This Revolution (2005) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The movie takes place in two major U.S. cities: Boston, which serves as the backdrop for protests during the 2004 Democratic Convention, and New York City, where the Republican Convention chaos unfolds. Both cities represent key locations of sociopolitical unrest and activism during the 2004 presidential election period.

• boston
• new york city
• protest locations
• 2004 conventions

The film is set in 2004, during the U.S. presidential election cycle. This era was marked by intense political division, public protests against the Iraq War, and widespread skepticism toward corporate media. The historical context of the Iraq War heavily influences the characters' motivations and the overall societal climate depicted in the film.

• 2004
• presidential election
• iraq war
• political climate

The Media Ethics theme explores the tension between journalistic integrity and corporate commercial interests. Jake's commitment to uncovering the truth conflicts with BCN's profit-driven motives, symbolizing a broader critique of how media operates during politically charged moments. The film questions whether journalists should prioritize truth over ratings and profit.

• media ethics
• journalism
• corporate media
• truth
• bcn

The Activism theme depicts passionate individuals fighting against systemic injustices through grassroots movements. The film captures the urgency of social change in 2004 America, showing how protesters and marginalized voices challenge political indifference. This theme illustrates the power and significance of collective action during times of national crisis.

• activism
• protests
• grassroots movements
• social change
• 2004

The Love and Loss theme examines how personal relationships are affected by sociopolitical turmoil. Jake's connections with Chloe, Richie, and Tina reveal how political events deeply impact emotional bonds. Tina's grief over her husband's death and Richie's vulnerability illustrate the personal cost of war and political decisions.

• love
• loss
• grief
• relationships
• family
• war cost

Jake is a passionate news cameraman and journalist documenting the Republican National Convention. Having been an embedded journalist in Iraq, he brings an empathetic perspective to the protests. His internal conflict between journalistic integrity and personal relationships drives much of the narrative tension.

• jake
• journalist
• cameraman
• embedded journalist
• iraq war

Tina is Richie's mother and represents the personal cost of political decisions. After losing her husband, she candidly discusses grief and loss with Jake, bringing a poignant emotional weight to the film. Her character's struggles highlight how war and political turmoil affect families on a deeply personal level.

• tina
• richie
• grief
• loss
• mother
• war casualty

Richie is a young man deeply connected to his father's legacy and the world of homing pigeons. His innocence and vulnerability contrast sharply with the harsh realities of the protest-filled world around him. Through his bond with Jake, Richie reflects themes of friendship and the impact of loss on younger generations.

• richie
• pigeons
• innocence
• friendship
• loss
• young character

Corporate media, represented by Bob Kramer (head of BCN programming), embodies the conflict between profit and journalistic integrity. The film critiques how media outlets prioritize ratings over truth during times of national crisis. This creates tension with Jake's commitment to authentic reporting and raises questions about media complicity in government surveillance.

• bob kramer
• bcn
• corporate media
• media criticism
• programming head

Chloe is an ambitious news worker at BCN focused on career advancement. She often conflicts with Jake's idealistic approach to journalism, representing the corporate side of media where personal and professional aspirations clash with ethical considerations. Her relationship with Jake adds emotional complexity to the narrative.

• chloe
• bcn
• ambition
• career
• corporate media conflict

The protests during the 2004 Democratic and Republican Conventions create a backdrop of constant tension and urgency. The film captures the chaos in the streets, the fear of violence, and the moral compromise faced by those covering the events. This environment amplifies the struggle between corporate interests and the quest for truth.

• protests
• convention
• chaos
• streets
• tension
• atmosphere