The Mask You Live In

The documentary raises some valid points, but ends up very superficial. The downfall starts with blaming of superheroes and video games. The old stereotypes from the brainwashed boy are popping up, that are refuted in a lot of studies. Sure, media has influence, but the "how" and the "how much" only implied. The study it presents is from the 70ies and 80ies and hardly representative of the present state of psychology.

As such it feels the movie pushes a narrative. Some of the interviewed people offer only anecdotal reference and some just lack any credentials for the issues they discuss. At times it feels weirdly constructed, as with the vilification of porn segment. Even Philip Zimbardo only conjures the old outsider-stereotype and an extremely bold statement like "violance against women is at epidemic proportions" is not supported by any historical figures. Questionable feminist terms like "rape culture", "entitlement" and "privilege" are thrown around.

The main topic of this film is very important and current and at times it seems the film is highlighting the right issues. But ultimately it looses itself in general attack on anything that it perceives masculine. I wish it was more subtle in the approach and better researched and balanced.

Really great film. Really enjoyed hearing hearing men talk about their experience of growing up. It made me question the way we talk to young people. I grew up a pushy girl with a sensitive brother and now I see why neither one of us could win.

The movie fails to touch upon the racial dynamics, which is actually a quite important dimension of the topic. For some issues, such as fraternity, it was simply mentioned like a little bit, without going any further or deeper.

It's not perfect, but it's trying. Some people say that Fight Club is a movie that every man must watch, but I think this one might be more important for every man and woman to see. And it's not just men that live in a mask. Everyone is forced to put on a mask by all the pressure from the society, family, friends. Take off your mask. Help others take off theirs. The world would be a happier place.

I will definitely watch it again.

This documentary is fantastic! As a woman, I never really considered this perspective. I never realized the struggles men face on a daily basis. I realize now how the mass media, marketing, and society put so much pressure on men. I'm very glad I saw this film and am much more understanding of what men go through. The statistics in this film were shocking to me. I had heard stories from male friends that these problems existed but so much of it is viewed as normal and swept under the rug. This film sheds light on how as a society we shame men into being what we think is easier to compartmentalize instead of giving them the social freedom they so much deserve. I don't think I would have watched this had it not been recommended to me, but I'm so thankful I did. I wish all parents would watch this so that their sons don't have to go through these hardships.

This documentary gave an interesting insight into the psychological concepts of masculinity, while presenting an interesting look into the concepts of why men act the way they do. It was even more interesting watching a documentary focused on boys and men, and the ways in which family and society contribute to aggressive masculinity. It gives a broader view to this issue by using a wide spectrum ranging from young boys to troubled young men to older criminals and male activists. I thought the documentary itself presented a very thorough view into the way in which males from a young age are constantly effected by outside sources to enhance their masculinity through aggression, sports, sexism, etc. to prove their own maleness. The documentary did this with emotion and humanity, using the many boys and men throughout to make this documentary stand out as something real while also speaking to the viewer. The documentary itself was very informative without ever getting boring, and dealt well with sensitive topics while helping the viewer feel that there is more to be done to help our boys and men.