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Commentary Sometimes, I believe that in these modern times, we don’t have the appreciation that we once had for nature—particularly the four elements that surround us every day. And with the advent of both virtual and augmented reality, both of which are being increasingly pushed upon us as “the next big thing,” some individuals (such as myself) are content with what we already have: the natural world that provides us with the four major elements of water, fire, air, and earth. Epoch Cinema presents director Pietro Pellizzieri’s exemplary documentary that delves into the four “fabulous” elements—and how important they are to all life on earth—titled “The Fabulous Four.” As the film begins, the narrator gives a brief breakdown of the four elements and I begin to realize that my own thoughts are in sync with what he is saying. He describes fire as the purifying element that represents the “principle of life” through the powerful energy it generates. Air is an elusive element and although it is something people continuously breathe in and out of their bodies, it is often taken for granted. On the other hand, earth is solid, primordial matter that provides the literal foundation of life on Earth. And last but not least is water, an unyielding force that forms our beautiful rivers, lakes, and oceans, and sustains all life. Majestic waterfalls are shown in the film. (“The Fabulous Four”/Screenshot via The Epoch Times) The narrator first dives into water (pun intended) as a crucial element here on Earth. Water is important in many ways—from providing natural habitats for many species of plants and animals, to cooling off underwater vents where super-heated magma spews forth. About 60 percent of our body weight is from water. Above the water level, there are volcanos, which since ancient times, man has been both fascinated by and fearful of. According to ancient legends, throughout the centuries, many cultures have been wiped out by volcanic activity. But some countries, such as Indonesia, still have much of their population living right on the doorstep of numerous active volcanos. Nowhere else in the world are so many people living in the shadows of active volcanos than in Indonesia. (“The Fabulous Four”/Screenshot via The Epoch Times) Indeed, fire has been crucial to man’s survival for such things as cooking, staying warm, and protection. Fire has forged metals into our earliest forms of armor, weapons, and defensive structures such as reinforced doors. The narrator then shifts to what the element of earth represents in terms of where people live, and goes on to describe Oceania, Asia, Europe, the African continent, and others. He also gives some insight into each area, along with a bit of condensed history. The film moves on to irreplaceable air, which is the element that represents life and is at once both elusive and ever-present. It surrounds our planet protectively and seeps into every nook and cranny. Like water, there are places on our planet that wind has shaped over the course of millions of years. Life on Earth has developed following the laws of these four incredibly powerful elements. Nothing escapes the rigors of the four elements—together, they affect our changing world. One of the things I most appreciated about this documentary was how it not only reminded me of how amazing each of the four elements is (and how they have shaped our existence), but also the myriad ways we can use them. For example, solar panels can be place in many of the deserts, since they are non-arable land, and thus provide power for vast swaths of civilization. Although too harsh and inhospitable to sustain much life, Earth’s deserts could provide the means to sustain life after all. (“The Fabulous Four”/Screenshot via The Epoch Times) Another thing that held my attention was the stunning cinematography. I’ve watched a lot of National Geographic-type programs in my day, as well as many nature documentaries via Epoch Cinema, but nothing so far, comes close to what is showcased in this film. From beautiful flowing waterfalls, scorching hot deserts, and exotic remote islands, the images are pure eye candy. In fact, I took so many screenshots that it was hard to choose the ones to use for this article. The film’s moving score nicely accentuates the luscious visuals. If there was a minor gripe, it would be that the narrator sounds somewhat robotic in his delivery. But in the end, that didn’t significantly take away from my enjoyment of the film. “The Fabulous Four” is an outstanding documentary about the natural world, told through the lens of the four major elements that surround us. By the end of its rather short 49-minute run time, I realized that I had somewhat taken our natural surroundings for granted and pledged to go to natural settings more often. This is an interesting, visually stunning, and hopeful film that makes one realize how fortunate we are to have such a beautiful planet and proposes ideas on how to sustainably take care of it as we move into the future. 'The Fabulous Four' Director: Pietro Pellizzieri Stars: Byron Cadwell Running Time: 49 minutes MPAA Rating: Not Rated Release Date: 2022 Rated: 4.5 stars out of 5 Not Rated | 49m | Documentary | 2022 Watch the trailer: Watch the full video: https://www.theepochtimes.com/the-fabulous-four_4671203.html

Commentary A highly informative documentary about the issues surrounding microwave radiation. Have you ever stopped to think of how cell phones and cell phone towers may be emitting harmful radiation? Have you ever heard of reports here and there that this may be a scientifically viable theory? Well, a well-produced documentary titled “An Invisible Threat” is something you may find informative, as it delves into the health impacts of the increasing amounts of microwave radiation inundating the entire planet. The film begins by showing us American newscasts of anchors in the 1970s reporting on high levels of radiation at the U.S. Embassy in Russia. They posit that the Russians are possibly using microwaves to jam eavesdropping equipment used by the Americans. The scene suddenly shifts to modern times and shows multitudes of people walking around while talking on their cell phones. While cellphones were unheard of 50 years ago, radiation levels—except in the rare cases that the newscasters pointed out—were much, much lower in general. Transpose that with today, where nearly everyone has a cell phone. A condition known as electromagnetic hypersensitivity syndrome, where certain people are particularly vulnerable to radiation, was relatively low even up to the beginning of the 1980s. But throughout the past few decades, with the onset of such things as personal computers and cellphones, people who have electromagnetic hypersensitivity syndrome account for approximately 10 percent of the population. In the film, that number was projected to rapidly increase in the “next 5 to 10 years.” What’s so concerning is that projection was given 8 years ago when the film was made back in 2014. Minerva Palomar discusses how microwave radiation has affected her in “An Invisible Threat.” (Imago Producciones) A Spanish woman named Minerva Palomar is one such person who has electromagnetic hypersensitivity syndrome. She explains that she first started noticing a mix of symptoms that included powerful headaches, spasms, nausea, and a feeling of overall weakness around the time a cell phone tower was installed close to her residence. Manuel Desco, of the Scientific Advisory Committee on Radio Frequencies and Health, points out that numerous people have reported symptoms similar to those experienced by Palomar, either after cell phone towers were installed, or after using cell phones over extended periods of time. Olle Johansson, Director of the Department of Neuroscience Karolinska Institute in Sweden, has studied the effects of electromagnetic radiation on humans, plants, and animals extensively. He says that heightened levels of electromagnetic energy aren’t meant to be in the normal functioning environments on Earth. Olle Johansson in “An Invisible Threat.” (Imago Producciones) As Johansson describes it, the planet’s various