This documentary has a very long and slow beginning and took a fair bit to get into the documentary but the overall quality of this film is great. It's heart warming and very educational. It really makes you think about how little people care about forests and it's inhabitance. The story of these 15 young people in the jungles of Borneo for 100 days is very inspiring and interesting. First watching this I did not think it would be a topic i'd get into but later finishing it opened my mind up. The documentary makes the audience want to speak up and do something about the global challenges we face. I recommend anyone looking to become educated on the topic or those interested in global challenges to watch this documentary.
10 Reviews
Passion for justice that gives hope and delivers action
drumfill200024 April 2014
Wow! I thought I knew most of what was happening around the world in terms of the conservation of our environment, the sustainability of our resources and how best to preserve and regenerate our natural treasures for future generations to enjoy.
Consequently, I was pretty confident that I was doing as much as I could to assist the efforts of others in my own little world. I might have been on the right track but I definitely didn't know everything. In fact I didn't even know half the story.
The Rise of the Eco-Warriors taught me, through the reactions, thought processes, and the caring nature and actions of the Eco-Warriors along with the guidance of Dr Willie Smits, what the reality actually was.
As I watched the story of the forest peoples and orangutans of Borneo unfold, I was transfixed on what was shown on the screen. Literally.
At first I was a curious bystander. It felt like I was on a tourist trip with a guide that was explaining what we were seeing. However as the movie progressed the reality of what I was seeing suddenly struck home as being real and not fiction. It was stark. It was shocking. It was more than tragic. It was devastating.
I went through a range of emotions, such as shock, disbelief, anger, desperation, and also helplessness for the situation unfolding minute-by-minute and day-to-day on the screen in front of me. The tears I shed while watching this movie were real and I vowed right then and there to educate my family members and friends about what was happening in Borneo, and encourage them to see the movie themselves.
Dr Willie Smits should be applauded and recognized for his magnificent vision as well as the brilliant work he is doing in Borneo. Without his determination, there would not have been any Eco-Warriors to share in his passion, or to help where help is needed in the villages of Borneo, or to educate communities across the world.
The fact that this movie has made it to cinemas across the globe is a testament to the dedication of Dr Smits and the Eco-Warriors, as well as the work they have done and the work they are still doing. It is still very much a work in progress.
Perhaps the biggest revelation I had was that I, along with most of the viewers in the cinema with me, come home each night to a comfortable dwelling that has water on tap, food chilling in the fridge and more food languishing in the pantry. We have little to worry about except for lifestyle bills that we accrue in search of our dream home/dream lifestyle/comfortable car/next holiday. We, the viewers, have no idea what it is like to live like the Eco-warriors lived for 100 days.
Considering what they went through and the situation they were faced with on arrival, I believe the Eco-warriors to be among the bravest young people walking on the earth today. To be able to not only stand up for what you believe in but to then also campaign among your community for the privilege to be an Eco-warrior is huge. To actually take up the challenge after you have been selected to be in the first and final group of Eco-warriors, is outstanding. I believe that each one of the Eco-warriors worked to the best of their abilities in the conditions they were in. I doubt there are many who would rise to the challenges and tough conditions in the same selfless manner and with the same passion that the Eco-warriors in the film displayed.
My first thought when I left the cinema (apart from anger at what I see as a huge deception on the part of food manufacturers) was to check the contents of my pantry, fridge and freezer. Why? I urge you to go and see the movie and hopefully, you will realize how important reading packaged food labels really is.
Conserving, preserving, and sustaining our environment has always been at the fore of my personal beliefs. When I was much younger I auditioned for and was chosen to be one of the cast members for the Australian ABC-TV Earth Watch children's program in 1980. I believe this show to have been well ahead of it's time but sadly, it went largely unappreciated in 1980.
When I learned about the Rise of the Eco-Warriors through Ben Dessen's passion and determination, I was very encouraged by the efforts of Dr Willie Smits and those of every one of the Eco-warriors.
