First I would like to say that my screening of this film may not be quite accurate since we weren't able to have English subtitles, so...... here I go! I got the feeling that Carol's journey in her new home was tough, probably as it would have been for any other child her age that had moved to a new town, let alone a new country! I think that what Carol experienced was 'normal', as children tend to tease and mess with other children who don't quite fit in. This was shown by the three boys who taunt Carol, until she stands up to them. After that, they seem to respect her and a friendship (and even a little more) develops between her and the boys.
I got the feeling that Carol seemed to get frustrated with some of the situations in her new home because they weren't handled as they would have been back in America. This was something that Carol had to get used to, and I think anyone would have had trouble adjusting to such a different environment. As the movie progresses, I think Carol begins to assimilate herself into the Spanish culture, and starts to feel more at home. But the passing of her mother takes a lot of this away for her, as now she is left alone, without her mother or her father. Her grandfather is there for her, but they have some difficulty bonding throughout the movie. In the end, Carol's life is again turned around when her very close friend is killed, and her father is captured by the military. Carol is sent back to America where she awaits the return of her father. Even though she is now back where she grew up, I don't think Carol will be the same, as her short life in Spain maybe changed who she was.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Volver...
I really enjoyed screening this film. I would say it is a close second runner up to my favorite film of the quarter, La Misma Luna. In this film, all of the main women characters are faced (or have been faced) with some sort of tribulation in their life, caused by the machismo men that they are involved with. Again, a husband (Paco) is shown to be a low life, dirty man that does whatever he pleases and doesn't have the interests of his family in mind. He eventually gets his, when he tries to molest his own adopted daughter, of all things! I was glad to see that the daughter, even at such a young age, could stand up to him and show her strength. Raimunda, the main character, shows even greater strength for herself by being able to move on with her life to provide for her family, even if it meant committing an illegal crime! We later find out in the film that Raimunda was molested by her own father when she was young, and that her daughter was actually her sister, too. Getting though something like that has to be hard, to know that your daughter is a result of sexual abuse from your father. Yikes! That calls for an incredible amount of strength to move on after that and still act like a proper mother and provide for your child.
Irene, Raimunda's mother also had a rough time with her past, in which she let her emotions get the best of her and she committed 2 murders. You would never think that such nice, caring women were capable of such crimes. And then there is Sole, Raimunda's sister who runs her own business out of her home, and is a successful woman. All of the women in this film display great strength and courage to move through what life throws them.
As far as superstitious beliefs and reality in this film, I think two prime examples would be how everyone in the village believed that the 'East wind' makes you crazy, and the village believed that Aunt Paula had been effected by these winds because of all the 'crazy' things she would say about her sister, Irene. Aunt Paula was not crazy, because we later found out that Irene was alive all of the time and actually taking care of Aunt Paula. Another superstition was that the village also believed that Irene was a ghost that was haunting the village, and that many had seen here. Again, we find out that Irene had never died and had been alive all along.
Irene, Raimunda's mother also had a rough time with her past, in which she let her emotions get the best of her and she committed 2 murders. You would never think that such nice, caring women were capable of such crimes. And then there is Sole, Raimunda's sister who runs her own business out of her home, and is a successful woman. All of the women in this film display great strength and courage to move through what life throws them.
As far as superstitious beliefs and reality in this film, I think two prime examples would be how everyone in the village believed that the 'East wind' makes you crazy, and the village believed that Aunt Paula had been effected by these winds because of all the 'crazy' things she would say about her sister, Irene. Aunt Paula was not crazy, because we later found out that Irene was alive all of the time and actually taking care of Aunt Paula. Another superstition was that the village also believed that Irene was a ghost that was haunting the village, and that many had seen here. Again, we find out that Irene had never died and had been alive all along.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Guantanemera
I enjoyed screening this film; there were many aspects of Hispanic culture represented yet again. There was the 'macho' concept that was portrayed by Adolfo, who I could probably use up a whole blog for him. He was so self absorbed, and only cared about himself and his agenda. He didn't care for his wife Gina, I believe that he married her more for a status perspective. The end of the film was very powerful, in which Adolfo ended up creating his own fate with his attitude. He knew that Gina's aunt wasn't the body in the coffin, and yet to serve himself he went through with the funeral! That was the point where death (represented by a little girl, all dressed up who appeared throughout the movie), found Adolfo.
