La Haine:
Battle of Algers:
The visual choices in this film are top notch. It was very cinematic while maintaining its ground in reality and interesting realism. The brotherly chemistry between the cast was refreshing to watch even though they gradually got more chaotic. This is a coming of age gem with a hard-hitting finale. The realism in the film is definitely felt regarding how most people nowadays feel towards police. The film is as gritty as it is transformative with the journey Vinz specifically goes through. The movie follows a friend group of 3 young men in Paris and how they navigate their futures after a massive riot breaks over Abdel getting beaten by police, with Vinz wanting revenge for the mistreatment of his friend and Hubert wanting to move on to better himself as a professional boxer. Their third friend Said is between these two opposing forces as a mediator. It’s Said that talks to Vinz the most about how they should go about checking on Abdel and calming him down to not enact his anger. There is a point at the end of the movie where Vinz gets a chance to enact his hatred when he gets a gun but he ultimately doesn’t choose to continue the cycle of violence, regardless of how furious he was.
Throughout the film, Vinz grapples with his own identity and purpose. He struggles with the temptation to seek violent retaliation against the police for what they did to Abdel. His anger and frustration lead him to make impulsive and dangerous decisions, putting himself and his friends at risk. Vinz's journey in La Haine is marked by moments of introspection and conflict. He questions his beliefs, his relationships, and his role in the world he inhabits. Ultimately, his experiences force him to confront the consequences of violence and the cycle of hatred that perpetuates in their community.
The second lead character Said finds himself increasingly disillusioned with the cycle of violence and despair that surrounds him. He begins to question the choices he has made and the path he is on, searching for meaning and purpose amidst the chaos of their lives. Ultimately, Said's character arc is an exploration of resilience, solidarity, and the human capacity for hope in the face of adversity. He represents the struggle for dignity and agency in a society marked by inequality and injustice. Injustice that's felt by all of the guys, especially Hubert.
Hubert serves as a voice of reason and wisdom among the trio. He is deeply introspective and philosophical, often reflecting on their situation and the broader societal issues that shape their lives. Despite facing discrimination and marginalization due to his race, Hubert maintains a sense of dignity and integrity, striving to rise above the violence and despair that surrounds them. Hubert's character is tested as he confronts the consequences of their friend Abdel's brutal beating by the police. He struggles with feelings of anger and helplessness, but also with a sense of responsibility to his community and to his own moral code. His journey in the film involves moments of profound introspection and moral reckoning. He grapples with questions of justice, revenge, and the possibility of redemption in a society marked by inequality and oppression. His character serves as a symbol of resilience and strength, as well as a reminder of the human capacity for empathy and compassion in the face of adversity. He’s the complete opposite of Vinz in this regard. His side story is a powerful exploration of identity, solidarity, and the search for meaning in a world plagued by violence and injustice. He represents the hope for a better future and the possibility of change, even in the darkest of circumstances. Overall, I value the message in this movie a lot and feel like we need many more real stories like it in current media to help people understand perspective.
Battle of Algers:
In this film the style added a lot of authenticity to what the Algers were really seeing and experiencing. We also got to see the war from the French perspective too at times which was interesting to say the least. At times you forget that you’re watching a movie because of how it was filmed. We got to see examples of how the people of Algiers dealt with being policed by French forces and they came together to form their own resistance army. The directors and producers casted actual Algierians in the film too to make it more authentic. The movie is a semi-documentary-style film that reconstructs key events from the conflict, including the urban guerrilla warfare tactics employed by the Algerian National Liberation Front and the French military's counterinsurgency efforts. With the documentary filming style and real Algerians this movie came to life in more ways than one.
Amalese:
District 9:
This one surprised me in the actual story and their choice of characters. The story tackles existential issues along with how the government can be questionable with how they handle race. Even though the aliens were aliens they represented more than that.
Black Orpheus:
The main character, Wikus van de Merwe, is a bureaucrat tasked with overseeing the relocation of the aliens to a new settlement outside the city. When Wikus inadvertently exposes himself to a mysterious alien substance, he begins to undergo a gradual transformation into one of the “Prawns”. As he becomes increasingly ostracized by society and hunted by both human authorities and extraterrestrial factions, Wikus is forced to confront his own prejudices and reevaluate his understanding of identity and empathy.
District 9 is full of inventive world-building, thought-provoking social commentary, and visceral action sequences. Through its allegorical exploration of apartheid, xenophobia, and bureaucratic oppression, the film addresses issues of power, exploitation, and the dehumanization of marginalized groups. With its blend of gritty realism and stunning visual effects, District 9 stands as a bold and compelling entry in the science fiction genre, offering audiences a gripping and emotionally resonant cinematic experience.
