Knock Down the House (2019)

Knock Down the House (2019)

Directed by Rachel Lears

“For one of us to make it through, a hundred of us have to try” - Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

That quote has been ringing in my head for days.

Knock Down the House follows four woman, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Amy Vilela, Cori Bush and Paula Jean Swearengin. Each decide to run for Congress during the 2018 primary elections in America.

Before I watched this documentary my knowledge of American politics was small and I never quite fully understood the system. Originally, I had this very black and white view of politics, it was Republicans are bad and Democrats are good.

This isn’t the case (it is for Republicans but that’s not what this documentary is about). Many old Democrats are just as bad, they were never in it for the people, they were in it for themselves and in bed with the industries and big corporations.  It’s all about money, sycophancy and supporting the status quo. The American political system is so institutionalised and there healthcare system is a pile of sh*t.

An example of this is when Amy Vilela talks about losing her daughter because her daughter failed to provide the right documents because the healthcare system is so confusing.

30,000 americans die a year because they cannot afford or understand the complicated health care system.

THIRTY THOUSAND!

Watching Bush, Vilela and Swearengin lose was so heartbreaking and infuriating but watching Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez win was so motivating.

Anyone who watches this and doesn’t feel inspired, motivated and angry at the system needs to go and get their priorities sorted.

Knock Down the House not only leaves you inspired but, also fearful for the future of not only American but western democracy and politics.

Feel free to leave a comment below your thoughts on the show. You can also contact me via twitter (@niamhcrawley_), instagram (@crawley.filmandtv), facebook or, you can email me at crawley.filmandtv2000@gmail.com.