Watch No Safe Spaces
- PG-13
- 2019
- 1 hr 35 min
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7.1 (2,807)
No Safe Spaces is a 2019 documentary film directed by Justin Folk that explores the recent trend of suppressing free speech on college campuses and in the media. The film features interviews with commentators and academics such as Adam Carolla, Dennis Prager, and Jordan B. Peterson, who argue that political correctness and identity politics are threatening to undermine the fundamental principles of free speech and open discourse in Western society.
The film begins by highlighting some recent examples of campus censorship, including the cancellation of a speech by conservative commentator Ann Coulter at the University of California, Berkeley, in 2017. The filmmakers argue that this trend is not limited to conservative speakers, but also affects liberal academics who may express unpopular or controversial views. The film then explores some of the underlying social and cultural factors that have contributed to this trend, such as the rise of identity politics and the growing polarization of American society.
One of the central themes of No Safe Spaces is the idea that free speech is under attack from both the left and the right. The filmmakers argue that while the left is often criticized for promoting censorship and political correctness, the right is also guilty of attacking free speech in the name of national security or other concerns. The film features a number of powerful examples of conservative censorship, including the suspension of Fox News host Judge Jeanine Pirro for comments she made about Representative Ilhan Omar, and the firing of conservative commentator Kevin Williamson from The Atlantic for his views on abortion.
Despite the many challenges facing free speech in the current climate, No Safe Spaces is ultimately an optimistic film that tries to offer a way forward. The filmmakers argue that the best way to protect free speech is to promote open dialogue and respect for diverse viewpoints, even and especially when those views are unpopular. They highlight a number of examples of this kind of dialogue, from conversations between Carolla and Peterson about personal responsibility and individualism, to a lively debate between Prager and liberal commentator Alan Dershowitz about the role of the Supreme Court.
In addition to its thoughtful commentary and analysis, No Safe Spaces also features a number of lively and engaging interviews with its cast of experts and commentators. Carolla, in particular, is a standout in the film, bringing his trademark humor and personal anecdotes to bear on the issue of free speech. The film also includes a number of compelling interviews with students and activists on both sides of the debate, giving the audience a sense of the passion and energy of the current movement to protect free speech.
Overall, No Safe Spaces is an important and timely documentary that raises important questions about the future of free speech in America. It is well-researched, thought-provoking, and entertaining, making it a must-see for anyone interested in the history and future of American political discourse. While the film may not change anyone's mind about the issue of free speech, it will certainly give viewers plenty to think about and discuss.
No Safe Spaces is a 2019 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1 and a MetaScore of 31.