biological systems were never designed to have electromagnetic waves inundating them. But the more that it happens, the more adverse effects these waves have on these biological systems—such as cancer and other “alterations” that destroy the very bonds of our DNA molecules. He adds that the natural levels of microwave radiation on the planet have always been extremely low. But in modern times that has all changed. He likens this change to suddenly “turning a knob” and ratcheting up these levels to bombard humans, plants, and animals with microwaves that they were never designed to withstand. The documentary goes on to interview various people who are well-informed on the subject of microwave radiation and electromagnetic hypersensitivity syndrome. Through these interviews with scientists, investigative journalists, and others, we learn that certain forces in society minimize or altogether ignore the health effects of widespread radiation. Certain organizations that were tasked with studying cell phone use and its relation to microwave radiation were mysteriously “manipulated.” The question then becomes, what are we, as a collective society, going to do about this ever-expanding problem? A familiar sight—people from all over the world talking on their cellphones in “An Invisible Threat.” (Imago Producciones) I found this film to not only be highly informative but also very prescient since we live in an age where most people blindly trust technology—particularly anything to do with microwaves—evidenced by our seeming dependence on cell phones. Part of the problem (and what’s so insidious about it) is that the numerous health effects caused by electromagnetic radiation are caused by something that we can’t see, hear, or touch, even though these harmful waves are bombarding our bodies all the time. “An Invisible Threat” is a well-produced documentary that not only delves into the increasingly severe effects of radiation on all life on the planet, but also the many conflicts of interest among governments, politicians, lobbyists, so-called “health” organizations, private industries, and the military. ‘An Invisible Threat’ Director: Pablo Coca Stars: Mona Nilsson, Olle Johansson, Minerva Palomar Running Time: 1 hour, 11 minutes MPAA Rating: Not Rated Release Date: 2014 Rated: 4.5 stars out of 5 PG | 1h 11m | Documentary | 2014 Watch the trailer: Watch the full video: https://www.theepochtimes.com/an-invisible-threat_4671204.html

Commentary We live in an age where attention spans are at an all-time low and can be measured in milliseconds. Devices with screens are all too available to children at younger and younger ages, which makes it easy to check on the amount of “likes” people have on this or that app, or social media accounts. Directed by Andy T. Jones, the short film “Mindful Mr. Sloth” is based on an adorable children’s picture book of the same name by Katy Hudson. Like the book, this short animated film is a gentle reminder that sometimes it’s fine to simply stop and enjoy the present moment, lest we miss out on so many of the things that are going on around us. The film opens by describing the busy life of a young girl named Sasha (delightfully voiced by Erin Ruth Walker). She has a number of hobbies, including playing musical instruments, riding her bike, and recording the different kinds of butterflies she comes across. Sasha moves at a quick pace in “Mindful Mr. Sloth” (Epoch Cinema/screenshot) One day, while out in her treehouse, Sasha hears a loud banging noise coming from the rooftop. She climbs up onto the roof to look at what’s going on and encounters a friendly animal named “Mr. Sloth.” Unlike Sasha, Mr. Sloth likes doing things at a slow, gradual pace. The two strike up an unlikely friendship and at first, Sasha tries to get Mr. Sloth to adapt to her rigorous life pace. She attempts to get her furry friend to engage in games with her, such as playing doctor, as well as join her in different sorts of hobbies, such as painting. But Mr. Sloth moves too slow for her and she quickly runs out of patience. Things culminate with a big neighborhood children’s bike race and Sasha gets Mr. Sloth all geared up for the event. In no time, he is wearing a helmet and seated inside her bike’s front-mounted bike basket. Because of her athleticism and fast pace, Sasha quickly races ahead of the other children. But Mr. Sloth suddenly tells her to stop. Sasha obliges and comes to a halt, but asks why he wanted to stop. As the other children whiz by them, Mr. Sloth tells Sasha to listen to a bird that is cheerfully chirping from its perch on a nearby bush. Sasha pauses for a moment to listen to the bird but then notices the other kids passing them by and resumes the race. Sasha and Mr. Sloth pause to listen to a bird chirping in “Mindful Mr. Sloth” (Epoch Cinema/screenshot) In no time, Sasha has emerged at the front of the race once more, until Mr. Sloth requests that they stop once more. “What is it now, Mr. Sloth?” Sasha asks her hairy companion. This time, Mr. Sloth asks “Can you smell the flowers?” Sasha takes a deep breath and inhales the pleasant scent of flowers. She wonders why she’d never noticed the smell of flowers before, pausing for a longer time than she did before. But then Sasha notices the other neighborhood kids racing by her and she promptly resumes the race. A third bike stoppage has Sasha pausing to feel a gentle breeze cascade over her body. This time, she gets off of her bike with Mr. Sloth and they both sit on the grass. Together, Sasha and Mr. Sloth look, listen, and feel nature—taking in the beautiful sights, sounds, and sensations all around them. From there, Sasha begins to understand what Mr. Sloth has been trying to teach her the entire time, which is that sometimes it’s good to slow down, engage in mindfulness, and enjoy the present moment. Sasha and Mr. Sloth enjoy nature together in “Mindful Mr. Sloth” (Epoch Cinema/screenshot) “Mindful Mr. Sloth” features some pleasant animation and a nice background score. It’s a gentle reminder to pause, breathe deeply, and fully enjoy one’s surroundings for that moment. Like the picture book, it encourages people (young and old) to appreciate all the simple things in life that surround us every day. It also features a few pointers on how to be more mindful in one’s daily life and is an inspiring lesson to help guide folks along on their mindfulness journey. Mindful Mr. Sloth Director: Andy T. Jones Stars: Erin Ruth Walker (voice of) Running Time: 10 minutes MPAA Rating: Not Rated Release Date: Mar. 29, 2022 Rated: 4 stars out of 5 Not Rated | 10m | Short, Animation | 2022 Watch the trailer: Watch the full video: https://www.theepochtimes.com/mindful-mr-sloth_4684731.html

Watch " Fight Like Ana " on Epoch Cinema here. Commentary Sometimes it's hard to fathom how fortunate we are to not have faced extreme forms of adversity—or have family members who have. But after watching the excellent documentary, " Fight Like Ana ," we can learn some lessons about appreciating every moment we have with our loved ones. It's a touching reminder of the value of faith and family. The film begins with tragedy… Early one October morning in 2017, Ana Wakefield was driving on her way to basketball practice down Highway 212, just west of Damascus, Oregon. The driver of a stolen SUV suddenly crossed over the line and hit Ana head-on with so much force that the entire front half of her car was practically destroyed. Tyler Jennings, the first witness on the crash scene, said that he could see Ana's body, but that she wasn't moving and there was a lot of blood leaking from her legs. He moved in closer to see if she had a pulse, but couldn't detect one. The driver of the SUV had already fled the scene. When authorities arrived on the scene, they quickly took Ana to the Oregon Health & Science University Hospital. Although she sustained a number of horrific injuries, the most severe being some bleeding and swelling of her brain. Therefore, she was rushed into emergency surgery to operate on her brain. The scene of Ana Wakefield’s horrible accident in " Fight Like Ana ". (Exploration Films) To put things into perspective—on the third day of Ana's hospitalization, Val