Rude Awakening

The film spans two decades, beginning in the late 1960s era of anti-war activism and hippie experimentation. It follows the ascent of 1980s yuppie culture in New York, showing how materialism and corporate optimism encroach on countercultural ideals. The narrative culminates in the early-to-mid 1980s, as the protagonists attempt to halt a war while confronting personal disillusionment.

The story begins in 1969 New York City, a bustling urban center known for its vibrant counterculture and protests. It then moves to the secluded jungles of Central America, a stark contrast where the protagonists hide from a world that no longer shares their ideals. The setting shifts between cramped urban communes and remote jungle isolation, highlighting the tension between activism and survival.

⚔️ War

A protest-driven quest to stop a looming invasion frames the characters’ actions, but the film reveals how activism can fuel conflict and public appetite for war. It examines the unpredictable consequences when information and momentum intersect with political will. The tension between idealism and real-world power is central to the story.

🕊️ Disillusionment

Fred’s belief that he can avert war is steadily eroded as outcomes diverge from his intentions. The characters experience personal heartbreak as their efforts fail to prevent violence, yet the film also hints that hope persists through younger generations and continued activism. The contrast between romantic ideals and grim reality drives the emotional core.

💼 Materialism

The return to the urban setting exposes how the 1980s yuppie culture seduces Sammy and Petra away from their early ideals. The movie shows how consumerism and professional ambition challenge a counterculture’s mission. In contrast, Fred and Jesus confront the comfort of wealth with a renewed call for change.