Half the Sky

        Half the Sky is a very moving and important book, and the namesake documentary is no different. In fact, both media are complementary to each other. Kristof and WuDunn were careful to reiterate many of the ideas in the book regarding women's oppression in the documentary as well, emphasizing the topics of microfinancing, involuntary prostitution, and maternal mortality. However, there are also some aspects that differ in the two.
         Perhaps one of the most striking differences between the documentary and the book is the ratio of women's personal stories to brief biographies of influential activists for the cause. In their book, Kristoff and WuDunn detail several women's personal struggles, but are also careful to include information about important activists for women's rights and their efforts. Though activists are still featured in the documentary, there are not central to it. While it does explain the work of some important figures such as Edna Adan and Urmi Basu, the film mostly concentrates on their contributions with respect to a woman's personal story.
         This brings up another difference in that the documentary focuses primarily on individual struggles. The book focuses on such stories as well, but includes much about recent efforts for the cause. The documentary explores a few women's lives thoroughly, highlighting their lack of education, moral support, and living space and facilities. The book covers many individuals as well, detailing some stories greatly and merely mentioning others. Despite this emphasis, I cannot say whether the book focuses on stories or efforts. There seems to be a similar proportion of both included in the text.
           Another prominent difference between the two is the involvement of Hollywood stars in the documentary. In order to bring more awareness to the adversities facing women in impoverished nations, Kristoff invited popular stars to travel with him to Asia and Africa to meet some of these unfortunate girls. Throughout the documentary, the celebrities reveal their astonishment regarding crimes against women, as well as their desire to bring about some change. The inclusion of such excerpts serves to motivate those who idolize celebrities in some way, shape, or form. In fact, it serves somewhat like an endorsement. On the contrary, the book does not make any mention of celebrities. It simply relates the tragic stories of the suffering individuals, urging the readers to rely on their own opinions to bring about change.
           Another difference that caught my attention was the fact that the book and the documentary shared some stories, but differed in others. For example, Edna Adan's hospital was featured in both media. While watching the film, I remembered reading that Adan had sold her Microwave among others in order to construct her hospital. Other stories, such as that of the Vietnamese girl, were untold in the book. It was interesting to see how a completely different individual had a very similar story to those I had read about. Also, a girl who was only mentioned in the book, played a much larger role in the documentary, sharing her struggles with the actress, Kristoff, and the viewers.
           All in all, though the movie and book differed in several ways, they were similar in that they served the same purpose: to give opportunities to oppressed women. Both are very impactful.