« On a souvent besoin d'un plus petit que soi » moralisait Jean de La Fontaine... Être au service de l'autre, prendre en charge ses tracas matériels, apporter bien-être physique et même psychologique, c'est le rôle de femmes et d'hommes de l'ombre. Jadis, on les appelait « les domestiques ». Aujourd'hui, ils sont assistants personnels, coachs de vie ou concierges privés. Avoir des gens à son service n'est plus l'apanage des familles aisées. Ce documentaire donne la parole à ces « indispensables », habituellement si discrets.
With a staggering 1112 episodes across seven seasons, 'RE: European Stories' is not your average TV series; it's an immersive experience that takes viewers on a captivating tour of Europe. This reportage magazine showcases different aspects of the continent - from focusing on significant political events such as elections to painting detailed portraits of individual countries or highlighting the efforts of single persons driving small-scale European projects.
The series starts powerfully with episode 1 focusing on the right-wing populist 'Party for Freedom' (PVV) which could become the strongest force in the Dutch elections held on March 15, 2017. It portrays how this development becomes a nightmare for migrants and Muslims in the country, demonstrating how rigid positions in this once liberal flagship democracy are. The high-emotional election campaign is shown to change society significantly.
Moving further into Eastern Europe, episode 2 sheds light on Poland's growing fear of Russian invasion since the Ukraine crisis. It shows tens of thousands of men and women trading their everyday outfits for olive-green combat attire to train for defending their homeland. Even Polish education is seen embracing militarization trends with over 30,000 students attending uniform classes where they receive military training using real weapons.