Bernard-Henri Lévy is a veteran war reporter, philosopher and writer who has been at the heart of some of the most significant conflicts of the last century and probably amongst the most qualified to provide a neutral and balanced reflection of these disheartening moments that have defined our lives on occasion both directly and indirectly.
The ongoing crisis in Ukraine which has seen a sudden uprising and uprooting of people in the region, coupled with universal condemnation from the West of President Putin’s advance into the country, forms part of a brand-new documentary, THE WILL TO SEE, which chronicles Lévy’s own journey and desire to reflect on what has been going on. His journey takes us to the likes of Bangladesh, Libya, Nigeria, Somalia and Ukraine, where he gets a special exception granted so he can be on the front line with the soldiers.
This part of the story is fascinating to watch given that it was filmed long before the current events took hold in the region and it gives a snapshot into the harsh reality of the build-up of tensions that led to the circumstances and subsequent consequences of Russian military actions.
However, this is a story within a series of several that is sobering and penetrates deep into the heart and mind as it unfolds. Lévy’s own emotional and professional connection to each of the territories also adds resonance, particularly when he revisits Bangladesh where he has also provided some guidance and support and wrote a book based on the events in the region, a country struggling to break free from Pakistan in conflicts that have defined and redefined human and political destiny there.
Some footage actually cuts close to the bone (early scenes in Nigeria and in Tripoli highlight the dangers that journalists determined to bring out the truth are a quick shock to the system) and the plight of one woman in Nigeria is both shocking and ultimately tragic at the outset.
THE WILL TO SEE is a solid exposé of conflicts and moments that do make you grateful and relieved that if you live in a Western country, you are not suffering the level of persecution that the natives of Ukraine and other countries affected by major war conflicts. That said, it is important to remember the humanity and suffering and take action within reason.
