Movie Review on SNOWDEN

Even if you're not doing anything wrong, you are being watched and recorded.

- Edward Snowden

Frankly, this is my first movie review.
I got to say, I don't even write about the ones that I love, for example, Midnight in Paris, but this time, I really want to share my story to everyone.

The movie's about the NSA's illegal surveillance techniques leaked to the public by one of the agency's employees, Edward Snowden, in the form of thousands of classified documents distributed to the press. Eventually, we know the secrets that the authorities have been trying to hide from us. Whether the US govt is breaking the law, this is still debatable, regarding our rights.

I personally went to the theater to show my support to the film and its director, and also the leading actor, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, who decided to star it against the odds, and certainly he plays it so well. I do believe that nowadays, there are people who haven't heard about Snowden, and not aware of the big issue that might cause the worldwide impacts. To make such a movie is quite efficient to have everyone know the story, and much less, it "kinda" turns him into a hero. you know, with all the heroic background music. After all, it makes people think and question about things, which's good, and not just getting the one side information. We get to see more like a documentary film to know more about this person.


And then, I'm gonna share my story.

This year beginning, when I was working at a PR agency serving luxury brand clients for almost a year and a half, I got a new offer come from one of my client, which will soon leave my company for new business. I must say I was so thrilled to gain such an opportunity like this, despite that I was just a protege. Before long, I decided to resign and take a break for traveling, and then coming back for the new job offer.

Though I went to my boss first to have a nice talk on my resignation, it didn't go well and became out of control. I remember that after I made myself clear that I had no interest staying at this firm, my boss showed the blessings and said I could go. The moment I left the room, my supervisor was called into the boss room immediately. I knew something's happening, and it ain't good. Somehow, my boss found out that I was leaving the firm for a new offer because the next day, I was told to move my things and switch to a new working task with new PC. Most horribly, I was forbidden to any access of my works, or my clients, and my company began to investigate me by looking through my communication software. It was definitely the creepiest thing that I've ever seen.

They even started a new 24hr surveillance system on all the computers in order to prevent employees doing something that could harm the company. Like me, quitting my job to another company seemed to be so wrong. Boss, HR manager, and even the relatives of my boss were looking me for trouble every day. They were probing me and tapping to find something they could use to against me. The recorded me on every conversation, and threatening me to admit taking the new job or they would sue me. I was really scared to death. It's like a spy movie. I couldn't imagine how much pressure that I was taking. However, I knew that I need to say nothing and act normal with calm. Finally, I left unharmed despite they were even threatening me to go on a trial, which I believed that it's crazy and impossible.

Well, I got out anyway, but my new job offer was gone under the threat of employers. The new company was afraid to pick up fights on law issues. I was the victim ending up nothing.



My whole point is that we may encounter the situation that violates our rights, even we consider ourselves civilized and cultural. Stay calm and focus no matter what. Protecting our rights is nothing wrong, just need to be brave. This is what I learned in the end. And now, I want everyone to know this PR company went too far on handling the employee resignation. They are indeed dirty and ugly.

Luckily, I am moving on. Got a new marketing job in the new field. I guess this reflects what Socrates said, "the unexamined life is not worth living." Cheers to life!