This movie is about the determination of one very dedicated mentor and his passionate group of young Eco-warriors. Their fervour for justice has led to many positive actions that have delivered hope to many.
Congratulations to Dr Willie Smits, Cathy Henkel, the Eco-warriors and to the entire production team and staff.
A magnificent movie that I have seen twice and would not mind seeing again :)
Consequently, I was pretty confident that I was doing as much as I could to assist the efforts of others in my own little world. I might have been on the right track but I definitely didn't know everything. In fact I didn't even know half the story.
The Rise of the Eco-Warriors taught me, through the reactions, thought processes, and the caring nature and actions of the Eco-Warriors along with the guidance of Dr Willie Smits, what the reality actually was.
As I watched the story of the forest peoples and orangutans of Borneo unfold, I was transfixed on what was shown on the screen. Literally.
At first I was a curious bystander. It felt like I was on a tourist trip with a guide that was explaining what we were seeing. However as the movie progressed the reality of what I was seeing suddenly struck home as being real and not fiction. It was stark. It was shocking. It was more than tragic. It was devastating.
I went through a range of emotions, such as shock, disbelief, anger, desperation, and also helplessness for the situation unfolding minute-by-minute and day-to-day on the screen in front of me. The tears I shed while watching this movie were real and I vowed right then and there to educate my family members and friends about what was happening in Borneo, and encourage them to see the movie themselves.
Dr Willie Smits should be applauded and recognized for his magnificent vision as well as the brilliant work he is doing in Borneo. Without his determination, there would not have been any Eco-Warriors to share in his passion, or to help where help is needed in the villages of Borneo, or to educate communities across the world.
The fact that this movie has made it to cinemas across the globe is a testament to the dedication of Dr Smits and the Eco-Warriors, as well as the work they have done and the work they are still doing. It is still very much a work in progress.
Perhaps the biggest revelation I had was that I, along with most of the viewers in the cinema with me, come home each night to a comfortable dwelling that has water on tap, food chilling in the fridge and more food languishing in the pantry. We have little to worry about except for lifestyle bills that we accrue in search of our dream home/dream lifestyle/comfortable car/next holiday. We, the viewers, have no idea what it is like to live like the Eco-warriors lived for 100 days.
Considering what they went through and the situation they were faced with on arrival, I believe the Eco-warriors to be among the bravest young people walking on the earth today. To be able to not only stand up for what you believe in but to then also campaign among your community for the privilege to be an Eco-warrior is huge. To actually take up the challenge after you have been selected to be in the first and final group of Eco-warriors, is outstanding. I believe that each one of the Eco-warriors worked to the best of their abilities in the conditions they were in. I doubt there are many who would rise to the challenges and tough conditions in the same selfless manner and with the same passion that the Eco-warriors in the film displayed.
My first thought when I left the cinema (apart from anger at what I see as a huge deception on the part of food manufacturers) was to check the contents of my pantry, fridge and freezer. Why? I urge you to go and see the movie and hopefully, you will realize how important reading packaged food labels really is.
Conserving, preserving, and sustaining our environment has always been at the fore of my personal beliefs. When I was much younger I auditioned for and was chosen to be one of the cast members for the Australian ABC-TV Earth Watch children's program in 1980. I believe this show to have been well ahead of it's time but sadly, it went largely unappreciated in 1980.
When I learned about the Rise of the Eco-Warriors through Ben Dessen's passion and determination, I was very encouraged by the efforts of Dr Willie Smits and those of every one of the Eco-warriors.
This movie is about the determination of one very dedicated mentor and his passionate group of young Eco-warriors. Their fervour for justice has led to many positive actions that have delivered hope to many.
Congratulations to Dr Willie Smits, Cathy Henkel, the Eco-warriors and to the entire production team and staff.
