Stevecorp
Don't listen to the negative reviews
Jakoba
True to its essence, the characters remain on the same line and manage to entertain the viewer, each highlighting their own distinctive qualities or touches.
rjwalker123
In a world plagued with innumerable and seemingly insurmountable problems, it's nice to view a film that tackles a formidable problem (i.e. population growth) in a positive manner. While the film certainly describes the many challenges that are associated with population growth, it leaves the viewer with a clearer understanding of what can be done to lower fertility rates while respecting individual choice and also improving the lives of people in the developed world. I particularly enjoyed the scenes that were filmed on location in Ethiopia. They gave me a far greater appreciation for the benefits that can be derived from educating girls, empowering women, and giving couples access to modern contraceptive methods. I was particularly interested to learn more about the role that entertainment media is playing in Ethiopia.
rmaskell-459-841435
In 1970, world population was 3.7 billion which was then regarded as a major contributor to the global environmental crisis. By 2011, world population has risen to 6.8 billion and technology has proved to be a double-edged sword: on one hand, increasing life expectancy, food and goods production; on the other, resulting in unsustainable population growth with concomitant major problems for humanity's continued existence. Infrastructure in most countries has failed to keep pace with the growth being relentlessly promoted by various pressure groups, and in some countries, aspirational middle classes that previously did not exist, all wishing to live at the massively unsustainable consumption level of the United States, have been created.Empowerment and education of women is seen as the primary solution to this impending disaster. Despite advances in contraceptive methods, many pregnancies are unplanned even in advanced societies. However, population growth is greatest in patriarchal societies where women are uneducated and disempowered. If fertility rates can be reduced and the present insatiable urge for growth be curbed, the concepts of Mother Earth and women as agents of global survival are twinned.
revwin-457-2744
This film reveals the devastating environmental stresses caused by a large and growing world population. It shows that this is not just a problem for "others" to solve. Over-consumption is also addressed effectively in the film. Respected economist Mathis Wackernagel points out that continuing consumption growth "...just doesn't make sense mathematically." Women's empowerment and responsible family planning decisions are emphasized. The film observes that we must convert our conquering mindset into a nurturing one.The film is appropriate for high school and college students. A shorter version, perhaps 30 minutes, would be useful for such audiences, and would allow for discussion in a 50 minute class.
Chris Bystroff
It will probably take about 100 years to reach population equilibrium on Earth, and then only if we consciously seek it, starting now. "Mother" starts the discussion by pointing out, first, that we have a very serious problem, and then through the voices of experts and visionaries Mother tells us what will happen if we don't address the problem. Then the movie focuses our attention on the one and only way to peacefully and painlessly decrease the population -- through family planning. And family planning requires female empowerment. The movie tears away the curtain of despair and denial, eschews violent and unethical reactions, avoids placing the blame, and shows us how to navigate though these uncertain times by empowering women. I wish I could see a sequel. It would cover the technology of contraception, the demographic pyramid, and the belief systems that stand in the way of controlling our reproduction rate. To answer the question of the previous reviewer, yes, zero population growth could be attained today if no pregnancies were unplanned.