Hispanic culture is rich with music and food, both of which were shown in this movie. Even around the sadness of her aunt's funeral, Gina tries to maintain a hopeful attitude for her own life, even though she knows in the back of her mind that her marriage to Adolfo is not right for her. He runs almost every aspect of her life, right down to the clothes she wears and the way she wears her hair. Candido tries to get Gina to see through Adolfo's controlling ways, and throughout the film convinces her to go out on her own. Mariano, who was once a student of Gina's fell in love with her and was very different from Adolfo. Even though he was portraying the macho culture of Hispanic men in the film, he only loved Gina and I am pretty sure that he would be faithful to her. I lost track of how many times they ran into each other on their journeys, but their love ultimately brought them together in the end. All in all, this was a very nice film and I enjoyed it very much.
Hispanic culture is rich with music and food, both of which were shown in this movie. Even around the sadness of her aunt's funeral, Gina tries to maintain a hopeful attitude for her own life, even though she knows in the back of her mind that her marriage to Adolfo is not right for her. He runs almost every aspect of her life, right down to the clothes she wears and the way she wears her hair. Candido tries to get Gina to see through Adolfo's controlling ways, and throughout the film convinces her to go out on her own. Mariano, who was once a student of Gina's fell in love with her and was very different from Adolfo. Even though he was portraying the macho culture of Hispanic men in the film, he only loved Gina and I am pretty sure that he would be faithful to her. I lost track of how many times they ran into each other on their journeys, but their love ultimately brought them together in the end. All in all, this was a very nice film and I enjoyed it very much.
Friday, May 7, 2010
The Official Story
As far as Gaby's future is concered, I was a little unsure of how the movie exactly ended. I know that Alicia is not planning to return home, as she left her keys in the front door lock. Gaby was over at her Grandparents at the time of her parents fight, so I am assuming that Alicia left from her home to go pick up Gaby. Whether she returns her to her biological family is what I am unsure of. I know Alicia loved Gaby very much, but at the same time I got a feeling that Alicia was very sympathetic towards the mothers who were murdered and of their children who were taken away from their families.
At one point during the movie, Alicia's past is revealed; her parents also died when she was very young, and her Grandmother tried to cover up their deaths by writing fake letters to Alicia and telling her that they were on a "trip". Eventually Alicia came to believe that her parents just didn't want her anymore, until the day that she saw their grave sites and finally forgave them. In this aspect I think that Alicia doesn't want Gaby growing up the same way, thinking that her real parents didn't want her and that she was being lied to all along. I guess in reality, Gaby's life could have taken multiple turns: she could have been picked up by Alicia and taken to somewhere different to live, she could have been returned to her biological family to live, or maybe she was left to stay with her grandparents? It is hard to say but I think that Gaby would have grown up a very strong woman just like Alicia, and would have known her past and have accepted it??? I can only assume!
At one point during the movie, Alicia's past is revealed; her parents also died when she was very young, and her Grandmother tried to cover up their deaths by writing fake letters to Alicia and telling her that they were on a "trip". Eventually Alicia came to believe that her parents just didn't want her anymore, until the day that she saw their grave sites and finally forgave them. In this aspect I think that Alicia doesn't want Gaby growing up the same way, thinking that her real parents didn't want her and that she was being lied to all along. I guess in reality, Gaby's life could have taken multiple turns: she could have been picked up by Alicia and taken to somewhere different to live, she could have been returned to her biological family to live, or maybe she was left to stay with her grandparents? It is hard to say but I think that Gaby would have grown up a very strong woman just like Alicia, and would have known her past and have accepted it??? I can only assume!
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Like Water for Chocolate- Amy Thompson
In this movie there were so many things that I would consider to be 'Magic Realism'.
Tita was born the youngest daughter, destined to take care of her mother until she died. From the start, you could tell that Tita and her mother had a very angry relationship with each other. From this point on, Tita's emotions are exemplified in the film. She was able to transfer her emotions into the food she was eating (an insight that I learned from another fellow student!). For example, the cake that she was making for Pedro and Rosaura's wedding had her tears in it, and after everyone ate it they were overcome with her sorrow, and even got physically sick! Later in the film, Tita was able to feed Pedro and Rosaura's baby with her breast milk, even though she was a virgin. This was an example of magic realism in that she was longing to have a baby with Pedro.
When Pedro and Rosaura moved away and Tita later found out that their baby died, Tita had a mental breakdown, only to be cured later by a 'magic broth' and was brought out of her depression.
The scene which I think had the most significant magic realism message was when Pedro dies from being overcome by his emotions for Tita, and how Tita eats the sulfur tips of some matches to kill herself to finally be with Pedro. The scene was so strong and showed the intensity (with all of the candles, burning bright) of Tita and Pedro's love for one another.
All in all I enjoyed this film and it was neat to see all of the magic realism that the film showed. It's always nice to see things in not such a harsh reality sometimes!
