The best documentaries are those that take a subject that
you would never have given a thought to before and make you interested in
learning more. We Are Legion: The Story of the Hacktivists
does just that as I quickly found myself enthralled in the ongoing battle
between hackers and the law.
The
film focuses in on Anonymous and its offshoot LulzSec, two "˜companies' that are
unofficially known as the preeminent hackers of the world. Their exploits are chronicled from tiny
hacks into common webpages to extreme jobs that result in their taking down
Paypal, the Playstation Network, and even going as far as to fight the Church
of Scientology.
I will be the first to admit that,
at first glance, I assumed that the culprits were angry teenagers who were
using their ridiculously impressive skills for an idiotic purpose. This could very well be the case, but We Are Legion brings about the argument
that these computer whizzes can also be a force for good. The film outlined some hacker groups
who have come together to help nations rebel against dictatorial rule as they
push the ideas of free speech in countries such as Tunisia and Egypt.
The film does, at times, come
across as one-sided, often in favor of the cyber patriots. Additionally, the information provided
seems to be a bit outdated as arrest facts appear to be a bit off. Otherwise, the documentary is a solid
watch, especially for those who enjoy indulging in a controversial subject
matter such as this.
