Watch A Simpler Way: Crisis as Opportunity

A Simpler Way: Crisis as Opportunity is a thought-provoking documentary released in 2016 focusing on a group of individuals, who come together to transform the way they live their lives by embracing a minimalist approach. The movie highlights an alternative way of living, in which people rely more on themselves, their community, and nature, and less on modern technology and consumerism.

The film takes place in the small, rural town of Stroud, located in the UK. The group of individuals at the center of the movie come from different walks of life, but all share the same desire to make a change. The main premise of the film is to explore the possibility of a simpler, more self-sufficient way of living that might prove to be a solution to the many crises currently facing the world.

The documentary features interviews with the group members, as well as with experts in the fields of permaculture, renewable energy, and sustainable food production. It provides a deep insight into the lifestyle choices and practices adopted by the group, as they strive towards a more sustainable future.

Throughout the movie, the audience is taken on a journey with the Stroud community, where a deserted land is transformed into a thriving permaculture farm, with sustainable food production and renewable energy sources, such as wind turbines and solar panels. The film explores how the community comes together to work, share ideas, and collaborate in order to create a social structure that is self-sufficient and resilient.

One of the most interesting aspects of the film is the role of technology in this alternative way of living. While technology has been a major driver of progress and modernization in recent times, the film questions its worth in the face of climate change, pollution, and dwindling natural resources. The Stroud community believes in a more self-sufficient future, where technology is used in a more mindful and limited manner, and not as a replacement for human interaction or as a means of mass consumption.

The movie also touches on economic systems and how they can sometimes be incompatible with the goals of sustainability, justice, and equality. The Stroud community is shown to be working towards a more locally-based economy, where people have a sense of ownership and participation in the community. This is achieved through collaborative businesses, community-supported agriculture, and the use of alternative currencies.

Overall, A Simpler Way: Crisis as Opportunity is an inspiring and thought-provoking documentary that challenges viewers to think about how they live their lives. It highlights the capacity of small communities to create alternative, more sustainable and equitable ways of living. The film celebrates the power of human connection, collaboration, and creativity in solving the world's most pressing issues, such as the climate emergency, extreme inequality, and environmental degradation.

The documentary ends by leaving the audience with a sense of hope and possibility. It suggests that a different way of living is possible, by choosing to live simpler, more fulfilling lives, with a focus on community, sustainability, and self-reliance. The film provokes the audience to think about their own choices, lifestyle and their impact on the planet, and encourages them to explore alternative ways of living that promote harmony with the environment and other people.

In conclusion, A Simpler Way: Crisis as Opportunity is a must-watch film for anyone who is interested in sustainable living, community-building, and a better future for the planet. The film delivers its message in a clear, concise, and visually striking way, making it accessible to a wide range of viewers. The documentary aims to inspire people to question the status quo and imagine new possibilities for the future. It's a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll, leaving you with a sense of urgency, responsibility, and hope.

A Simpler Way: Crisis as Opportunity is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 18 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9.