Tita was born the youngest daughter, destined to take care of her mother until she died. From the start, you could tell that Tita and her mother had a very angry relationship with each other. From this point on, Tita's emotions are exemplified in the film. She was able to transfer her emotions into the food she was eating (an insight that I learned from another fellow student!). For example, the cake that she was making for Pedro and Rosaura's wedding had her tears in it, and after everyone ate it they were overcome with her sorrow, and even got physically sick! Later in the film, Tita was able to feed Pedro and Rosaura's baby with her breast milk, even though she was a virgin. This was an example of magic realism in that she was longing to have a baby with Pedro.
When Pedro and Rosaura moved away and Tita later found out that their baby died, Tita had a mental breakdown, only to be cured later by a 'magic broth' and was brought out of her depression.
The scene which I think had the most significant magic realism message was when Pedro dies from being overcome by his emotions for Tita, and how Tita eats the sulfur tips of some matches to kill herself to finally be with Pedro. The scene was so strong and showed the intensity (with all of the candles, burning bright) of Tita and Pedro's love for one another.
All in all I enjoyed this film and it was neat to see all of the magic realism that the film showed. It's always nice to see things in not such a harsh reality sometimes!
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Diarios de Motocicleta
I think there were several scenes throughout the movie that helped shape Ernesto's personality as a future leader. Ernesto almost finished med school, but I got the feeling that he didn't enjoy all of the rules and regulations he was expected to follow as a doctor. He longed for the open road, and for freedom. Ernesto was very loving and caring, and his heart went out to all of the people who were victims of the injustice that he witnessed.
Ernesto and Alberto first come across a man that they are trying to stay with for the night for shelter and some food. The man states that he wants Ernesto to look at a bump on his neck. Ernesto concludes that it is a tumor and that it should be looked at right away, while Alberto insists it is a cyst, and is benign. This showed that Ernesto was an honest man, and that he wouldn't lie to another person for his own benefit. On the other hand, Ernesto was willing to falsify some information for their benefit when he had the newspaper article published (in this case, to get "the mighty one" fixed). But it didn't harm anyone in the process.
Ernesto then came across a dying woman, who he knew he couldn't help, but treated her with compassion and showed empathy for her. To me a successful leader needs both of these qualities. Another example is when their bike broke down, Ernesto was determined to carry on, which showed persistence, which is also a needed quality in a leader. He saw injustice with the miners who chose to pick workers who were tired and dehydrated, and he tried to fight for them, but was shut down by the miners who only saw the workers as unimportant and didn't care if they were tired or dehydrated. Ernesto also gave $15 American dollars to a couple that he met because he knew they needed it more than him. Again, this showed his compassion for others and his unselfishness in helping them.
When Ernesto stayed at the San Pablo leprosy colonies, he was well liked by all of the inhabitants, and even convinced a woman to have a surgery that she previously refused to everyone else. Ernesto was somehow able to get through to her that she needed this surgery to save her arm. I am sure that she saw how much he cared, and that he wanted the best for her, even though she had leprosy. Another scene that I thought was pretty neat was when Ernesto refused to wear gloves at the colony. He saw it as odd, and refused to wear the gloves, which really surprised the inhabitants, but was neat to see.
Ernesto had so many qualities of a great leader, so I am sure I have missed more examples. But these were the scenes that stuck out for me in which Ernesto showed his potential for the great leader he was going to become.
Ernesto and Alberto first come across a man that they are trying to stay with for the night for shelter and some food. The man states that he wants Ernesto to look at a bump on his neck. Ernesto concludes that it is a tumor and that it should be looked at right away, while Alberto insists it is a cyst, and is benign. This showed that Ernesto was an honest man, and that he wouldn't lie to another person for his own benefit. On the other hand, Ernesto was willing to falsify some information for their benefit when he had the newspaper article published (in this case, to get "the mighty one" fixed). But it didn't harm anyone in the process.
Ernesto then came across a dying woman, who he knew he couldn't help, but treated her with compassion and showed empathy for her. To me a successful leader needs both of these qualities. Another example is when their bike broke down, Ernesto was determined to carry on, which showed persistence, which is also a needed quality in a leader. He saw injustice with the miners who chose to pick workers who were tired and dehydrated, and he tried to fight for them, but was shut down by the miners who only saw the workers as unimportant and didn't care if they were tired or dehydrated. Ernesto also gave $15 American dollars to a couple that he met because he knew they needed it more than him. Again, this showed his compassion for others and his unselfishness in helping them.
When Ernesto stayed at the San Pablo leprosy colonies, he was well liked by all of the inhabitants, and even convinced a woman to have a surgery that she previously refused to everyone else. Ernesto was somehow able to get through to her that she needed this surgery to save her arm. I am sure that she saw how much he cared, and that he wanted the best for her, even though she had leprosy. Another scene that I thought was pretty neat was when Ernesto refused to wear gloves at the colony. He saw it as odd, and refused to wear the gloves, which really surprised the inhabitants, but was neat to see.
