Movies Watched Recently

[TrentReznor858]

Originally Posted by Variable

Why do you say that?

The story is a load of crap, meant for older white couples to instill "patriotic pride" for freeing the slaves. "oh look marshall, that kind fellow is fighting for the blackies." Please.

[Variable]

Uh... it's a true story about the abolition of the slave trade throughout an empire, where the crap comes into that please enlighten me. Maybe also enlighten me as to where this issue of race comes into admiring this story - are you suggesting that white people are condemned to be labeled ignorant if they respond favourably to its dramatization? Or is it just British people? - you used the word 'patriotic' which didn't really fit.

In any case, that whole notion is insulting, and I'm surprised to hear it coming from you.

[Bluestar]

i watched Saving Private Ryan i have mixed feelings about it.

[Skinwalker]

Originally Posted by Variable

Uh... it's a true story about the abolition of the slave trade throughout an empire, where the crap comes into that please enlighten me. Maybe also enlighten me as to where this issue of race comes into admiring this story - are you suggesting that white people are condemned to be labeled ignorant if they respond favourably to its dramatization? Or is it just British people? - you used the word 'patriotic' which didn't really fit.

In any case, that whole notion is insulting, and I'm surprised to hear it coming from you.

Um yes. It is a true story and not propaganda. The British (led by Wilberforce) were the first abolitionists and Wilberforce's story in the movie Amazing Grace was released on 23 March 2007 to coincide with the 200th anniversary of the date on which Parliament voted to ban the transport of slaves by British subjects. He also championed the rights of the poor by founding Charity Schools that educated the children of the poor free of charge - the beginning of free public education, the restoration of morality and piety, and the humane treatment of animals. All of these causes are noteworthy and they just happened to have a 'white man' at the helm. To fob it off as 'white' propaganda is quite racist and not honorable.

As for the song Amazing Grace which is the film's title; it was written by former slave trader, John Newton who advised Wilberforce as a young man when deeply discouraged by political life, he asked Newton if he should leave politics to join the clergy. Newton advised Wilberforce that he had been placed in his role as a Member of Parliament to abolish the slave trade. It was in the House of Commons, Newton offered, that Wilberforce could best serve God. Wilberforce took Newton's advice and throughout the rest of his parliamentary career, Newton encouraged Wilberforce to "stay the course" and see his cause through to the end.

The song has also become known as a favorite with supporters of freedom and human rights, both Christian and non-Christian, in part because many assume it to be his testimony about his slave trading past. The song has been sung by many notable musical performers, including iconic folk singer Judy Collins.

The hymn was quite popular on both sides in the American Civil War. While on the "trail of tears," the Cherokee were not always able to give their dead a full burial. Instead, the singing of "Amazing Grace" had to suffice. Since then, "Amazing Grace" is often considered like a Cherokee National Anthem. For this reason, many contemporary Native American musicians have recorded the song.

"Amazing Grace"

Amazing grace, how sweet the sound
That sav’d a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.

’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears reliev’d;
How precious did that grace appear,
The hour I first believ’d!

Thro’ many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come;
’Tis grace has brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promis’d good to me,
His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.

Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease;
I shall possess, within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine;
But God, who call’d me here below,
Will be forever mine.

John Newton, Olney Hymns (London: 1779)

I for one intend to watch this film as well. If this movie makes you uncomfortable that a great, white, British, Christian man was the leader of the abolitionist movement then perhaps you should examine your own heart. Great men and women can be found in all cultures and religions around the world. Anything that celebrates and reminds us of their achievements and the blessings we now enjoy due to their hard work should always be lauded. Otherwise we become spoiled and selfish. Give credit where credit is due.

Thanks for the recommendation Variable.

[MoonStar]

Has anyone seen The Golden Compass? any good? I haven't read the book but want to see it.

[displaced]

saw enchanted with my nieces...so cute!

[MossadConspiracy]

Originally Posted by MoonStar

Has anyone seen The Golden Compass? any good? I haven't read the book but want to see it.

I havent read the books or watched the movie but I read an article about the movie and the process behind the novel's adaptation and so on, and apparently most of the book's most important themes were taken out of the movie

[Skinwalker]

Originally Posted by MoonStar

Has anyone seen The Golden Compass? any good? I haven't read the book but want to see it.

Planning to see it sometime soon. I'll telll you what I think if you haven't beaten me to the punch.

[Variable]

Originally Posted by Skinwalker

Thanks for the recommendation Variable.

Thank you. It's actually a pretty good movie, although it jumps around a lot and I could never tell exactly what time frame we were in. I think it appeals to people who are into political/historical movies where the climax is a subdued scene of bunch of old guys sitting around and a gavel coming down. I thought it was great haha.

[Variable]

Originally Posted by Bluestar

i watched Saving Private Ryan i have mixed feelings about it.

Really? Honestly, I liked all the battle scenes but I think Spielburg could've upped the story telling a little bit. It got kind of boring in parts.

[GOTFIVEONIT]

A++++!!

Loved both movies! rose mcgowen looks hot with that gun as a leg grrrr. total guy flick, total action! quentin tarantino and robert rodriguez have really outdone themselves this time.

YouTube - Grindhouse: Death Proof (1 of 9)

[Bluestar]

Originally Posted by Variable

Really? Honestly, I liked all the battle scenes but I think Spielburg could've upped the story telling a little bit. It got kind of boring in parts.

hmm, tom hanks is great, i think he's wonderful but the storyline didn't interest me so much and considering the time it came out, i just thought it could be used as propaganda and didn't think that was particularly useful. Eh, it also became a parody, it was all about the soldiers and the unsaid things about war, which the new soldier learns towards the end. Yet the film was explaining it quite bluntly, so the unsaid things were said and i just thought, what's the point now? There's no consistency

[TrentReznor858]

Originally Posted by Variable

Uh... it's a true story about the abolition of the slave trade throughout an empire, where the crap comes into that please enlighten me. Maybe also enlighten me as to where this issue of race comes into admiring this story - are you suggesting that white people are condemned to be labeled ignorant if they respond favourably to its dramatization? Or is it just British people? - you used the word 'patriotic' which didn't really fit.

In any case, that whole notion is insulting, and I'm surprised to hear it coming from you.

Don't worry about it. GO ENGLISH PEOPLE FOR FREEING THE SLAVES!!! BOO YAH!!!

[Variable]

Originally Posted by TrentReznor858

Don't worry about it. GO ENGLISH PEOPLE FOR FREEING THE SLAVES!!! BOO YAH!!!

- you're not cool anymore.

[MoonStar]

Scarface- the 1932 black and white one. It was okay, interesting to watch such an oldie, it was very silent-film like with the way the scenes move. apparently it was a big hit back then. I haven't seen the Al Pacino Scarface so can't compare.