A magnificent movie that I have seen twice and would not mind seeing again :)
Outstanding
kirsten-hargreaves25 April 2014
It has been a long time since I've seen a film that has really plucked and strummed on every single one of my heart strings. Having a natural passion myself for nature and wildlife it really hit me hard to see the immense lengths these young men and women went to, to not only begin to make a difference but to inspire and educate all those around them. The entire time I was fighting back tears and becoming a blubbering mess in the middle of the theatre the two times I have seen this film. I've never been left feeling so empowered and so inspired, knowing that every little thing I can do to help WILL eventually make a change. This is the ideal film for men, woman and children of all ages, it's sense of passion, determination, love and teamwork will leave you all feeling amazing! A huge congratulations to everyone involved, producing a truly eye-opening, honest and heartwarming documentary. I highly recommend seeing it!
Inspiring
Yertleturtle-983-83963824 April 2014
I think the message that I took away from this film is the old "power of one". We can all sit there and knock "What will the film achieve in is a seemly impossible situation?" But they are at least trying. Young people away from their ps4 not attached to an iphone trying to make a difference. Who knows who this film will inspire and the ripple it could have.I took my kids today to see The Muppet Movie, I know it's will not be mentioned past today's outing. A few weeks ago I took my kids to see Rise of the Eco Warriors and my year 6 boy picked Palm Oil as his impromptu talk subject (he hates talking in the front of the class) and his teacher that afternoon emailed me how well he spoke and passionately he spoke. And we have celebrated a palm oil free Easter . We should have more film like this showing in main stream cinema and stop dumbing down our kids with Spiderman, Captain America and Lego men let's give them some real heroes and role models.
Review from Eco Chick - www.ecochick.com
sophie_maddo23 April 2014
If you haven't realised I am very passionate about the issue of Palm Oil and how the unsustainable practices in Malayasia and Indonesia are killing Orangutans and ruining villagers lives, then I must assume you are new to my blog.
If you are equally as passionate about protecting this species from extinction then you must check out a great new documentary called Rise of the Eco-Warriors, directed by acclaimed award winning Australian director, Cathy Henkel.
Faced with the challenge of spending one hundred days in the jungles of Borneo, Rise of the Eco-Warriors tells the real life story of fifteen young people from nine countries who undertake the mission to explore and implement solutions to the rampant deforestation which is destroying local Dayak communities, driving endangered Orangutans and other wildlife to extinction and contributing to climate change.
Against all odds this dynamic group succeed in building an Orangutan rehabilitation centre, introduce a satellite monitoring system called Earthwatchers, start a reforestation nursery and build a global support network.
Their efforts are put to the test when the bulldozers move in and threaten the future of a community living in a traditional longhouse.
Supporting the documentary, the filmmakers have implemented an education program to inspire other young people in Australia around the world.
Through DeforestACTION they have engaged over 1,900 schools and 60,000 students in multiple countries about the issues facing Borneo and how people can and continue to do more work to highlight the situation.
The film made me feel so many emotions. I was angry, I cried, I was inspired and it reinforced my resolve to continue putting pressure on companies using unsustainable palm oil in their products and educating others as to how they too can make a difference.
Special screenings are being held around Australian cinemas and a DVD is soon to be released.
To find out more and to view the trailer visit www.ecowarriorsrise.com
If you are equally as passionate about protecting this species from extinction then you must check out a great new documentary called Rise of the Eco-Warriors, directed by acclaimed award winning Australian director, Cathy Henkel.
Faced with the challenge of spending one hundred days in the jungles of Borneo, Rise of the Eco-Warriors tells the real life story of fifteen young people from nine countries who undertake the mission to explore and implement solutions to the rampant deforestation which is destroying local Dayak communities, driving endangered Orangutans and other wildlife to extinction and contributing to climate change.
Against all odds this dynamic group succeed in building an Orangutan rehabilitation centre, introduce a satellite monitoring system called Earthwatchers, start a reforestation nursery and build a global support network.
Their efforts are put to the test when the bulldozers move in and threaten the future of a community living in a traditional longhouse.
Supporting the documentary, the filmmakers have implemented an education program to inspire other young people in Australia around the world.
