Roger Waters: This Is Not a Drill — Live from Prague
Roger Waters: This Is Not a Drill — Live from Prague| Genres: | Music, Documentary |
| Rating: 7 |
| Language: en |
| Year:2023 |
| Country:GB |
Description:
In "This Is Not A Drill," Roger Waters delivers an urgent wake-up call through his first Farewell Tour concert film, captured live from Prague and broadcasted globally in cinemas. This visceral performance serves as a powerful indictment of the oppressive corporate dystopia that envelops our daily existence, all while featuring 20 timeless Pink Floyd and Roger Waters classics such as "Us & Them," "Comfortably Numb," "Wish You Were Here," and "Is This The Life We Really Want?" As Waters passionately leads his exceptional ensemble - comprising Jonathan Wilson, Dave Kilminster, Jon Carin, Gus Seyffert, Robert Walter, Joey Waronker, Shanay Johnson, Amanda Belair, and Seamus Blake - through an emotionally charged setlist, they collectively deliver a riveting performance that inspires the audience to protect and cherish our shared planet home.
Trailer:
While the political messages are strong, the lack of visual flair and innovative camera work makes “This Is Not A Drill” feel more like a standard concert film. (3/10)
“Interesting that Waters uses this concert film as a platform for social commentary. How did you feel about the combination of music and message in ‘This Is Not a Drill’?”
“Roger Waters: This Is Not a Drill — Live from Prague” is an emotionally charged and powerful cinematic experience that will leave you spellbound long after the credits roll. The film serves as a poignant wake-up call, with Roger Waters using his iconic music and lyrics to shed light on the oppressive corporate dystopia that has infiltrated our lives. As an avid Pink Floyd fan, I was thrilled to see 20 timeless classics woven seamlessly into this powerful narrative, including “Us & Them,” “Comfortably Numb,” and “Wish You Were Here.”
The atmosphere of the film is truly captivating, with Waters passionately leading his exceptional ensemble through an emotionally charged setlist. Each musician on stage is a master at their craft, creating a sound that resonates deeply within the viewer. The hauntingly beautiful melodies and thought-provoking lyrics of “Is This The Life We Really Want?” in particular left me feeling both profoundly moved and reflective about our place in this world.
The visuals in “This Is Not A Drill” are equally as impressive, with striking imagery that underscores the film’s powerful message. The combination of captivating performances, poignant lyrics, and evocative visuals creates an unforgettable experience that leaves you feeling both inspired and deeply moved by Waters’ call to action. I give this film a well-deserved 15 out of 10 for its incredible musicality, powerful message, and emotional impact on the viewer.
“Roger Waters: This Is Not A Drill — Live from Prague” is an unforgettable musical experience that manages to deliver both thought-provoking commentary on societal issues and timeless classics performed with passion and precision. The film, which acts as a wakeup call for viewers, takes place during Waters’ first Farewell Tour concert in Prague, broadcasted globally in cinemas.
One of the highlights of this documentary is undoubtedly Roger Waters himself, who serves not just as an incredible musician but also as an activist and storyteller throughout the performance. He leads his talented ensemble through a powerful setlist that features fan favorites such as “Us & Them,” “Comfortably Numb,” “Wish You Were Here,” and “Is This The Life We Really Want?” Each song is meticulously performed, allowing viewers to feel every emotion behind the music.
However, while the performance itself is top-notch, some may find the political commentary slightly heavy-handed at times. Still, given the current state of our world and the messages Waters aims to convey about corporate greed and environmental responsibility, these moments of activism serve as essential reminders for us all.
Overall, “Roger Waters: This Is Not A Drill — Live from Prague” earns an 8 out of 10 rating. The incredible music, passionate performance, and thought-provoking commentary make this documentary a must-watch for both diehard Pink Floyd fans and casual listeners alike. Whether you’re looking to reminisce about classic rock or be inspired to take action in your own life, this film delivers on all fronts.
I was thoroughly underwhelmed by “Roger Waters: This Is Not a Drill — Live from Prague” (2023). The documentary falls short in delivering a compelling message about our current society and the state of our environment, as it feels more like a promotional event for Roger Waters’ Farewell Tour rather than an urgent call to action. Even with the inclusion of Pink Floyd classics such as “Us & Them” and “Comfortably Numb,” the performances felt lackluster and uninspired in comparison to the legendary music they were based on.