and Ana were scheduled to play their first basketball game together at Multnomah University. On that same day, while Ana lay fighting for her life in a coma, doctors were uncertain as to whether the young lady would survive another 24 hours. Her aspirations of being a star basketball player had been completely dashed in just an instant. After weeks in the hospital, Ana woke up and as she later recounts, felt around with her hand to discover that her hair had been shaven off and her head had multiple large scars embedded into her scalp from the multiple surgeries she'd been through. She began crying, saying that she'd never be beautiful again. At first, Ana began her rehabilitation at the hospital and her father, Dave, became the driving force in her recovery. Miraculously, Ana improved her bodily locomotion, ability to speak, and balance and coordination. After nine weeks, she was allowed to return home to continue her rehabilitation there with her family. Her father later remarks he never would have known that after 30 years of coaching school athletics, God would choose him to be Ana's primary rehabilitation coach. Ana Wakefield in " Fight Like Ana" . (Exploration Films) Due to Ana's persistence and her family's support, Ana went from being in a wheelchair to a walker, then to a cane, and eventually, she could walk without any walking aids at all. Through hard work and tenacity, Ana was able to attend her first basketball practice only a few months after her near-fatal accident. Although she wasn't able to actually play, she received a heartfelt greeting from her former teammates and got to shoot her first hoop since the tragedy—making the shot. Fortunately, the police located and arrested the man responsible for stealing the SUV and smashing into Ana's vehicle. He was a young man named Sequoyah Stork, who'd been under the influence of some substance when he collided with Ana. Right after the accident, he ran away from the scene. During his trial, he cried after learning how much of a negative impact he had on Ana. From there, a major question arises… Will Ana ever be able to move on from the tragic accident? One of the things I loved about this touching documentary is to see how someone's life could be so negatively impacted, yet through faith and forgiveness, turn something tragic into something that heals, and also brings people closer together. Although Ana still struggles with her post-accident injuries, the entire event has brought her family even closer together. Now, all of them treasure every moment that they have together instead of taking things for granted since they’ve realized how precious life is. Ana Wakefield and her family now appreciate their time together much more in " Fight Like Ana ." As her father says near the end of " Flight Like Ana ," all of the difficulties that Ana has overcome has inspired others to keep "going, keep fighting, don't quit." I'd have to agree with that after seeing this touching film. "I was one person, and then I died," Ana said, "and was reborn and had to rediscover and learn who I am." 'Fight Like Ana' Director: Matthew Roth Stars: Tyler Jennings, Ana Wakefield, Dave Wakefield Running Time: 41 minutes MPAA Rating: Not Rated Release Date: 2021 Rated: 4.5 stars out of 5 Not Rated | 41m | Documentary, Short, Drama | 2021 Watch the trailer: Watch the full video: https://www.theepochtimes.com/fight-like-ana_4671207.html

Watch "Jim: The James Foley Story" on Epoch Cinema here. Commentary A heartfelt memorial to a conflict journalist and truth seeker. Being a soldier in the military overseas was something that I personally know can be stressful. However, when you're one of the guys on the frontlines, at least you feel somewhat protected since you're armed. These days, as a journalist, I read stories all the time about the terrible atrocities being committed against journalists overseas, particularly in the Middle East. But a journalist James Foley, the subject of a 2016 documentary called "Jim: The James Foley Story," put himself in many dangerous situations to reveal to the world what was really going on in various war zones as a conflict journalist. This documentary feature by director Brian Oakes, a childhood friend of Foley, is somewhat of a memorial to his late friend. James Foley (R) in "Jim: The James Foley Story" (HBO Documentary Films) The documentary shows Foley's home life with his loving conservative family in New Hampshire and it soon becomes apparent that he was a restless spirit. What he was good at was relating to people and writing. So, he chose to switch from teaching to conflict journalism as his work sphere, since it allowed him to travel to the war-torn battlefields of Iraq, and then later, Libya and Syria. Soon, Foley found himself in one of the most dangerous places in the world in 2012, Aleppo, Syria. Where on Thanksgiving Day of 2012, he and a colleague were captured by ISIS while covering the Syrian Civil War. Foley went missing for two years before finally turning up in a video shown worldwide, being executed by a black-clad ISIS terrorist known infamously as "Jihadi John" (later identified as Mohammed Emwazi). But instead of focusing too much on the grisly details of Foley's execution (he died by beheading), Oakes instead makes use of his extensive interviews with Foley's parents, John and Diane, his various siblings, the media folks he'd worked with, and a handful of fellow journalists who had likewise been kidnapped, imprisoned, and tortured. Interestingly, the ISIS terrorist who jailed the international group of journalists targeted Foley with much of his brutality. Unlike Foley, some of his fellow prisoners were released since their home countries agreed to ransoms or prisoner exchanges. James Foley in "Jim: The James Foley Story" (HBO Documentary Films) During the documentary's second act, the horrific details of the prisoners' captivity and accompanying torture are re-created in artistically done, albeit haunting, scenes. Some of the surviving journalists recount what they and others were subjected to in gruesome detail—perhaps a little too much so. But thankfully, the segment isn't overly long. What was enjoyable were the frequent shots of war-zone footage, much of which was taken by Foley himself. This gives a sense of intimacy and understanding of what Foley experienced during his day-to-day coverage of various Middle-Eastern hot zones. The footage gives weight to not only the danger U.S. military personnel faced on a daily basis, but also the toll on the civilian populations caught in the middle of the many internecine battlefields soaked in blood. We also see various interviewees that express feelings of regret, such as Foley's brother John Jr. During a brief visit by Foley back to the States to visit his family, John Jr. tried his best to understand why Foley kept wanting to put his life in grave danger. The two siblings had many heated discussions before Foley flew off overseas again for his final fateful trip to Aleppo. Other people ponder (and in some cases obsess) over what they did wrong, or what they think they should have done. In any event, Foley's parents conclude that the U.S. government wasn't being completely honest with them after news of Foley's disappearance became known. James Foley (R) in "Jim: The James Foley Story" (HBO Documentary Films) One thing that is clear, is that Foley risked life and limb to expose what was going on within these different conflict zones, and often gave a very human touch to his work. He always enjoyed being around children (as he had when he was a teacher) and it became apparent that he was greatly impacted by seeing so many dead children in the areas he covered. Thanks to brave journalists like Foley, the world was exposed to many of the atrocities that occurred in these previously lesser-known war zones. This is a well-produced and well-paced documentary that weaves Foley's younger years in with his journalistic work in the Middle East. It's a sympathetic look that casts Foley as a kind spirit who deeply cared for the downtrodden. In some spots, the film gets a little sentimental, but that doesn't detract from its overall impact. "Jim: The James Foley Story" is a cinematic reminder of the danger that many real journalists put themselves in to get the truth out to the world. It's also a touching memorial to a gentle and inquisitive soul named James "Jim" Foley. Jim: The James Foley Story Director: Brian Oakes Running Time: 1 hour, 51 minutes MPAA Rating: TV-MA Release Date: 2016 Rated: 4 stars out of 5 TV-MA | 1h 51m | Documentary, Biography, War | 2016 Watch the trailer: Watch the full video: https://www.theepochtimes.com/the-james-foley-story_4697002.html

