The Fight of Our Lives: Defeating the Ideological War Against the West (2018) User Reviews

A bold discussion of controversial topics

[JGReviews · 8/10 · 1 April 2019]

The Fight of Our Lives: Defeating the Ideological War Against the West is a hard-hitting feature length documentary that examines what the panel of expert political commentators see as threats to traditional western ways of thinking. Melanie Phillips states that there are "two threats facing the West, and they are linked. There's the threat from within, and the threat from without. And the threat from without is made much more threatening by the threat from within."

The Fight of Our Lives is certainly a documentary with conviction. While I do not agree with the perspective of many on the panel of experts, I can appreciate their expertise and well articulated ideas. I strongly believe that it is important to hear all sides of argument before coming to a conclusion, and often you learn more about both the topic and the person you disagree with in the process and ultimately end up better for it. I think that many people will strongly agree with the perspective of many of the commentators in the film, while I think many other people might disagree, but these are vitally important conversations to have. Honestly, I think the fact that some may view some of the topics in the film as controversial will make The Fight of Our Lives that much more popular to viewers. I'm quite confident that this film will be very successful. The Fight of Our Lives is certainly a well-made documentary and I recommend it to anyone looking for a bold discussion of controversial topics.

A Documentary That is Abstract and Clumsy

[lavatch · 7/10 · 11 November 2020]

"The Fight of Our Lives" brought together a wide range of intellectuals primarily from think tanks. At the heart of the program was the tragedy of the eradication of the Western tradition in academia. In its structure, the film was clumsy in the long string of talking heads, and it seemed like two disconnected films in one.

In part one, the commentators spoke of the shift in education to promote today's neoliberal-progressive agenda. But the discussion was overly abstract with comparison of today's ideologues to the Bolsheviks and Nazis. There could have been more concrete examples, such as the teaching of American history today that overwhelmingly emphasizes a tradition of oppression in the institution of slavery, the marginalization of women, and the genocide of native populations.

In part two, the filmmakers shifted to an examination of radical Islam and the failure to take a stand against violent acts of terror. There was not enough of a connection make with the content of part one. Once again, the discourse unfolded on the abstract level. Is it really fair to compare Nietzsche to extremists today?

While the commentary was instructive, there was not enough effort made in finding a solution to the collapse of Western values. How can the current educational system be reformed? How can ordinary citizens take a stand against ignorant politicians and their "virtue-signaling"? There was too much abstract thinking and not enough concrete ideas to push back against the lies, hypocrisy, and propaganda of the power elite.

f 5 starsA very challenging political documentary - even if you don't agree.

[sheamart-95416 · 9/10 · 4 April 2019]

While I don't agree with most of the points made in this documentary, I have to give it a lot of credit for putting together a very challenging series of arguments that made me think and challenge my own views. I value listening to different sides, even though some of the arguments were "straw man" arguments in my opinion, while others I want to think more about and do my own research. That's the sign of a good documentary! Very high quality, exhaustive interviews and footage and graphics. Entertaining while arguing a bold, controversial point that could be taken as a warning about the self-destruction of Westner society and innovation.

Every American should watch regardless of your political views.

[trstaley · 9/10 · 2 June 2019]

I found this to be thought provoking and I found the speakers to be thoughtful and insightful.

Surprising and Masterful

[TheAll-SeeingI · 10/10 · 29 March 2019]

Gloria Greenfield opens the mind with The Fight of Our Lives, a brilliant documentary which once fully removed from its wrapper serves as a cautionary tale sounding a historically-driven alarm to rapidly sweeping Western trends.

As someone who sees what he's always thought of as a liberal in the mirror, I now find myself struggling with the blurring homogenization of our historical ugliness in our more recent attempts to erase that which is dark and unclean, but yet has always provided fundamental reference points from which to evolve. Acknowledgement of the real and the nuanced at the expense of personal bias has long been a critical tool in examining all thing potentially wonderful or rancid, and it's impossible not to lament the rapid devaluation of this skillset. Greenfield shows us how pervasive and multi-pronged the attack on ourselves has become, as no institution has withstood infiltration.