Through DeforestACTION they have engaged over 1,900 schools and 60,000 students in multiple countries about the issues facing Borneo and how people can and continue to do more work to highlight the situation.
The film made me feel so many emotions. I was angry, I cried, I was inspired and it reinforced my resolve to continue putting pressure on companies using unsustainable palm oil in their products and educating others as to how they too can make a difference.
Special screenings are being held around Australian cinemas and a DVD is soon to be released.
To find out more and to view the trailer visit www.ecowarriorsrise.com
Very inspirational movie
amandaextreem29 August 2014
I have herd about the fill for some time and I finally got around to watching it very amazing. It really is so powerful and thought provoking. I could only dream of making a film this good. I was very uplifting and ensured hope just by watching it.I almost creed 3 times watching the story unfold and at the end I am buzzing with joy in the hope that films like this can make a difference in this world. I thought it was going to be big brother meats the rain-forest but it is totally not that thank god. I think the exposure of illegal logging is very important. I would have loved for the film to show us what products have palm oil. I would highly recommend this film to anyone looking for hope. My favorite part is the welcoming of the villages.
Do Not Watch This Film
morgan-fahey25 March 2014
Warning: Spoilers
I have nothing good to say about this film. If you want to watch a bunch of ignorant kids traipse around the bush in Borneo, windging about about how hard life is while simultaneously overstating and over hyping up their impact and ability then this is the film for you.
It took everything I had not to leave the theatre when I saw this film. I remained for each painful minute in hopes that at any point these kids would actually take some real action. Needless to say – the film never delivered and dragged on forever.
This film loses a vital chance to truly explore and examine the realities surrounding palm oil plantations in Borneo. Instead of discussing the gravity of orang-utan displacement, the rate of deforestation, or exploring local resistance in depth the film chooses to take a real world/big brother reality type approach to a bunch of kids who are totally oblivious about how to make any substantial change. I am not sure these kids actually did anything other than boost their egos, take credit for local/already existing initiatives, or overplay their importance. I think the villages they visited would have been better off if all the people partaking cashed in their pay checks and just handed over the money to the community.
I feel completely misled by the title of the film 'Rise of the Eco-Warriors" which suggests that the characters may at some point do something eco-warrior-esque. I was utterly offended that the only time the term eco-warrior was relevant was during the many occasions that the cast chose to proclaim themselves eco-warriors and even came up with a hip gang sign for all the kids to use. It is hard to believe the way in which this film attempts to define activism and direct action. To all the real activists out there please do not waste your money on this film.
The film would have been better if it chose to impassion it's audience to take a stand by hitting us with solid and strong evidence, more facts, and some intense footage of the actual reality in Borneo. At no point do we witness anyone filming the actual destruction of a forest even though time and time again we are reminded that it is going on. The audience is exposed only to a few orang-utans who have been displaced - but most of them are from homes where people had them as pets. At no point do the film makers get into the heart of the forest and truly expose the raw and dramatic reality. Perhaps this is due to the budgetary issues of the film - but to me it just comes off as lazy and easy camera work.
The film could have easily used the cast as a back story to the major issues and highlighted their projects as small solutions to the major problems instead of making them the centre of the film.
It took everything I had not to leave the theatre when I saw this film. I remained for each painful minute in hopes that at any point these kids would actually take some real action. Needless to say – the film never delivered and dragged on forever.
This film loses a vital chance to truly explore and examine the realities surrounding palm oil plantations in Borneo. Instead of discussing the gravity of orang-utan displacement, the rate of deforestation, or exploring local resistance in depth the film chooses to take a real world/big brother reality type approach to a bunch of kids who are totally oblivious about how to make any substantial change. I am not sure these kids actually did anything other than boost their egos, take credit for local/already existing initiatives, or overplay their importance. I think the villages they visited would have been better off if all the people partaking cashed in their pay checks and just handed over the money to the community.