Commentary A tragic event in South Texas makes a small community stronger and reminds U.S. citizens of their lawful, God-given rights. Watch "Miracle on 4th Street" on Epoch Cinema here. Sunday, November 5, 2017, is a day that will forever be etched indelibly into the American collective consciousness. A violent scene unfolded on that day in Sutherland Springs, Texas, a small town with a population of only 600 people about 38 miles southwest of San Antonio. Twenty-six-year-old Devin Patrick Kelley, a deranged leftist atheist who hated Christians, parked his Ford Explorer in front of the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, got out, and commenced shooting his illegally-obtained Ruger AR-556 AR-15 at church-goers attending a service there. According to witnesses, he wore a dark outfit and ballistic vest and helmet, with a skull covering the lower part of his face. He moved around the church methodically, only pausing his shooting spree to reload his spent rifle magazines before firing through its windows again. When the smoke finally cleared, Kelley left 26 people dead and 22 wounded. To put that into perspective, Kelley's murderous rampage was the worst mass shooting in Texas state history, and the deadliest mass shooting in a place of worship (in North America)—outstripping the 1991 Waddell Buddhist temple mass shooting and the 2015 Charleston church massacre. Devin Patrick Kelley circled the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, before entering it. "Miracle on 4th Street"(Gravitas Ventures) Director Charlie Minn’s 2021 documentary "Miracle on 4th Street" begins by filling in these details so that audiences can grasp the magnitude of Kelley's murderous shooting spree. Various talking head interviews with Sutherland Springs locals who were on the scene at the time of the mass shooting, are on hand to recount their experiences. Out of the chaos of gunfire and screams, a hero emerged that day—Stephen Willeford, a life-long resident of Sutherland Springs with ancestral roots there. He's also a former instructor for the National Rifle Association and thus quite handy with firearms. Willeford doesn't live far from the church and was resting in his bedroom when his daughter Stephanie heard the deluge of gunshots coming from somewhere in town. She told her father about the sounds but at first, he dismissed them as something else. When he realized they were indeed gunshots, he reacted by running to his safe to retrieve one of his firearms. Meanwhile, Stephanie jumped into her car and drove around the tiny town, trying to locate the source of the gunfire. She ended up at the church where she witnessed Kelley in his tactical gear, and he saw her in turn. As Kelley entered the church, she quickly turned her car around as the rapid staccato of Kelley's rounds echoed down the street. He'd gone into the church to finish everyone off. Charlie Minn (L) talks with Stephen Willeford in "Miracle on 4th Street" (Gravitas Ventures) Willeford mentions that since Sutherland Springs is such a small town, it doesn't have a police department, only a sheriff's department. Although Stephanie had called 9-1-1, it would still take some time before peace officers would be able to arrive on the scene. In this light, Willeford says that he had to do what he could to protect his community. Willeford describes how he rushed to the church, barefoot, with his AR-15 rifle in hand, and called out to Kelley by yelling, "Hey!" As Minn interviews him, Willeford says of his simple yet powerful battle cry "I don't know why that penetrated, I do believe the Holy Spirit called out the demon that was within him." Kelley then emerged from the church to confront Willeford and in the ensuing shootout, Willeford managed to severely wound Kelley. The gravely injured gunman rushed to his vehicle and tried to escape, but Willeford enlisted the help of an out-of-towner named Johnnie Langendorff, who had pulled up nearby in his pickup truck. Good samaritan Johnnie Langendorff describes how he and Stephen Willeford chased after deranged murderer Devin Patrick Kelley in "Miracle on 4th Street" (Gravitas Ventures) Willeford jumped into Langendorff's truck and the two men chased down Kelley's vehicle. But due to the blood loss from his wounds, Kelley crashed his vehicle in a bar ditch (a roadside drainage channel) and shot himself in the head. The dramatic events of the actual massacre, shootout, and chase, are followed by interviews with journalists, peace officers, and people directly affected by the shootings including Kelley's victims and their friends and family. Many of them reference their faith in God as being a powerful healing factor in their lives. I found it incredibly inspiring how, in the wake of the mass shooting, the community of Sutherland Springs formed even tighter bonds. Through their strong faith, they faced and overcame some of the difficulties that they faced, together. "Miracle on 4th Street" is a must-see for anyone who is confused about the Second Amendment and our rights as citizens of the United States of America. A big takeaway here is that the film illustrates the importance of lawful gun ownership in order to deter and counter criminals, who typically obtain their guns illegally. Guns don't kill people, bad people kill people. 'Miracle on 4th Street' Director: Charlie Minn Running Time: 1 hour, 26 minutes MPAA Rating: Not Rated Release Date: Feb. 11, 2021 Rated: 5 stars out of 5 Watch the trailer: Watch the full video: https://www.theepochtimes.com/miracle-on-4th-street_4687463.html

Commentary There has been a tremendous amount of racial strife, turmoil, and division of late. It seems as if every time you read or watch news reports or check out popular podcasts, people are talking about race relations or the way in which race is exploited in one form or another. The recent rise, and subsequent rejection by the masses, of the hyper-divisive woke agenda, raised a number of thought-provoking questions. How were blacks manipulated into voting for the Democrat Party and buying into Marxist (and anti-Christian/anti-family) organizations such as Black Lives Matter (BLM), both of which face increasing scrutiny for their murky dealings? How did the Democrat Party, originally the party of racism and segregation, re-brand itself as purportedly representing the best interest of black people? Even liberal sources agree that the Ku Klux Klan was the enforcement wing of the Democrat Party, much as Antifa is these days. Why has the Democrat Party embraced race as its primary focus? Does this serve to present its anti-capitalist, anti-family politics in a more virtuous light, as well as helping Democrats keep their ever-slipping grip on the "black vote?" Why are most BLM supporters young white leftists? And has the all-too-common smear of "racist" become a cheap accusation to intimidate and shut down any opposing political dialogue, let alone alternative viewpoints? Documentary film director Martin Durkin, dubbed "the Michael Moore of the right," delves deeply into these questions and more in his 2021 documentary "Great American Race Game." Using thorough, fact-based research and insightful interviews with prominent black historians, civil rights leaders, activists, and business leaders, Durkin explores black history and its links to modern times. Civil rights champion Robert Woodson in "Great American Race Game" (Fast Car Films) Veteran civil rights activist and community development leader Robert Woodson, interviewed in the film, says that since the beginning of the 1960s, he has witnessed the disintegration of the black family, the dramatic rise of black crime, and the descent of black neighborhoods into