Being Canadian (2015)

Being Canadian Poster

What does it actually mean to be Canadian? This humorous documentary, featuring interviews with a who's-who of famous Canadians, hopes to find the answer.

Introduction
"Being Canadian" is an easy going, amusing documentary launched in 2015 that explores the identity and perception of Canadians in an international context. This humorous yet insightful film is directed by Robert Cohen, a famous Canadian screenwriter and manufacturer who has worked on tremendously popular shows like "The Simpsons" and "The Big Bang Theory".

The Journey
The main focus of "Being Canadian" is Cohen's individual journey across Canada, lasting over a week, in which he checks out Canadian identity and the accompanying stereotypes. Beginning his journey in his home town, Calgary, he takes a trip from east to west, visiting major Canadian cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver. Along the way, he stops at others, including Ottawa, the nation's capital, to engage with fellow Canadians and understand their viewpoints about what it suggests to be a Canadian.

Interviews and Contributions
The movie features interviews with prominent Canadian personalities who have discovered global recognition such as Mike Myers, Seth Rogen, Dan Aykroyd, Martin Short, and Howie Mandel. These interviews add depth to the movie as they share their personal experiences and views on Canadian identity, culture, and their representation worldwide.

Unveiling Stereotypes
A vital part of "Being Canadian" is its exploration of the usual stereotypes about Canadians. From extreme politeness, an odd fascination with hockey, obsession with Tim Hortons, to withstanding winter, these stereotypes are humorously gone over and unmasked. Cohen leverages his amusing style to expose the different aspects and subtleties of Canadian culture. Each stereotype is broken down, discussed, and typically humorously refuted, showcasing Canadian variety and uniqueness.

Insight on Canadian History
While the film keeps a comedic undertone, it remarkably provides a summary of Canada's history, discussing significant events and elements that have actually shaped the country's identity. This consists of Canada's early starts, complicated relationship with native neighborhoods, popular historical figures, and development of major cultural facets like the country's love for hockey.

Being Canadian Globally
"Being Canadian" ventures into the perception of Canadians abroad. The film underscores the confusion and hilarious misinterpretation of Canadian culture, typically confused with American culture. It assesses the concept of Canadian modesty-- the hesitation to discuss accomplishments compared to American outspoken pride. There is a review of the method Canadians are represented in the worldwide media and how the world perceives them.

Analysis and Conclusion
Through a mix of humor and useful content, "Being Canadian" largely handles to address the initial question posed at the start-- What does it suggest to be a Canadian? The response that emerges is diverse, reflecting a diverse, inclusive, and vibrant nationwide identity that surpasses stereotypes and simplistic descriptions.

In the end, "Being Canadian" is more than a journey throughout Canada; it's a personal and collective exploration of Canadian identity. As Cohen browses through his house nation, producing the complexities and subtleties of being Canadian, he develops a movie that talks to Canadians and non-Canadians alike. The entertaining narrative and engaging interviews shed light on a nation typically eclipsed and stereotyped, showcasing the genuine pride felt by Canadians for their unique identity.

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