give up their fight against the logging industry. They present a stark contrast to Maguire, whose initial naivety and lack of understanding of the local culture only serve to deepen the divide between the two groups.

The tension between these two worlds reaches a boiling point in the film's climactic scene, which sees the activists take drastic and violent action against the logging company. This scene is not only visually stunning, but also emotionally cathartic, as we see the characters grappling with their conflicting beliefs and motivations.

Overall, Clearcut is a powerful and thought-provoking film that shines a light on some of the most pressing social and environmental issues of our time. With its stellar cast, masterful direction, and richly drawn characters, it is a film that will stay with viewers long after the credits have rolled.

Clearcut is a 1992 thriller with a runtime of 1 hour and 40 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9.