Battleground
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Battleground
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Battleground is a documentary featuring two activists who share common and different beliefs in America's present atmosphere of political partisanship. References include the subjects of criminal justice reform, mass incarceration, and mandatory minimum prison sentences. Images include drinking at campaign events, and guns pictured on a promotional flyer. There are claims made about police killing an unarmed Latinx man. Mentions include allegations about murdered and sexually assaulted clergy. Swear words include "s--t," but most are bleeped out and appear in subtitles as "$#@%" and "$#!%." Battleground includes the powerful themes of communication, perseverance, and teamwork.
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What's the Story?
BATTLEGROUND looks at the landscape of bipartisan politics as seen through the eyes of two grassroots activists from Pennsylvania's Lehigh Valley. The region voted for Barack Obama in 2008 and 2012, respectively, and then flipped to Donald Trump in 2016. Tom Carroll is the area's Tea Party chair and a Trump delegate. Church pastor and community leader Greg Edwards makes a run for Congress and is endorsed by Senator Bernie Sanders. And although Carroll and Edwards appear on opposite sides of the political spectrum, the pair decide to meet and civilly discuss their diverse views, and unexpectedly discover they also have common beliefs.
Is It Any Good?
Directors Hemal Trivedi and Jonah Markowitz offer an enlightening view of two bipartisan activists as they set out to make a political difference in their community. The film shows the pair engage in a civil conversation about each other's diverse views and common beliefs and their engagement with local residents, and shares aspects of their personal stories. Says Carroll, "The system is completely broken and doesn't work for anybody." Edwards agrees, and adds, "The only thing more powerful than red and blue is green. The one percent can continue to fund both the Republican parties and the Democratic parties because at the end of the day, I really don't think they care." Battleground's result is a film that skillfully lends itself to an all-important dialogue between parents and teens about respectful communication with others, and that it's OK to agree to disagree.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the communication between political activists Tom Carroll and Greg Edwards in Battleground. How do they demonstrate perseverance and teamwork? Why are these important character strengths?
What may be the causes behind America's deep political divide? During what other times in the country's history has this happened and why?
What social factors may lead a voter to choose a political party? What reasons could create a reversal in their affiliation?
What is the definition of a super PAC? What influences could large financial contributions have on a candidate and their campaign?
How important was Bethlehem Steel in shaping the U.S. economy? What were the possible consequences of its closure on workers and the nation?
Movie Details
- In theaters: October 16, 2020
- On DVD or streaming: January 25, 2021
- Cast: Tom Carroll, Greg Edwards
- Directors: Hemal Trivedi, Jonah Markowitz
- Studio: Keystone Docs
- Genre: Documentary
- Topics: Activism, History
- Character Strengths: Communication, Perseverance, Teamwork
- Run time: 56 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: February 28, 2022
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