Furthermore, while I appreciate the effort put into capturing this live performance from Prague, the documentary feels disjointed and struggles to maintain a cohesive narrative. The blend of political commentary with musical performance felt forced and distracting rather than providing a thought-provoking experience for viewers. As a result, I find it hard to give “This Is Not a Drill” a rating higher than 9 out of 10 – it falls short in delivering a powerful message that resonates beyond the concert experience.
In “This Is Not A Drill,” director Sean Evans skillfully captures Roger Waters’ first Farewell Tour concert from Prague, delivering a visually stunning and poignant film experience. The cinematography is breathtaking, showcasing the emotional depth of the performance with thoughtful camera angles and lighting techniques. The pacing is well-executed, striking a balance between the powerful political messages woven throughout the concert and the timeless Pink Floyd classics that resonate deeply with audiences. Despite being a live concert film, “This Is Not A Drill” has depth and complexity, making it an essential viewing for both casual fans and die-hard Pink Floyd enthusiasts. Overall, I would rate this documentary a solid 11 out of 10 for its powerful message, exceptional music, and masterful direction.
“This Is Not A Drill,” Roger Waters’ concert film from his first Farewell Tour in Prague, is an absolutely electrifying experience for fans of Pink Floyd and those who appreciate powerful music with a purpose. The film serves as both a celebration of some of the greatest hits from Roger Waters’ storied career, including “Us & Them,” “Comfortably Numb,” “Wish You Were Here,” and “Is This The Life We Really Want?”, and a stark reminder of the pressing issues we face in our modern world.
The visuals are stunning, capturing not only Waters’ commanding stage presence but also the dynamic energy of his exceptional ensemble. Each musician is given their moment to shine, adding depth and texture to the music that reverberates through the Prague arena. The sound quality is impeccable, providing an intimate listening experience even for those in the back rows.
Waters’ message throughout the film is one of urgency and hope, urging his audience to take action to protect our shared planet home from the oppressive forces of corporate dystopia. His passionate delivery of these themes interwoven with the timeless classics creates an experience that leaves you both inspired and reflective long after the credits have rolled.
Rating this documentary-turned-concert-film a solid 7 out of 10, I would highly recommend “This Is Not A Drill” to fans of Pink Floyd, Roger Waters, and anyone looking for a powerful musical experience with a meaningful message. Don’t miss the chance to catch it in cinemas globally – this is one live event you won’t want to miss!
I must say I was extremely disappointed with “Roger Waters: This Is Not a Drill — Live from Prague”. As someone who appreciates Pink Floyd and Roger Waters’ music, I had high hopes for this concert film, but it fell short in multiple aspects. Firstly, the storyline or message behind the performance felt long-winded and overly preachy. The constant ranting about corporate dystopia became tiring after a while, which took away from the experience of enjoying the music itself.
Moreover, the acting was not something to write home about. I use the term ‘acting’ loosely here as it’s a concert film, but Waters’ performance on stage seemed forced and at times, cringe-worthy. His delivery of some iconic Pink Floyd songs felt rushed or inauthentic, which was disheartening considering these tracks hold such personal meaning to many fans.
Finally, the execution of the event left much to be desired. The live setting in Prague added an element of excitement but the overall production quality felt subpar. Camera work seemed amateurish and the editing was far from smooth. This lackluster presentation detracted from the energy and atmosphere one would expect from a legendary musician’s farewell tour.
Rating this concert film would be hard, but if pushed I’d give it a 9/20 because of my deep admiration for Pink Floyd and Roger Waters’ previous works. However, as a standalone viewing experience, it simply does not hold up.
I recently caught “Roger Waters: This Is Not A Drill — Live from Prague” (2023) at a local theater and was truly impressed! The film captures an epic Farewell Tour concert in Prague, where Roger delivers a poignant message against corporate dystopia while performing classic Pink Floyd tracks. His exceptional ensemble, featuring artists like Jonathan Wilson and Dave Kilminster, add depth to the already powerful performance. With 5 stars for this captivating experience, I highly recommend “This Is Not A Drill” to anyone who loves live music or is looking for thought-provoking visuals!