They Call It Myanmar: Lifting the Curtain

They Call It Myanmar: Lifting the Curtain is a 2012 feature-length documentary film that offers an in-depth and riveting account of Myanmar, both historically and politically. The film is directed by Robert H. Lieberman, known for his fiction films and also his thought-provoking documentaries. This documentary offers viewers an intimate perspective of Myanmar, a country that was inaccessible to the outside world due to its closed-door policies and the stringent rule of its military junta.

The film succeeds in seamlessly meshing an up-close look at the people and their stories, with an overview of the political situation that has gripped the nation for an extended period. Most importantly, the film features the indomitable Aung San Suu Kyi, the leader of Myanmar's pro-democracy opposition party who at the time the film was released, had not long been released from years of house arrest.

Aung San Suu Kyi is a pivotal figure in the documentary, and her interviews are both insightful and poignant, providing a personal angle on the issues faced by a nation that is often misunderstood. From her beginnings as the daughter of the country's founder to her experiences under house arrest and her unwavering commitment to spur change for her people, Suu Kyi's interviews add depth and dimension to the overall narrative of the film.

They Call It Myanmar: Lifting the Curtain also illustrates the hardships encountered by the Burmese people in their struggle for survival under the repressive regime. The film uncovers gripping realities from extreme poverty to educational crisis, from health issues to rampant corruption, all steeped in the nation's intriguing history and culture. The camera moves through a variety of locales, highlighting the stunning rugged wilderness, bustling city streets, rural villages, and extraordinary temples, placing the viewer directly into these locales in this largely unseen country.

Additionally, the film focusses on the rich and unequalled cultural heritage of Myanmar that makes it a unique country in Southeast Asia. Whether it's the stunning landscapes, the majestic temples, the brightly-clothed Buddhist monks, or the people's enduring faith, the film ensures they are painted in vivid detail, instilling an understanding of the country's rich history, traditions and spirit. Amid the depictions of hardship and oppression, the film captures these moments of sublime beauty and resilience that illuminate the indomitable spirit of the Burmese people.

They Call It Myanmar: Lifting the Curtain also highlights the country's lifeblood: its children. The belief and hope in their eyes, the ambition to study and prosper against the odds, and their dreams for the future of their homeland underscore the human dimension of politics. It casts a profound light on the youth of Myanmar, victims of a stringent system, and yet so full of hope and aspirations.

It's not just the social and political dimensions that the film captures but also the economic struggles of the country. With the sanctions imposed by western world powers and the rampant corruption within, the documentary lays bare the crippling power disharmony has over a nation's progression and prosperity.

In addition to the interviews with Aung San Suu Kyi, Lieberman also talks to some of the ordinary people living under restrictions but yet finding joy in small things, as well as with the less visible part of society like street vendors, commuters, Buddhist monks, and students. Their perspectives serve as an echo chamber that confirms the desire for an open society free from repression, where every individual can be heard and respected.

They Call It Myanmar: Lifting the Curtain is a film that uncovers, enlightens, and strikes a balance between presenting the raw realities of oppression and showcasing the sublime beauty of a resilient country and its people. The film's success comes in its ability to place viewers into the heart of Myanmar, painting a picture that is both compelling and necessary in understanding a place that, for many, remains shrouded in mystery and misinformation.

In summary, They Call It Myanmar: Lifting the Curtain is more than just a documentary; it is a compelling narrative of an extraordinary country under extraordinary circumstances. It provides a platform for the unheard voices of Myanmar to express their joys, sorrows, hopes, and dreams while also providing a potent reminder that the fight for freedom and democracy is an ongoing and demanding journey. As such, it is a significant contribution to global cinema that offers a unique and insightful glimpse into a beautiful yet struggling nation.