I feel completely misled by the title of the film 'Rise of the Eco-Warriors" which suggests that the characters may at some point do something eco-warrior-esque. I was utterly offended that the only time the term eco-warrior was relevant was during the many occasions that the cast chose to proclaim themselves eco-warriors and even came up with a hip gang sign for all the kids to use. It is hard to believe the way in which this film attempts to define activism and direct action. To all the real activists out there please do not waste your money on this film.
The film would have been better if it chose to impassion it's audience to take a stand by hitting us with solid and strong evidence, more facts, and some intense footage of the actual reality in Borneo. At no point do we witness anyone filming the actual destruction of a forest even though time and time again we are reminded that it is going on. The audience is exposed only to a few orang-utans who have been displaced - but most of them are from homes where people had them as pets. At no point do the film makers get into the heart of the forest and truly expose the raw and dramatic reality. Perhaps this is due to the budgetary issues of the film - but to me it just comes off as lazy and easy camera work.
The film could have easily used the cast as a back story to the major issues and highlighted their projects as small solutions to the major problems instead of making them the centre of the film.
Incredible!
sping7898 May 2014
Warning: Spoilers
I had watched the trailer online and briefly read about the film on the website before watching Rise of the Eco-Warriors, but nothing could prepare me for the magnitude of the issue occurring in Borneo and the incredible journey that the 15/11 young people embarked on to achieve whatever was humanly possible in 100 days.
As a young Australian, I feel that we are not exposed enough to the real global issues that will pose additional threats to the world that our children and grandchildren will have to inhabit. This film is a perfect example of the type of content, style and combination of characters to be shown in schools around the world to inspire young people to act.
The threat to Borneo's forests, people and wildlife is the growing expansion of the palm oil industry, resulting in illegal deforestation to make way for the plants that are used in many daily household products. The effects of this activity is disastrous: locals' land is being cleared without permission, they aren't able to compete with the huge companies to sustain their previous income, and animals are being forced out of their natural habitat.
In the first Act, the 15 eco-warriors travel to Borneo and spend 20 days getting a first hand experience on the ground to fathom the extent of destruction occurring in this area, and then form groups to focus on four key areas to stop the palm oil companies and to heal the local community.
5 months on, 11 of the eco-warriors return and face the problem of raising the sufficient funds needed to implement their projects. After a lot of helpful advice from the great Dr Willie Smits and some touching experiences with the local people, the team pull together to build the foundations of an initiative that can progress after the eco-warriors departure.
The film has an appropriate balance of tension, realisations, peaks and confrontations to construct a documentary that is both moving and motivating. And of course whenever an orangutan is featured there is no doubt that a tear will sneak up to your eye.
After watching this film I feel empowered to help this cause and bring my power to save these people and animals. The sheer ignorance of these huge palm oil companies is unruly and their actions need to be stopped.
I highly recommend this film because it allows a raw insight into one of the many world issues that are affecting innocent communities today, and there is no doubt that the young eco-warriors that chose to lead the project are committed, passionate and driven, which ignites the fire in all of us.
As a young Australian, I feel that we are not exposed enough to the real global issues that will pose additional threats to the world that our children and grandchildren will have to inhabit. This film is a perfect example of the type of content, style and combination of characters to be shown in schools around the world to inspire young people to act.
The threat to Borneo's forests, people and wildlife is the growing expansion of the palm oil industry, resulting in illegal deforestation to make way for the plants that are used in many daily household products. The effects of this activity is disastrous: locals' land is being cleared without permission, they aren't able to compete with the huge companies to sustain their previous income, and animals are being forced out of their natural habitat.
In the first Act, the 15 eco-warriors travel to Borneo and spend 20 days getting a first hand experience on the ground to fathom the extent of destruction occurring in this area, and then form groups to focus on four key areas to stop the palm oil companies and to heal the local community.
5 months on, 11 of the eco-warriors return and face the problem of raising the sufficient funds needed to implement their projects. After a lot of helpful advice from the great Dr Willie Smits and some touching experiences with the local people, the team pull together to build the foundations of an initiative that can progress after the eco-warriors departure.
