By definition, puff pieces ostensibly intend to honor their subjects. 

Which is why The Last Class’ near-ceaseless glorification of Robert Reich feels at odds with his ideals. 

Throughout this new documentary, he waxes diplomatic about the importance of critical thought and counter-arguments and considering all perspectives to maintain a healthy democracy…

None of which The Last Class applies back in his direction.

He’d be proud to admit that no one’s perfect. And yet, there’s nary even a whiff of a dissenting take on his unquestioned heroism, besides a passing mention of his (youthfully-ignorant?) students wishing he would “share his own personal opinions.” 

A perspective he challenges yet again ny championing the principle of inspiring as many different thought processes as possible, as opposed to dictating a single takeaway. 

And yet, dictating a single takeaway on Reich defines The Last Class’ approach.

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Maybe this contradiction constitutes an accurate sign of our times, in the sense that contemporary politics run contrary to Reich’s teachings?