Originally posted by sulawesigirl4:
Where I live, we have a burgeoning population of Somalian immigrants and refugees. I know that they have been uncomfortable and unhappy with this movie as they feel it will only serve to strain relationships and paint them in broad, general strokes as "the bad guys." And I tend to agree with them. I don't see myself going to see this movie.
From what I have read, they were torn between delving into the lives of Somali's.. making them more like real people in the movie, and at the same time, developing the US soldiers a bit more as well, .. You're right.. a lot of people are labeling this movie racist.. But I'm not so sure that the movie is supposed to be about... In light of the September 11 events.. (And I know that this is a direct contradiction), but I'm not so sure that the movie is anymore about the Somalia conflict, or our 15 hours stranded there with these Somalis firing at us, dragging us through the streets... or how they felt they were being invaded by us, or them wondering why we're there fighting when we were supposed to be just delivering food.. Much like U2's new album.. It has taken on a different meaning, more to show the horrors of war, as only a movie can.. I'm sure it'll be labeled propaganda, and it already has by suelwasgirl, but It reminds us of how Brutal war is.. Not necessarily just Somalis, but At the Present moment, the Al Queda, Bin Laden, Those people who want all of us dead.. Those who would take the fork they're using to eat with and stab it in our throats, Slam the Handcuff against an MP's head to inflict pain and hopefully kill him, Regardless of who it paints as a running mob, It gets into the American's head to realize that there are some shitty people out there who want us dead.. (Again regardless of the situation) and hopefully get into the heads of some of those who think Manacling the detainees, or hooding them is 'bad treatment', and i'm sure the imminent executions of a large number of them...
Again, I realize that this is a different take on the movie, but no different than many of yours on a song like 'walk on' or Bono's new interpretation of 'in a little while' with j. ramone..
All in said, I think it's a good movie for people to see, Just to be reminded of it.. And I'll agree... I almost left in the middle of it, but not because of some sort of imagined 'racial stereotypes' that many people complain of, and sulawesigirl.. if you have not seen it, how can you 'agree with the proverbial them' on the strained relationships you see coming on?.. go see it and judge for yourself. Somalia is a nation that harbors terrorists.. Hence, they are against us.. hence.. (yes hence again).. the bad guys... Free your mind.
And ANthony.. Yah, I just like Blade Runner so much better when it's not the directors cut.. It just doesn't sit with me what they did... And yes.. Still one of my fav's
[This message has been edited by Lemonite (edited 01-21-2002).]