abject lawlessness. Despite that, Woodson refuses to accept that "racism" is the cause of black people's precarious state. He cites a plethora of statistics such as black crime and pregnancy (out of wedlock) rates and points out that many of the "naysayers" try to hitch these figures up to the legacy of slavery and discrimination. In his view, blaming everything on slavery is patently wrong and untrue. Woodson points to history to back up his claims, stating that after slavery ended, there was indeed racism and discrimination across the United States. However, he also accurately points out that when blacks were turned away from white businesses (such as stores and hotels), they built their own. When they didn’t have access to schools, blacks built their own. A 1950s film clip describes Howard University (a black college in Washington D.C.) as having one of the best medical schools in the country. "Great American Race Game" (Fast Car Films) Even in former slave states such as North Carolina, a quarter of blacks were homeowners—not far from the number of white homeowners at the time. In other words, blacks were thriving despite continued racism and segregation. These are undeniable historical facts. Blacks became outstanding leaders in the legal system, education, math and science, industry, curation, the arts, finance, publishing—as a 1950s film clip says, "in every walk of life." Indeed, throughout the 1940s and 50s, black businesses grew exponentially in comparison to those of other ethnic groups. Christian churches were the hub of black communities in the first half of the 20th century. "Great American Race Game" (Fast Car Films) The film interviews Walter Williams, one of America’s most distinguished economists. Williams recalls a time (in the 1940s and 50s) when, he says, blacks were a proud people. No matter what their chosen occupation, blacks were taught to rely on their own hard work, rather than government help. Like many black people back then, Williams says that his step-father instilled a solid work ethic within him, telling him that "any job is better than begging or stealing," and that he must “come early and stay late” at a job. The narrator also points out that in those days, black communities were strong, with much of their communal strength coming from having the church as a central hub in their neighborhoods. This helped marriage rates stay high and divorce rates stay low. Back then, it was also almost unheard of for black babies to be born out of wedlock. Bevelyn Beatty Williams credits her faith in God with turning her life around. "Great American Race Game" (Fast Car Films) Bevelyn Beatty Williams, who gained fame for smearing black paint on the Black Lives Matter mural in front of Trump Tower in New York, adds that "back in the day, black people were Christians … especially black Americans: we were strong Christians." Raised in an environment of turmoil, Williams was headed down a self-destructive path that included drugs, assault, and jail time. She credits her Christian faith with saving her from an early grave. Woodson states that between 1920 and 1940, black people had the highest marriage rates of any ethnic group in the United States. A whopping 85 percent of black families had both a man and a woman in the home raising their children together. What happened to the black family, perhaps the most fragmented family structure in the United States today? The narrator then poses another question. How did the self-reliant, law-abiding black neighborhoods of the first half of the 20th century descend into the terrifying, lawless hellscapes of today? The film goes on to examine the multifaceted reasons for the destruction of black pride and confidence. One of the things that I enjoyed about this documentary is that it systematically breaks down the many factors that contributed to the difficulties that black people have faced in modern times. By looking back to the past with historical accuracy, viewers learn of the murky forces that fueled American race politics and contributed to the various challenges facing black people today. The film makes one thing abundantly clear: the Democrat Party's grip on blacks is slipping as more information comes to light. "Great American Race Game" is a well-produced film that feeds the mind. It incisively delves into the heart of racial matters; exposing the real reasons for present racial strife and division in the United States. While searching online for information about this film, I could find very little information about it. I also found it odd that although it has been out for over a year, the film only has one review—albeit a telling one—on the online film database IMDb: "Challenge your spoon-fed assumptions. I'm left wondering why I am the first to review this outstanding film? Is it Big Tech at work yet again? Censoring us right into 1984. Stand up, people of all races. Stop the tyranny before it consumes us all." Watch "Great American Race Game" on Epoch Cinema here. 'Great American Race Game' Director: Martin Durkin Running Time: 1 hour, 22 minutes MPAA Rating: Not Rated Release Date: Aug. 11, 2021 Rated: 4.5 stars out of 5 Watch the trailer: Watch the full video: https://www.theepochtimes.com/great-american-race-game_4696853.html

Commentary I recently talked to someone I know who used to be a teacher of young kids at a local school, and he told me a concerning account of his experiences there. Whenever he would conduct a class, he’d have the kids line up in the hallway and ask them to hand their cell phones (or other devices) over to him before they entered, since he didn’t allow them in his classroom. He said virtually all of the kids carried some type of device and would have their faces practically glued to their screens, right up to the time they had to turn them over. Whenever the teacher’s classes would end, he’d go to the door to hand the devices back to the students, and the first things the kids would do is turn their devices back on and resume gluing their faces to them. People have indeed become increasingly reliant on technology, particularly handheld devices such as cell phones. However, when it comes to children (who don’t have the life experiences to make informed decisions) entering the online world via their cell phones, tablets, computers, etc., things can rapidly spin out of control and lead to some very dangerous situations. Simply put, children are especially vulnerable to online predators. Two children use a laptop in “Vulnerable Innocence.” (Internet Sense First) Director and producer Charlene Doak-Gebauer’s 2021 documentary, “Vulnerable Innocence,” is an educational film that not only shows us how easy it is for children to fall prey to online predators, but also what parents can do to counter this unfortunate fact and become much more proactive in this brave new digital age. Interestingly, the film opens up similarly to some of the Hollywood horror/thriller movies (or TV shows) we see advertised these days. In a reenactment, two children are alone at home in front of a laptop. They’re talking with someone they assume is another child, since that’s the picture that is displayed on-screen. As the seemingly innocent conversation unfolds, the supposed boy on the screen shrewdly extracts all sorts of information from the two children, such as their names, where they live, what school they attend, etc. The scene then switches to an older man who is sitting in his house on his computer and is using a voice filter to sound like the picture (another filter) of the boy he is hiding behind. With these two simple filters, he is able to dupe the two children. In another reenactment, a 13-year-old girl is home alone when she meets a man online who purports to be a “dance instructor.” He tells her that he can provide her with opportunities to get into entertainment if she is willing to do some lewd things for him. Since she isn’t wise enough to recognize an online predator, she obliges. Although these reenacted scenes are very disquieting, they are also a highly effective way to begin the film. “Vulnerable Innocence.” (Internet Sense First) Charlene Doak-Gebauer posits that since children “share everything online,” digital