As a filmmaker, Greenfield reveals true wisdom and a remarkably deft hand in tapping into the zeitgeist without outward arrogance or inflammatory condescension. By definition, the trends she explores provide a delicate line for her to walk, particularly in a day and age in which we increasingly seek to protect ourselves. She's rhetorically succeeded in identifying the most effective tact for these times by providing expert historical opinions which present application to the current climate with true concern, yet without bloodying noses. This isn't Michael Moore or Fox News stoking what may or may not be a fire, but rather someone who trends away from the assignation of pure ideological fault in drawing instead an elegantly-stated account of highly layered historical perspectives. Exceedingly thoughtful and spellbinding in its mastery of approach, The Fight of Our Lives manages alarming urgency without resorting to a blistering tonality; what it says is critical, but the way in which the film speaks is a marvel unto itself.

A timely and thought-provoking documentary

[sbrotman-19020 · 10/10 · 17 April 2019]

This insightful film presents a unique blend of historic and contemporary thinking on Western culture and civic life, featuring impressive international experts from a range of disciplines and points of view. It will stimulate lively discussion and hopefully serve as a clarion call for preserving our cherished values of freedom.

Conservative propaganda on the cheap.

[lastminutemike · 28 April 2019]

Nothing more than one speaker after another giving their views on the threats (internal and external) to Western Civilisation - their capitalisation - as they see them.

All the usual targets are covered, from feminism and multiculturalism to mass immigration and radical Islam, with minimal historical perspective and no mention of economic developments whatsoever.

The way this array of speakers presents the issues they exist only as contests of ideas in which Western civilisation is an enlightened citadel under attack by a horde of ungrateful ideologues and barbarians. There is no consideration of the historical and moral developments which have given risen to the various forces and perspectives that the speakers oppose.

A special mention must be given to Philip Salzman who states that 'post-colonialism' portrays Western civilisation as the root of all evil and claims everything was rosy before its onset. Definitely the most idiotic misrepresentation but by no means the only one.

Those who agree with the speakers will think that they have provided an authoritative underpinning for their viewpoints, and those who disagree with them will laugh or cry with exasperation at the simplistic and shallow worldviews presented.

Very narrow sub-section of The Right represented

[mike-57253 · 1/10 · 8 June 2020]

A bunch of Hoover Institution types sitting around and telling you why NFL players kneeling during the national anthem will somehow allow Muslims to dismantle "European culture", which seems to be a synonym for white Christians.

I wish I were joking.

WATCH THIS FILM. SHARE IT WITH THOSE YOU LOVE

[annes-35752 · 10/10 · 2 May 2019]

Every individual who cares about the truth, loves our country and democracy MUST watch this movie. The Fight of our Lives spoke to me emotionally and intellectually. Download now. Share with your parents and children. Bravo Gloria for creating this timeless, honest and engaging film.

Don't waste your time - just watch Fox News

[gregoryareynoldsjr · 1/10 · 9 August 2020]

Alan Derschowitz Democratic movements on universities are portrayed as fascist movements that "oppose the values we cherish." Melanie Phillips decrying the "threat from within." Political correctness is portrayed as a war on ideas and free speech.

Revelatory Documentary

[bohemianpirate-871-383487 · 9/10 · 21 March 2019]

Wow. My mind is still reeling from all the thoughts I have after watching this excellent film. The discussions and theories discussed by some of the most influential minds of our times ( Alan Dershowitz, Ayaan Hirsi Ali, & Raheel Raz) shine a light on the issues we are facing as a western culture. This profound conversation is skillfully directed by Gloria Greenfield and I felt many mixed emotions post viewing. This should be required for everyone of voting age and I hope more people watch this fantastic doc. Cannot recommend this film highly enough.A must watch. Bravo!!

Excellent

[amwriter · 10/10 · 12 July 2020]

We need more documentaries like this one spelling out the threats we're facing. The leftist media supports the destructive forces, however, and are helping them in the infiltration of the West.

