We Are Legion: The Story of the Hacktivists
We Are Legion: The Story of the Hacktivists

We Are Legion: The Story of the Hacktivists

2012Movie93 minEnglish

Takes us inside the world of Anonymous, the radical "hacktivist" collective that has redefined civil disobedience for the digital age. The film explores early hacktivist groups like Cult of the Dead Cow and Electronic Disturbance Theater, then moves to Anonymous' raucous beginnings on the website 4chan. Through interviews with current members, people recently returned from prison or facing trial, writers, academics, activists and major players in various "raids," the documentary traces Anonymous’ evolution from merry pranksters to a full-blown movement with a global reach, the most transformative civil disobedience of our time.

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Insights

IMDb7.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes80%
Metacritic65/100
Google Users85%
Director: Brian KnappenbergerGenres: Documentary, Crime, History

Plot Summary

This documentary explores the rise of Anonymous, a decentralized hacktivist collective, and their motivations behind cyber-attacks targeting corporations and governments. It delves into the complex world of online activism, examining the ethical and legal gray areas of their actions. The film features interviews with Anonymous members, journalists, and legal experts, offering a nuanced look at the group's impact on digital society.

Critical Reception

We Are Legion received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its timely subject matter and balanced perspective. While some found it to be a bit broad in its scope, most appreciated its effort to demystify the complex world of hacktivism and Anonymous. Audiences were often captivated by the insights into the motivations and methods of the group.

What Reviewers Say

  • An illuminating and often gripping look at theAnonymous hacktivist collective.
  • The film successfully humanizes its subjects while exploring the ethical complexities of their actions.
  • Provides a valuable overview of a significant movement in contemporary digital culture.

Google audience: Audiences appreciated the documentary's exploration of hacktivism and Anonymous, finding it informative and thought-provoking. Many were impressed by the insights into the motivations of the individuals involved and the broader societal implications of their digital activism. Some viewers wished for a deeper dive into specific events, but overall, the film was seen as a compelling and well-made documentary.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for Best Documentary at the Seattle International Film Festival.

Fun Fact

The film was made with the cooperation of several Anonymous members, who provided interviews under pseudonyms or with their faces obscured.

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