The film has an appropriate balance of tension, realisations, peaks and confrontations to construct a documentary that is both moving and motivating. And of course whenever an orangutan is featured there is no doubt that a tear will sneak up to your eye.
After watching this film I feel empowered to help this cause and bring my power to save these people and animals. The sheer ignorance of these huge palm oil companies is unruly and their actions need to be stopped.
I highly recommend this film because it allows a raw insight into one of the many world issues that are affecting innocent communities today, and there is no doubt that the young eco-warriors that chose to lead the project are committed, passionate and driven, which ignites the fire in all of us.
The summit of humanitarian douchery!
glaurung-8431222 April 2015
Volunteers flaunt their experiences on social media and portray themselves as 'heroes' who are 'saving' underprivileged villagers. It reinforces stereotypes, images of differences and unequal power relationships between the volunteer and the host community.
The "hero" (called eco-warriors) dance/prance around, lamenting the invisible "foe" (some unidentified palm oil company), without any in-depth knowledge of the issues at hand. The result is a sing-along of spoiled brats that pursue shallow solutions to a very complex issue.
Today, several years later little has changed for the local communities. Despite repeated promises to make a difference from the eco-warriors. ("we'll be watching from the sky")
#EndHumanitarianDouchery
The "hero" (called eco-warriors) dance/prance around, lamenting the invisible "foe" (some unidentified palm oil company), without any in-depth knowledge of the issues at hand. The result is a sing-along of spoiled brats that pursue shallow solutions to a very complex issue.
Today, several years later little has changed for the local communities. Despite repeated promises to make a difference from the eco-warriors. ("we'll be watching from the sky")
#EndHumanitarianDouchery
Empowering
prowl119 May 2014
Warning: Spoilers
"Rise of the Eco Warriors" offers a unique way of viewing the deforestation issue in Borneo which is a current and very pressing issue. The whole project as well as the film is quite technology-oriented, which resonates well with or engages a contemporary audience. The structure of the documentary is admirable, as each member of the audience feels as if they are being taken on a journey with the young crusaders and is connected on a level that they share their wins and their losses, their celebration but also their anguish. For this reason,"Rise of the Eco Warriors" is a very moving and evocative film.
The producer offers a preempted but proactive perception of the problem (deforestation in the Borneo rainforest) and, in this context, spreads awareness of the alarming statistics and the state of the environment over there, whilst giving the story momentum: There is action. There is change. There is a call to action, providing the audience with methods to become a part of the movement and ultimately the solution.
I found the film extremely moving and empowering. No really! I cried during the film and then left the cinema with a strong sense of stewardship and an eagerness to help the environment (especially the situation in Borneo) that couldn't be suppressed. In short, this film will make you care, by lifting the wool from over your eyes and giving you a useful insight into the current state of the environment and how you personally can help. Every action counts! I cannot recommend this film enough and I believe that if you miss out on seeing it during its short seasons in cinemas around the world, you are missing out on an amazing opportunity that could see you become a better and more responsible citizen in our global community.Simply incredible!
The producer offers a preempted but proactive perception of the problem (deforestation in the Borneo rainforest) and, in this context, spreads awareness of the alarming statistics and the state of the environment over there, whilst giving the story momentum: There is action. There is change. There is a call to action, providing the audience with methods to become a part of the movement and ultimately the solution.
I found the film extremely moving and empowering. No really! I cried during the film and then left the cinema with a strong sense of stewardship and an eagerness to help the environment (especially the situation in Borneo) that couldn't be suppressed. In short, this film will make you care, by lifting the wool from over your eyes and giving you a useful insight into the current state of the environment and how you personally can help. Every action counts! I cannot recommend this film enough and I believe that if you miss out on seeing it during its short seasons in cinemas around the world, you are missing out on an amazing opportunity that could see you become a better and more responsible citizen in our global community.Simply incredible!
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