parenting is a powerful tool that can help to prevent dangerous situations (such as the scenario above) from happening in the first place. “We have to digitize our traditional parenting skills,” Doak-Gebauer insists. What makes it even more incumbent on parents to protect their children from online predators is the fact that it is often very challenging for law enforcement to track down child predators and human traffickers. As Jeremy Spence, a retired detective sergeant in the Child Exploitation Unit of the Ontario Canada Police, points out, many of these criminals utilize the dark web. While the regular internet is indexed and readily accessible, the dark web has many layers of encryption (what is called “the onion”) that people can hide behind. They can also mask their IP addresses by using virtual private networks (VPNs) and proxy servers. The documentary goes on to interview various people from around the world and shows how the exploitation and trafficking of children is not only a global issue, but a quickly growing one. It provides some valuable tools for parents that can help them combat this insidious problem. I thought that the film’s interviews were informative, insightful, and sometimes tragic (in the case of former child exploitation victims). There is also a great deal of actionable information here, so this film isn’t just about identifying the numerous problems through awareness, but how these issues can be dealt with. It was also good to see that this film had a more balanced approach when it came to gender. Males are often the victims of online predators, not just females. A male victim recounts his horrible experiences in “Vulnerable Innocence.” (Internet Sense First) One male interviewee said that when his parents became aware of him being sexually exploited by a predator (who turned out to live right in their neighborhood), they totally rejected him. Men and boys are often shunned by their families and by society for being victimized, which feeds into the exploding worldwide male suicide epidemic that is likewise largely ignored. “Vulnerable Innocence” is a highly informative documentary brought to you by EpochTV that effectively raises awareness around online child exploitation and trafficking. It does have some disturbing themes and reenactments, so parental guidance is advised. Watch “Vulnerable Innocence” on Epoch Cinema here. Directors: Charlene Doak-Gebauer, Nancy Lynch Running Time: 1 hour, 14 minutes MPAA Rating: Not Rated Release Date: 2021 Rated: 4.5 stars out of 5 Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Watch the trailer: Watch the full video: https://www.theepochtimes.com/vulnerable-innocence_4686844.html

Commentary Donald J. Trump winning the 2016 Presidential Election might have seemed like an anomaly if you listened to any of the bought-off, squawking parrot heads of the corporate media. However, after taking a deeper look into the years leading up to the 2016 presidential race, the fact that he won actually seems quite understandable. In director and entrepreneur Scott Allan’s 2020 documentary, “Gotta Love Trump,” the elements leading up to this leftist nightmare event that sent shockwaves through the world (Trump winning), are explored in depth. The WalkAway Campaign movement founded by former liberal Brandon Straka is a true grassroots movement that formed because people who had been voting for Democrats became disillusioned with their party and “walked away” from it. But it hasn’t been easy. While many people have wanted to leave the Democrat Party for many years, some fear the consequences they might suffer from not just friends or family, but also from their livelihoods, if they were to walk away. One has to wonder why the left has become so extreme and violent in recent times, that they try to label anyone who disagrees with their bigoted viewpoints/ideology as being racist, sexist, homophobic, etc. (the usual leftist grab bag of cheap slurs we’re all used to by now). Like many people, musician Joy Villa was initially resistant to coming out as a conservative in “Gotta Love Trump” (Invictus Entertainment) Joy Villa, a musician by trade, observes that as a consequence of people leaving the Democrat Party in droves, four out of nine Bernie supporters became Trump supporters leading up to the 2016 election. She adds that generally speaking, people of color have been systematically conditioned to vote for Democrats since they were considered the “good guys.” She admits that she thought that as well at one time. But as she began to see how unhinged the left was becoming in recent times, she began to question her political alignment. This questioning led her to investigate why the left has become so hate-filled and violent. This led to her switching her way of thinking over to a more conservative mindset. But at the same time, she faced a dilemma that many in the creative and entertainment industries do—if she were to come out as a conservative, she knew that she would lose lots of work opportunities since most of those industries are so leftist leaning. She goes further on to say that since she was a black Latina female working in Hollywood, she was expected to “think a certain way,” so she remained a closeted conservative before finally finding the courage to come out as one. She points out that Hollywood used to be a place that was indeed more unfair to non-white people in the various entertainment industries. But instead of healing from those bigoted times, the left, which has taken over most of the entertainment and creative industries, has swung the pendulum back the other way in an extreme way. Nowadays, people are discriminated against for having too light of a complexion or being Christian, conservative, or simply male. Therefore, white Christian men are often the most targeted by the media. So naturally, Trump is the representation (white, male, Christian) of all that the left hates. The #Walkaway Campaign. “Gotta Love Trump” (Invictus Entertainment) Gene Ho, a famous photographer, was another person who turned away from the disturbing extremist trend that the left has been going through in recent times. He described himself in the past as a “darling of the left.” But when he had a chance encounter with someone who introduced him to Trump personally, he was offered the opportunity to photograph the president for a day, which led to an ongoing relationship between Ho and Trump. Ho states that when he would try to explain to people how Trump treated all people with dignity, no one would listen to him (his leftist friends/associates). But the thing that really disgusted him was watching the constant corporate media attacks (that seemed to be strangely coordinated) that vilified or mocked a man who Ho considered to be a genuine and kind person. Ho said a light went off in his head and he began trying to figure out why there was such a frenzied, sustained attack on Trump by the mockingbird corporate media—it truly baffled him. After all, as Ho points out, Trump used to be beloved by the media, such as during his “The Apprentice” TV show days. The documentary goes on to show how Trump had a positive impact on America, especially when it comes to such things as the country’s economy (low taxes, energy independence, low unemployment), boosting up female and black/Hispanic businesses and entrepreneurship, supporting the military and law enforcement, shutting down the southern border and projecting strength throughout the world, to name a few of his accomplishments. President Trump at the southern border in “Gotta Love Trump” (Invictus Entertainment) It’s a well-produced documentary that has a number of excellent and informative interviews that shed light on who Trump really is behind the scenes, and how his policies vastly improved America for the four years he was in office. Similar to another documentary that I reviewed on Donald J. Trump, titled “The Trump I Know,” this is a very thought-provoking film that should spark some interesting conversations, and like Gene Ho, turn on a few lightbulbs. Watch “Gotta Love Trump” on Epoch Cinema here. Directors: Scott Allan Running Time: 1 hour, 31 minutes MPAA Rating: Not Rated Release Date: 2020 Rated: 3.5 stars out of 5 Ian Kane is a filmmaker and author. To learn more, visit iankanebooks.com Watch the trailer: Watch the full video: https://www.theepochtimes.com/gotta-love-trumpdocumentary_4699799.html

