BURMA VJ (Denmark 2008) ***1/2
Directed by Anders Ostergaard

This is one of the most engrossing and disturbing documentaries released this year as it depicts the total dedication of a tenacious band of Burmese reporters armed with pocket-sized cameras exposing a repressive military regime.

The film begins calmly enough with a voiceover explaining the danger of shooting in the country of Burma.  Imprisonment, beatings and sometimes death face those willing to bring footage of what is happening out of the country.  Yet the Democratic Voice of Burma also known as VJs remain dedicated to their job of bringing insider news out of Burma. 

Director Ostergaard’s documentary is comprised of hours and hours of these filmed shots but meticulously edited together to relate the demise of the Burmese.  The video warriors are all over downtown when protests are made or monks are beaten when taking a stand or their quarters raided and ransacked.

Though not much information is given on the background of the dictatorship of how the country has come to this way, BURMA VJ still works well enough to move audiences to tears at the injustice done.  The other thing missing is in the film is information on what the outside world can do to help.

BURMA VJ won the world cinema documentary editing award.  Deservedly so, as it is quite the feat to put together such a compelling film based on hours of loose footage!