EXCLUSIVE: The Last Class Documentary Makes Waves, Featuring Robert Reich
The Last Class, a compelling documentary highlighting the insights of Robert Reich—an esteemed critic of former President Trump, Berkeley professor, and ex-Secretary of Labor—has taken the box office by storm, raking in $700,000 so far. This petite yet powerful scholar, often humorously compared to Yoda, shares his thoughts on the film’s unexpected success. “Why is it so popular? Well, I think it’s because I’m Yoda,” Reich quips with a grin. Standing at just 4’10” or 4’11” (depending on who’s measuring), he is revered not for his height but for the depth of his intellect, which resonates with his 1.4 million followers on X/Twitter and over a million subscribers on Substack. His insights have profoundly impacted thousands of students at UC Berkeley, where his course on Wealth and Poverty has become a campus staple.
Directed by Elliot Kirschner, The Last Class captures Reich’s final semester in the classroom, marking the end of an era in academia. The documentary’s impressive box office numbers are set to climb even higher with a special event, “Education & Democracy Night,” scheduled for Wednesday, October 22. This nationwide screening initiative, organized by distributor Abramorama and facilitated through the theatrical-on-demand platform GATHR, has already secured bookings across 25 states and nearly 50 theaters. According to the press release, the event aims to foster nonpartisan discussions on pressing issues like education, inequality, and democracy at a crucial time for the nation.
When Kirschner first approached Reich about the project, Reich thought he was merely contributing to a small video documenting his last class. “It turned into something much more profound thanks to Elliot’s direction and the brilliant editing by Josh Melrod,” he explains. “It’s a very moving experience, even for me.”
One reason the documentary resonates deeply with viewers is its exploration of time and life’s journey. Reich, who has taught for over four decades at prestigious institutions like Harvard and Brandeis, reflects on the emotional weight of his retirement and the universal experience of growing older. “The film isn’t just about my retirement; it’s about the human experience—how we all progress from childhood to old age, and ultimately face the reality of death,” he shares.
Despite his years, Reich’s ability to articulate complex political and economic issues remains sharp. He has long focused on wealth inequality—the widening gap between the affluent and the less fortunate in the U.S. He simplifies these concepts, making them accessible to all. “Understanding the implications of extreme wealth is crucial,” he emphasizes. “For instance, when someone like Elon Musk can buy Twitter for $42 billion, it raises serious questions about the influence of wealth on our society.”
Reich’s followers appreciate his candid critiques of Trump, and he doesn’t hold back in our discussion. “What we’re witnessing now is ‘the great reveal,’” he asserts. “It’s become clear that the real choice isn’t traditional left versus right, but rather democracy versus authoritarianism. This revelation is a silver lining amidst the chaos.”
In Trump’s second term, the former president has aggressively sought to control academic institutions, threatening funding cuts unless they comply with his terms, which include a pledge against what he labels “woke” ideologies. Reich warns, “You cannot appease dictators. Universities should resist government interference in their academic freedom.” He commends Harvard for its resistance but criticizes Berkeley for capitulating to Trump’s demands regarding student and faculty involvement in pro-Palestinian demonstrations.
Reich’s childhood experiences with bullying—stemming from his short stature—remain a poignant theme in his work. He recalls a significant figure from his past, Michael “Mickey” Schwerner, who stood up for him during their youth and later became a civil rights martyr. “Mickey’s death changed my perception of bullying,” Reich reflects. “It opened my eyes to the broader societal issues of oppression and power dynamics we still face today.”
He believes the documentary resonates with audiences because it addresses the idea of a bully in the White House. “People recognize this dynamic; they can feel it,” he notes.
As The Last Class prepares to reach an even wider audience through the upcoming event, it carries an underlying message of hope. “This film conveys optimism during a time when many feel anxious about our nation’s future,” Reich concludes. “It celebrates the joy of teaching and learning, embodying the hope represented by the faces of students—a reminder of what we can aspire to achieve together.”