Watch "Fatal Flaws: Legalizing Assisted Death" on Epoch Cinema here. Commentary We have all experienced the loss of loved ones. But should we be giving the medical establishment the right to end their lives by euthanasia or assisted suicide? Are modern laws allowing euthanasia and assisted suicide leading the world down a slippery slope? With thought-provoking interviews and expert opinions from both sides of the issue, director Kevin Dunn's powerful documentary "Fatal Flaws: Legalizing Assisted Death" investigates how these controversial laws affect society over time. Some 20 years after these laws were introduced, even some of the most ardent supporters of assisted death are beginning to question where these laws are taking us. The first of Dunn's interviews takes place in Newfoundland, Canada, where Dunn interviews Candice Lewis and her mother, Sheila Elson. Born with cerebral palsy and spina bifida, Candice was 25 at the time of the interview. L-R: Sheila Elson, Candice Lewis, and Kevin Dunn in "Fatal Flaws: Legalizing Assisted Death" (Sidewaysfilm) In one instance, when Candice had to be taken to the hospital due to violent seizures, her mother Sheila was told by doctors to "abandon hope," and that an assisted suicide should be performed on her daughter. When Sheila refused to support ending Candice's life, one doctor pulled her to the side and told Sheila that she was "being selfish" by not encouraging her daughter to go through with the procedure. Sadly, Candice overheard the entire conversation. The costs of long-term treatment put a great deal of pressure on already stressful decision-making processes. In the United States, access to decent palliative care (the medical caregiving approach aimed at optimizing quality of life) is extremely limited. This begs the question: Is assisted dying really being presented as a "choice?" Assisted suicide is already legal in five countries and six U.S. jurisdictions. It is currently under debate in every country around the globe, and the United States is at a tipping point. The film aims to help us learn from the experiences of countries that have already enacted assisted suicide laws—a critical component with regard to this intensely debated issue. Dunn travels throughout Canada, the United States, and the Netherlands, which is considered ground zero for the legalization of assisted suicide. He speaks with people on both sides of the issue to enable audiences to better understand it. In 1991, a Dutch psychiatrist named Dr. Chabot Boudewijn opened the doors to euthanasia and assisted suicide. He helped a 50-year-old female social worker end her life, even though she was healthy and had many friends. The woman wanted to die because she had lost both of her children through "dramatic circumstances" and had lost the will to live. Filmmaker Kevin Dunn (right) with Dr. Boudewijn Chabot, the "grandfather of euthanasia" in the Netherlands, in "Fatal Flaws: Legalizing Assisted Death" (Sidewaysfilm) Chabot did indeed provide the means for the woman to kill herself and found himself in legal hot water because of it. At his trial, however, he was found "guilty, without punishment." As Dunn describes it, although the act was clearly legally wrong (there were no euthanasia and assisted suicide laws in place at that time), public sentiment had shifted. Interestingly, Chabot now talks about a worrisome culture shift, in that assisted deaths are going beyond what they were originally intended to do. Incredibly, the doctor who facilitated the first assisted death is now concerned that his country's medical establishment has gone too far, especially in relation to patients with psychiatric issues. Originally, the sole intended purpose of assisted death in the Netherlands was to aid in the suicide of those who were terminally ill. But over the years that narrow definition has expanded to include those who are mentally ill, non-terminally ill, the elderly, and the disabled. If one believes in the "slippery slope argument," it may soon be possible for those who are simply "tired of life" or feel that their life is complete (and thus, no longer wish to live) to be able to opt for assisted death. Dunn said "the way the regulations keep expanding terrifies me." A doctor interviewed in the film comments that if the image of a hypodermic needle, commonly used when discussing euthanasia or assisted suicide, was replaced with an image of a gun, the discussion would quickly change. Kevin Dunn's film poses the question: in this day and age, would the discussion indeed change that much? "Fatal Flaws: Legalizing Assisted Death" examines society's changing attitude towards death. (Sidewaysfilm) Dunn posits that our society has largely become desensitized to death. "We make jokes about it, make movies about it … video games let players put people away like rodents." He says that this desensitization has led many to regard life and death as a matter of personal choice. "Fatal Flaws: Legalizing Assisted Death" is a fascinating (and sometimes chilling) look at the issue of assisted death. It grapples with the subject of life and death, as well as who has the right to make choices in these matters. The well-produced film features numerous thought-provoking interviews from people on both sides of the issue. "Fatal Flaws: Legalizing Assisted Death" NR | 1h 20 min | Documentary | 2018 Director: Kevin Dunn Running Time: 1 hour, 20 minutes MPAA Rating: Not Rated Release Date: 2018, released on DVD 2021 Rated: 4 stars out of 5 Watch the trailer: Watch the full video: https://www.theepochtimes.com/fatal-flaws-legalizing-assisted-death_4671205.html

Commentary After a brief opening, Jabari Hayes introduces himself as the credits roll, saying that he’s the proud father to a 7th-grade honor roll student and husband to a wife who is beautiful “inside-and-out.” You can sense by the calm timbre of his voice that he’s a cool customer. The narrator of “Miles in the Life: The Story of a BMF Drug Trafficker” then sets the backdrop, relating how the crack epidemic came about. Powdered cocaine was the drug of choice in the 1970s. Drug dealers began converting it into crack cocaine in the 1980s. By the mid-eighties, the crack cocaine epidemic had swept through the United States and destroyed many lives, particularly in low-income neighborhoods. Hayes describes his upbringing during the 1980s in the projects of Brooklyn, New York, as being particularly brutal. Interestingly, he describes the multiple heavy metal doors that residents of the projects had to go through to get to their apartments. He likened the loud “clink” of the doors shutting behind them to the sound prison doors make when they close. To him, it was as if the projects were designed to prepare low-income people for prison. “Miles in the Life: The Story of a BMF Drug Trafficker” (Laconic Production) Hayes lived with his mother, who became addicted to crack. Sometimes, he says, he wouldn’t know where she was—if she was out trying to buy more drugs or if she’d been arrested. It was a tough upbringing, especially for children. However, the young man was a natural athlete and was particularly gifted as a track runner. He earned a scholarship to Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia, and began coaching track and field there. He and his friends also started working at a valet service. When it seemed that they weren’t making enough money, Hayes started his own valet service, and eventually, a limousine business. As the film tells it, friends noticed that Hayes seemed to be making more money than he should be, even as the owner of two businesses. Around the same time, a drug dealer related to Hayes began to take Hayes and his friends out for extravagant dinners and parties. His track and field mentor could sense that something was amiss, and warned Hayes that any type of illegal activity wouldn’t be tolerated by Morehouse. One night, while performing a gig, Hayes saw a man he knew. The man was impressed with the young business