Dismissed as mere Republican propaganda by many, “2016: Obama’s America” certainly asks some uncomfortable questions about the life and beliefs of President Barack Obama. I found it to be more coherent than some of Michael Moore’s political films such as “Bowling For Columbine”.

Conservative commentator Dinesh D’Souza uses Obama’s own autobiography as a guide to understanding Obama’s vision for America. As he traces Obama’s family history in Kenya, Hawaii and Indonesia, we see the anti-colonial and anti-American ideologies that surrounded a young Obama. We then asked to consider how these views may have shaped the Obama who stepped into the White House after the 2008 presidential election.

D’Souza comes at this from an interesting angle as he grew up in India and encountered many of the same anti-colonial viewpoints that Obama would have when he visited Kenya. D’Souza is careful not to go for the hyperbole and paint Obama as any kind of inhuman monster. He takes a very provocative look at Obama’s life and statements. He also never outrightly endorses any of the modern Republicans. It’s clear D’Souza has an academic’s mind and is not out to merely push forward a Republican agenda.

I don’t agree with all the analysis in this film. However, I think a lot of the best documentaries about topics such as politics, history and religion are about asking tough questions and demanding the audience think critically. If you are a loyal Obama supporter, you may be too invested in your camp to be open to some of the ideas explored in this movie. D’Souza has gained a notoriety for his documentaries (and his campaign financing activities) but as a non-American, I think it’s easier to look at his work more objectively. It’s worth checking out if you are into understanding philosophy of politics and nationhood.