Imagine a world where the super-rich wield unimaginable power, bending institutions to their will, while a former government insider battles bullies from his past and present—right there in the White House. That's the electrifying core of Robert Reich's latest triumph, his documentary The Last Class, which isn't just a film; it's a wake-up call for anyone tired of feeling powerless in today's divided America. But here's where it gets controversial: Reich doesn't hold back in calling out billionaires and politicians, sparking debates that could leave you questioning your own views on wealth, democracy, and free speech.
Exclusive insights from Reich reveal that The Last Class, a cinematic exploration of the renowned Trump critic, Berkeley professor, and ex-Secretary of Labor Robert Reich, has shattered expectations by raking in over $700,000 at the box office so far. This pint-sized powerhouse—clocking in at just 4'10" or 4'11", depending on who's measuring—attributes the film's massive appeal to his own persona, likening himself to Yoda from Star Wars. With a wink and a grin, he tells Deadline he's successful because he's 'Yoda,' not for his height, but for the towering intellect that captivates his vast online following. Boasting 1.4 million followers on X (formerly Twitter) and over a million subscribers on Substack, Reich dishes out sharp, accessible commentary that has educated and entertained countless fans. And let's not forget the lucky thousands of students at UC Berkeley who've benefited from his legendary course on Wealth and Poverty—a must-take class that turned into a campus phenomenon.
Yet, as Reich bids farewell to academia, The Last Class, skillfully directed by Elliot Kirschner, captures his swan song in the lecture hall. The movie's already impressive earnings are set to soar even higher with a one-of-a-kind 'Education & Democracy Night' event on Wednesday, October 22. Organized by distributor Abramorama and powered by the theatrical-on-demand platform GATHR, these screenings are popping up in nearly 50 theaters across 25 states. Described as both a film experience and a catalyst for civic discussion, the event encourages viewers to dive into impartial chats about education, inequality, and the state of American democracy during this turbulent era—think of it as a town hall meeting where popcorn meets profound ideas.
When Kirschner first pitched the project, Reich thought it was going to be a simple video recording of his final lecture. 'It was like bait and switch,' he chuckles, explaining how the director's vision and the brilliant editing by Josh Melrod transformed a modest clip into something profoundly emotional. And this is the part most people miss: The film resonates deeply because it mirrors the universal journey through life. Reich, who started teaching over four decades ago and served in the administrations of Presidents Ford, Carter, and Clinton before settling at Berkeley, turned 79 in June. He reflects on how the documentary's power stems from its portrayal of life's stages—from childhood and youth to middle age and the twilight years—reminding us of the inevitable passage of time and even mortality. It's not just about retirement; it's a poignant reminder that we're all on this shared path, facing growth, change, and the bittersweet beauty of endings.
Despite his advancing years, Reich's knack for breaking down complex economic and political topics remains as sharp as ever. Take wealth inequality, for example—the gaping divide between the ultra-wealthy and everyone else in the U.S.—which has been the heartbeat of his work. To help beginners grasp this, picture billionaires like Elon Musk, Larry Ellison, and Jeff Bezos amassing fortunes so vast they're almost incomprehensible. Reich simplifies it by focusing on the real-world fallout: Musk's $42 billion purchase of Twitter (now X), turning it into what some call a 'cesspool' of misinformation, despite Reich himself still posting there (for now). Or consider Bezos, the world's second or third richest person, buying the Washington Post and reportedly influencing its editorial decisions, like not endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris or dictating what stories are 'appropriate.' Even Shari Redstone's alleged intimidation of CBS executives, leading to the resignation of the head of 60 Minutes, highlights how unchecked wealth can skew our understanding of truth. Without these concrete examples, inequality feels like a distant concept— but Reich shows us how it warps journalism, media, and even public discourse, making it harder for ordinary people to stay informed.
Reich's followers love his candid critiques of President Trump, and in our chat, he pulled no punches. 'We've seen the great reveal over the past nine or ten months,' he declares. 'It's not about left versus right or Democrats versus Republicans anymore. The true battle is democracy versus authoritarianism.' He sees this as a silver lining amid the chaos, forcing Americans to confront the stakes. But here's where it gets controversial: Reich warns that appeasing dictators—like trying to bargain with Trump's demands— is futile, a lesson we should have learned from the 1930s. Universities, he argues, are making a grave mistake by complying with Trump's threats to cut funding unless they ditch 'woke' ideologies or reveal participants in protests. Columbia University, for instance, believes it's negotiating, but Reich says it's just inviting more government meddling into academic freedom. Harvard, on the other hand, has stood firm, offering hope to the higher education system. Berkeley, his alma mater, fares poorly in his eyes, having handed over 160 names of individuals involved in pro-Palestinian demonstrations, including students and faculty on visas. 'You don't betray free thought and speech like that,' he insists. 'It's not how you protect a university's soul.'
Diving deeper, Reich draws from his personal history to illustrate broader themes. Bullied as a child for his small stature, he found an unlikely protector in Mickey Schwerner, an older boy who shielded him from tormentors at a family cabin in the Adirondacks. Tragically, Schwerner became a civil rights icon, one of three activists murdered by the Ku Klux Klan in Mississippi in 1964. Reich recounts this in the film and in his recent memoir, Coming Up Short: A Memoir of My America. The experience reshaped his worldview: what he once saw as playground bullying expanded to include systemic oppression, like white supremacists targeting Black and brown communities, men dominating women, or bosses exploiting workers. 'It's the fundamental moral dilemma we're all wrestling with now,' he says—how to curb the bullies in power. And this ties directly to today's politics, where he points out the 'bully in the White House,' resonating with viewers who feel the same unease.
As The Last Class expands its reach through next week's special event, it leaves audiences with a nostalgic yet optimistic glow. Despite the fear and despair gripping the nation, Reich emphasizes the film's uplifting core: the magic of teaching, the enthusiasm of students, and the promise they embody for the future. 'It's about the joy of learning and the hope that keeps us going,' he shares. 'In a time of uncertainty, this film reminds us that education and curiosity are our greatest weapons.'
What do you think? Is Robert Reich too harsh on billionaires like Musk and Bezos, or do their actions really threaten our democracy? Should universities resist government pressure at all costs, even if it means losing funding? Share your thoughts in the comments—do you agree with Reich's 'great reveal,' or see things differently? Let's discuss!