Ernesto had so many qualities of a great leader, so I am sure I have missed more examples. But these were the scenes that stuck out for me in which Ernesto showed his potential for the great leader he was going to become.
Friday, April 9, 2010
Machuca
What thoughts do I have about the interactions between these two children?
I thought that Pedro and Gonzalo formed a very endearing relationship. Gonzalo stood up for Pedro from the beginning. He knew what it felt like to be harassed and bullied around, and saw an opportunity to become friends with Pedro. Neither of the two were judgemental against the other when they went to each others homes, even though their experiences there were similar. Gonzalo was often ridiculed by Pedro's family and friends, constantly being called a snob and even being harassed by Pedro's father. Pedro is welcomed mostly by his family, except for his sister's boyfriend, who ridiculed Pedro. These boys developed a strong friendship until politics got in the way, of all things!
Were you able to see the differences between the two social classes, the rich and the poor in Chile?
Most definitely. The movie made it very clear about how both classes lived and interacted with each other. I thought that the two scenes where each class conducted their own protests was very interesting. Opposers of Allende (the rich) were chanting, "The country is not for sale! Jump if you're not a commie!", while supporters of Allende (the poor) were chanting, "Jump if you're not a mummy!" The mummy referred to being rich and spoiled. All the while Father McEnroe was the pivot point on the see-saw between the two classes. At school he preached to respect one another and was trying to teach the boys how to be real gentlemen, and to be different from what the country of Chile was turning into. Gonzalo lived in a very nice neighborhood and had a large, beautiful home; Pedro lived in a shantytown where there were dirt floors and several family members all crowded into one living space.
What messages can you obtain from this film? Add your personal thoughts about film, content, culture, issues, etc.
This film was made so the whole world would know the history of Chile, and what the country and its citizens went through. It highlighted the friendship between Pedro and Gonzalo- two boys from completely different backgrounds become friends even though their lives were polar opposites. The political climate was about to come to a head, with each boy representing the two social classes. When the political climate changed, so did the boy's relationships. They became consumed with the hatred that both sides had for each other, and became absorbed in the insulting, abusive ways that people showed during this time. At the end of the movie, I'm not sure whether Pedro and Gonzalo were able to come to an understanding. Pedro was being taken away and his home being destroyed while Gonzalo was able to escape the soldiers only because of his physical appearance. This movie exemplified what social and political situations can do to relationships, both inside and outside your community.
I thought that Pedro and Gonzalo formed a very endearing relationship. Gonzalo stood up for Pedro from the beginning. He knew what it felt like to be harassed and bullied around, and saw an opportunity to become friends with Pedro. Neither of the two were judgemental against the other when they went to each others homes, even though their experiences there were similar. Gonzalo was often ridiculed by Pedro's family and friends, constantly being called a snob and even being harassed by Pedro's father. Pedro is welcomed mostly by his family, except for his sister's boyfriend, who ridiculed Pedro. These boys developed a strong friendship until politics got in the way, of all things!
Were you able to see the differences between the two social classes, the rich and the poor in Chile?
Most definitely. The movie made it very clear about how both classes lived and interacted with each other. I thought that the two scenes where each class conducted their own protests was very interesting. Opposers of Allende (the rich) were chanting, "The country is not for sale! Jump if you're not a commie!", while supporters of Allende (the poor) were chanting, "Jump if you're not a mummy!" The mummy referred to being rich and spoiled. All the while Father McEnroe was the pivot point on the see-saw between the two classes. At school he preached to respect one another and was trying to teach the boys how to be real gentlemen, and to be different from what the country of Chile was turning into. Gonzalo lived in a very nice neighborhood and had a large, beautiful home; Pedro lived in a shantytown where there were dirt floors and several family members all crowded into one living space.
What messages can you obtain from this film? Add your personal thoughts about film, content, culture, issues, etc.
This film was made so the whole world would know the history of Chile, and what the country and its citizens went through. It highlighted the friendship between Pedro and Gonzalo- two boys from completely different backgrounds become friends even though their lives were polar opposites. The political climate was about to come to a head, with each boy representing the two social classes. When the political climate changed, so did the boy's relationships. They became consumed with the hatred that both sides had for each other, and became absorbed in the insulting, abusive ways that people showed during this time. At the end of the movie, I'm not sure whether Pedro and Gonzalo were able to come to an understanding. Pedro was being taken away and his home being destroyed while Gonzalo was able to escape the soldiers only because of his physical appearance. This movie exemplified what social and political situations can do to relationships, both inside and outside your community.
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