Must see documentary

[johnapplebee-95947 · 10/10 · 18 March 2019]

What an educational piece that everyone needs to watch. It explores the many situations that occur on our campuses, post-modernism, cultural relativism and Islamic theology. The experts that they interview really gives a detailed breakDown Of the urgent threats to our western way of life. Truly enjoyed this documnatary

Hard hitting wake up call that every American must see - especially millennials

[ShelBoss · 10/10 · 1 July 2019]

I applaud director Gloria Greenfield for having the courage to call out the facts, shine the light on those that would do us harm, and make a call to our collective soul through this thought provoking film. Let's be clear: we Americans are part of the West. All of the ideals that shaped the culture of the West, such as democracy, freedom (particularly freedom of speech), separation of church and state, the rule of law, innovation, capitalism, and all the benefits, wealth and bounty it has brought to make the world better are now truly at risk. If you get nothing else from this film, 2 undeniable points it implies wonderfully are:

(1) Those who immigrated to America in the 19th & early 20th century were accepted with open arms, encouraged and helped to ASSIMILATE! (2) Freedom of speech means respecting all points of view (including those you hate), defending your opponent's right to hold that view, agreeing to publicize and let it play out in the market place for ideas. The concept of political correctness violates that principle, by labeling opposing viewpoints as "incorrect", and shutting them out to the extent they can.

The first step in correcting a societal problem is recognizing it; this movie is a wake up call.

Well Done Lopsided Presentation

[mattkeyes-18609 · 5/10 · 19 May 2019]

This is indeed a well done documentary. That said, it definitely presents a one-sided opinion that basically amounts to a fear of change and the unknown. It is readily obvious in the film that this is the gist when one of the speakers early on expresses the thought that post-modern thought rejects the idea of a singular truth. The film lost me at that point - we all play a part in this ongoing event called existence and in the event the only constant is change. "Truth" is a manufactured concept that does not exist naturally of its own - instead, it is a man-made framework to abstract reality from in order to make that same reality fit a paradigm that agrees with one's motivation and/or worldview. This film is a backlash against the notion of change in favor of an idealized "good old days" that is, comically enough, interpreted and elevated by a reactionary viewpoint of history that at the same time complains that history is interpreted by those recounting it. Quite the conundrum.

Well done film-wise but not much to ponder. I twiddled my thumbs through much of it waiting for it to be over once I recognized that not only was this film lacking a presentation of multiple viewpoints but instead is an opportunity for sermonizing and propaganda.

Must Watch and Share

[mariya-90453 · 10/10 · 28 May 2021]

Wow. This movie is a wake up call. A wake up call for humanity and future generations. We are heading down a dark path of censorship, safe places, and suppression of ideas. This movie does a great job of presenting the truth in an eloquent, graceful, and articulate way. Great Job.

A Look at "The Fight of Our Lives"

[mrtheflip · 5/10 · 24 March 2019]

"The Fight of Our Lives" is beautifully shot, the audio and technical elements are spot on and overall it is well put together. A lot of work went into the movie and it shows.

It is important to me to see different sides of stories, and I'm happy to watch movies with different viewpoints. Panelists and ideas talked about in this movie are not ones I personally agree with.

Watch with your teens. Excellent

[kevinpaulmccue · 10/10 · 15 January 2021]

This documentary was awesome. I sat down with my children to watch this and it has been food for discussion for weeks. It is an excellent primer on western civilization and current war being waged on it. It was challenging to watch and we had to stop every once and awhile to define terms like "pedological". Very intellectual without using the meaningless jargon. I think they got more out of this hour than they have in all of high school. And it encouraged them to read Kant. Bravo!

A Must See

[PAL · 10/10 · 12 July 2022]

The best and most cogent explanaion of all the ills infecting our country now. What may seem mysteriously ill-considered among politicians is, knowingly or unknowngly, part of a plan to alter our national purpose and ability to preserve freedom.