owner’s charisma and expensive limousine, so he told Hayes that he “might have something for you,” which Hayes interpreted—correctly, as it turned out—as an offering to get involved in some criminal activity. One of several engagingly reenacted scenes from Jabari Hayes’ story, in “Miles in the Life: The Story of a BMF Drug Trafficker” (Laconic Production) Soon, Hayes says he was contacted by the Black Mafia Family (BMF). The BMF wanted him to use his limos to transport drugs clandestinely to different states. Since the BMF had to ship large quantities of drugs to far-off locations, it needed drivers to transport them. The leadership of the BMF was constantly innovating. Hayes represented a new strategy for them. The drivers BMF employed were at a disadvantage because they looked like drug dealers. Hayes, on the other hand, looked prim and proper in his limo attire, and carried himself with class. Therefore, he was likely to avoid unwanted attention from the authorities. Hayes figured it was an offer he couldn’t pass up. He also cites the feeling of brotherhood with members of BMF as the most attractive part of his illicit relations with them. As he puts it in the film, “you’ve got a hundred men that are ready to die for you … it’s intoxicating.” Hayes would go on to transport many shipments of drugs throughout the country. He was largely able to avoid detection by authorities but would get pulled over from time to time. Because of his squeaky-clean appearance, educated diction, and charming personality, time and again he would manage to talk his way out of trouble. But his luck would eventually run out. This is the type of slow-burn documentary that I always enjoy. It takes its time introducing the various characters involved in the subject matter and clearly illustrates both the situations and environments that Hayes (and sometimes his friends and associates) found themselves in. Jabari Hayes was remarkably successful at avoiding detection. But his luck would eventually run out. (Laconic Production) The film’s highly-informative interviews are another big plus. Clear monologues are enhanced by equally clear audio, so I was never scratching my head and wondering what people were talking about. Some accounts are reenacted; they usually come off as surreal. They are even comical in some instances, such as Hayes’ harrowing accounts of being pulled over by cops and charming them so well that he’d have them laughing and engaging in bouts of mutual back-slapping. “Miles in the Life: The Story of a BMF Drug Trafficker” on EpochTV may have a slow start, but give it a chance and it will grow on you. It’s an interesting account of one man’s illicit activities and eventual evolution into a better person. Watch “Miles in the Life: The Story of a BMF Drug Trafficker” on Epoch Cinema here. Directors: Shaun Mathis, Jemonique Miller Running Time: 1 hour, 46 minutes MPAA Rating: Not Rated Release Date: Mar. 31, 2017 Rated: 3.5 stars out of 5 Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Watch the trailer: Watch the full video: https://www.theepochtimes.com/miles-in-the-life-the-story-of-a-bmf-drug-trafficker-documentary_4728263.html

Commentary I’ve seen my fair share of World War II films—some of the newer movies, but mainly the older ones from the Golden Age of Hollywood. The narrative feature films with stars like John Wayne, William Holden, and Burt Lancaster. However, every so often I am treated to World War II documentaries, which to me, hold a special place in cinema. They are the “real deal”—that is to say, they are about the men who actually fought in the Second World War. Hearing them recount their incredible experiences is, to me, something much more intimate and fascinating. My latest discovery, a documentary titled “One of Many,” is one such film. It is about a World War II veteran named George Merz, and his unique experiences during that terrible conflict. George Merz in “One of Many” (With an I Productions) The film begins with a sobering message that reads, “Of the 70 million people who served during the Second World War, 16 million were citizens of the United States of America. Less than 250,000 are alive today. Private First Class George Merz … is one of these veterans.” George Merz was born on Feb. 23, 1925, to a German family in Schnitzelburg, a working-class community in Louisville, Kentucky. His family was of German descent and his father eked out a living as a carpenter during the Great Depression (1929–1939). On Dec. 7, 1941, after the surprise attack by the Japanese on Pearl Harbor, Merz, like so many other young men, wanted to join the military to serve his country. He didn’t have to wait long since he was soon drafted as an Army MP (Military Police) and shipped overseas to take back France (and other European countries) from the Germans. He was told that the Army Airborne divisions would be leading the initial assault on the Germans, and the consensus was that he and the other regular troops would merely go in after them to “clean and mop up everything.” He soon realized how difficult that would be. As an MP, Merz wasn’t assigned to a combat unit. Instead, he was stationed at various intersections in order to help direct traffic for civilian as well as military vehicles—sometimes even on the front lines. Soon after arriving in Europe, Merz and another soldier overheard some girls speaking French. Curious about the language and people, they managed to learn a good deal of it—enough to start a small cigarette business on the side, where they’d make enormous profits marking up prices for cartons of cigarettes. One day, his MP unit was ordered to travel from Bastogne, Belgium, to a small town to the northeast called Gouvy. They were to help control the railroads there. His unit was set up in a large hotel but had run out of room, so Merz was assigned to stay with a local Belgian family—the Lallemand family. George Merz’s dear friend Gabriel Lallemand in “One of Many” (With an I Productions) Merz recalls how much he enjoyed staying with the family, despite being in the middle of a raging war. One of the Lallemands, a girl around Merz’s age (18) named Gabriel, would frequently take him out to local gatherings involving other youths who wanted to enjoy themselves and destress from the dangers they faced daily. But soon, all of the music and smiles faded as Hitler decided to make a last-ditch effort to reclaim Belgium. Merz talks about how the famous Battle of the Bulge first began—the Allies had liberated all of the cities and towns of Belgium and were on the border with Germany. Then the Germans began the offensive by sending some of their most powerful tanks into Belgium by railroad. Merz recounts that as the Germans crossed the Belgian border, they eventually pushed into Gouvy and he recalls seeing them unload their equipment and massive tanks off the trains. But he stood his post, despite the danger to himself, directing traffic, which later earned him a Bronze Star. But the danger was far from over. What I most enjoyed about this fascinating EpochTV documentary were the interviews with George Merz himself. For a man now nearing 100 years of age, he has a clear recollection of his experiences, including the locations of where specific events happened, and the names of people he met while in Europe. He also has a wicked sense of humor, and it was so funny to see the mischievous twinkle in his eye when he talked about his aforementioned cigarette side business. George Merz recalls how grateful the German people were after being liberated from Hitler in “One of Many” (With an I Productions) Through the interviews with Merz and others, there is a lot of history to be learned—about things you won’t find in any school books or Hollywood films. It’s a short, yet profoundly informative and uplifting film that is sure to inspire those who watch it. Watch “One of Many” on Epoch Cinema here. ‘One of Many’ Director: Brian George Randles Running Time: 41 minutes MPAA Rating: Not Rated Release Date: Mar. 21, 2017 Rated: 4.5 stars out of 5 Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Watch the trailer: Watch the full video: https://www.theepochtimes.com/one-of-many-documentary_4734748.html