The numerous historical and political details present in On the Inside of a Military Dictatorship, director Karen Stokkendal Poulsen’s look at Myanmar’s tenuous and crumbling democracy, are a lot to take in over a single, tightly packed sitting, but as a representation of an underreported and complex story, it’s certainly commendable. It’s an intricate, well drawn bit of longform journalism.
In 2015, Nobel Prize winner and human rights activist Aung San Suu Kyi won a commanding victory in her country’s first ever democratic general elections following over fifty years of military rule in the nation formerly known as Burma. Becoming not only the country’s first female leader, but also its first true president wasn’t easy for Suu Kyi. She had to overcome years of oppression put in place, a power structure that put faith in monks, tradition, and military might over practicalities and the citizenry, and legislation that literally blocked her from holding higher office. She bested all of these obstacles and became one of the most celebrated and inspirational leaders in global politics. That all came crashing down shortly into her presidency, however, when it was revealed that the compromises she made with political rivals to get elected also helped facilitate the Rohingya Muslim genocide in the country.
Poulsen (The Agreement) starts off On the Inside of a Military Dictatorship slowly and methodically, talking to politicians and military leaders on all sides (including Suu Kyi) to give viewers a detailed understanding of how Myanmar’s evolving democracy remains nothing more than a series of jarring false starts to this day. Trying to make sense of Burmese military and political history is daunting; a bit like learning a foreign language. It’s difficult to understand, but once Poulsen has provided the necessary groundwork, On the Inside of a Military Dictatorship becomes an enthralling cautionary tale.
Still, one wishes that Poulsen stuck the landing a little better. Partially thanks to Suu Kyi’s implication in one of the worst ongoing human rights issues in the world today, On the Inside of a Military Dictatorship curiously peters out of energy just as new wrinkles are being introduced. It doesn’t let Suu Kyi off the hook for what’s been happening in her country, but On the Inside of a Military Dictatorship also doesn’t fully know how to end its continuing narrative. (This film also makes for exceptional back to back viewing with Petra Costa’s The Edge of Democracy, which is also playing at this year’s festival and examines a similar political maelstrom in Brazil.)
Friday, April 26, 2019 – 8:15 pm – TIFF Bell Lightbox 4
Sunday, April 28, 2019 – 12:15 pm – Hart House Theatre
Thursday, May 2, 2019 – 12:15 pm – Scotiabank Theatre 3
Join our list
Subscribe to our mailing list and get weekly updates on our latest contests, interviews, and reviews.
Thank you for subscribing.
Something went wrong.
