|
Grass Directed
by Ron Mann - Written by Solomon Vesta -
Narration by Woody Harrelson Woody Harrelson narrates this documentary about the history of marijuana in 20th century America. “Grass” is a well-researched documentary about the criminalization of marijuana in the U.S. Although this 2000 film is serious in its implications, the telling is light, even comic at times, as the main focus is on mocking U.S government marijuana policy and those who defend it. Beginning with clips from educational films and exploitation pictures that show how marijuana can lead to crime, insanity, and harder drugs, Grass also documents the exploits of Harry Anslinger, who became America's first drug czar and waged a lifelong war against marijuana use in the United States. Good use is made of early propaganda films on pot, like "High on the Range” and "Reefer Madness" as well as videotaped speeches and interviews by drug warriors. An excellent lesson on the players and the politics responsible for today’s cannabis prohibition.
|
|
Grass makes a strong case, by showing the futility of the war on drugs, particularly a drug like marijuana. The film closes a statement made by New York City mayor Fiorello La Guardia in 1937: "The orderly thing to do under our form of government is to abolish any law which cannot be enforced, a law which the people of the country do not want enforced." 1999 production |