One of the most captivating aspects of District 9 lies in its ability to seamlessly blend exhilarating action with profound social commentary. From pulse-pounding firefights to poignant moments of introspection, the film delivers a rollercoaster of emotions while never losing sight of its underlying themes. The character development of Wikus van de Merwe, the unlikely hero forced to confront his own prejudices and navigate a world filled with moral ambiguity, is particularly compelling. Additionally, the film's immersive world-building and stunning visual effects transport audiences to a dystopian Johannesburg unlike anything seen before on screen. Through its exploration of themes such as xenophobia, oppression, and the search for redemption, District 9 transcends the boundaries of traditional science fiction, leaving a lasting impact on viewers long after the credits roll.
Black Orpheus:
This movie was very vibrant and the representation of carnival was perfect to the real tradition in my opinion. The ending is sad but fitting for a re-telling of the what it's based on.
Moondale:
City of God:
Personally this was my favorite of the films we watched. This one made me feel for the characters in a way that felt like they were real. The overall story of is pretty sad but also highlights the real danger of the youth in developing countries and how dangerous power can be attached to poverty. City of God is a visceral and unflinching portrayal of life in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Directed by Fernando Meirelles and co-directed by Kátia Lund, the film follows the interconnected lives of various characters as they navigate the harsh realities of poverty, violence, and drug trafficking in the notorious Cidade de Deus (City of God) neighborhood. Through its non-linear narrative and dynamic visual style, City of God immerses viewers in the chaotic and dangerous world of its characters, capturing both the allure and the brutality of their existence. The film's ensemble cast delivers powerful performances, bringing to life a diverse array of individuals caught up in the cycle of crime and survival. With its gripping storytelling, gritty realism, and thought-provoking social commentary, City of God stands as a landmark achievement in Brazilian cinema and remains a potent exploration of the human condition in the face of adversity.
Mandala:
This piece is very special in its content. The culture of the people represented runs very deep even though they've lost numbers over time. This film is a reminder of the past and how vital preservation can be.
Turtles Can Fly:
This movie struck in a way that means more than just going through rough times. The kids felt disconnected to reality at times which made the watch more intentional.
"Turtles Can Fly" is a poignant and powerful drama directed by Bahman Ghobadi, set in a Kurdish refugee camp on the Iraq-Turkey border just before the 2003 invasion of Iraq. The film primarily follows the experiences of children and adolescents who are living in the camp, showcasing their resilience, resourcefulness, and the challenges they face in a war-torn region. The title itself captures the essence of the film's message, symbolizing hope and determination in the face of adversity.
The protagonist, a young boy named Satellite, demonstrates remarkable leadership and ingenuity as he navigates the complexities of life in the refugee camp. Satellite is a self-appointed leader who organizes other children to collect and sell mines from the surrounding fields, a dangerous but necessary endeavor for survival. Through Satellite's eyes, the audience gains insight into the daily struggles and triumphs of the camp's inhabitants, including his relationships with his sister, Hengov, an orphan named Agrin, and her disabled brother, Riga.
"Turtles Can Fly" is notable for its raw and unflinching portrayal of the human cost of war, particularly on vulnerable populations such as children and refugees. The film exposes the harsh realities of life in a conflict zone, including the psychological toll of trauma, displacement, and loss. Despite the bleakness of its subject matter, the film also offers moments of tenderness, humor, and hope, illustrating the resilience of the human spirit even in the most dire circumstances.
With its intimate storytelling, authentic performances, and stunning cinematography capturing the stark beauty of the Kurdish landscape, "Turtles Can Fly" is a deeply affecting and thought-provoking film that leaves a lasting impression on viewers. Through its exploration of universal themes such as survival, resilience, and the bonds of friendship and family, the film offers a compelling meditation on the human condition in times of conflict and upheaval.
Man On Wire: This is a movie I've seen before but upon revisiting it reminded me about how important resilience is for what you want to achieve.
Parasite: This movie was probably my second favorite of the bunch with the cinematography mixed with the very entertaining story of dealing with poverty. This movie represents real tactics people are forced to use in order to get ahead even if it risks their freedom. It also highlights the difference between families that are unified and families that aren't.
FINAL ASSIGNMENT BLOG:
I believe that we need to actively change the narrative around young black people and turn it into realities that inspire hope rather than reflect on our current realities. Movies are supposed to have elements that are larger than life but they seem to make the lead roles Caucasians to play the people who receive happy endings. Black characters are stereotyped and used as fodder, a concept I want to eradicate. If we had a movie that places a black child in a rich family that they worked for and tells a story about money management that would be more impactful than we’d realize. Most kids learn from digital platforms now and with movies out right now they make black youth act the same. Even when they’re being somewhat accurate to the black struggle in their characters depictions they don’t go beyond that the way they do for other races. Even Madea movies to be set us back with cross dressing as the crutch for comedy. We need more stories that give actual examples of black excellence that isn’t in opposition of Caucasians. We need black excellence that is just that. If we had movies like that there will be more for young black children to relate to or experiences to dream of that they can insert themselves in as the main character. We could call it Drew Yates and it would be about a nuclear black family that teaches the child a lesson about managing money through tests the parents put them through. Movies I watched as a kid still affect me now and I know the same is true for my generation, hence the necessity of higher black representation.
