Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom

The film, Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, provides an overview of the life of Nelson Mandela. It was generally well-liked by the SLR group and the average rating was 8 out of 10. Everyone agreed the acting was excellent; however, the film tries to cover a lot of territory, and understandably, there are areas of Nelson Mandela’s life which are not fully explored. Several people said the previous CBC documentary on Nelson Mandela was a more satisfying exploration of his life. Another person said, “If a film does not take me through a full range of emotions, then I cannot consider it a great film”. Personally, I gave the film 8.5 – 9 out of 10. If a film allows me to experience a "suspension of disbelief " (to become fully immersed in the action), and it also communicates a liberating, spiritual message, then I give it high marks.

The film summarizes and depicts many personal and political highlights of Nelson Mandela’s life. Of special interest to me was the “falling out” which occurred between Nelson Mandela and his wife, Winnie Mandela. I was aware of the political discord between them, but was unclear about how their political approach differed. The film shows how Winnie Mandela maintained the momentum of the revolution while her husband was incarcerated. It shows how her approach differed from that of her husband. Winnie admits, early in the film, that anger and hatred are her motivation. Nelson Mandela, on the other hand, does not allow his anger or his desire for revenge to motivate his actions. He wants political freedom for black Africans and this is his focus. While Winnie wants a “war,” Nelson ultimately seeks “peace”.

The name of the film, Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, references more than just political freedom. The film portrays how a difficult and oppressive life can have an impact on one’s personal development. Nelson Mandela becomes a more effective and liberated leader, because he achieves personal freedom. He becomes a leader akin to Gandhi – one who has moved beyond the pettiness of his own personal life, and one who goes forward to seek liberation for all.

Philomena

Friends of the Hyland -Philomena:

The film viewed on January 12 was Philomena. Nineteen members met at the Wortley Roadhouse afterwards for refreshments and lively discussion. There were two tables. One gave it about 4 out of 5 and the other gave it about 8 out of 10. About the same and all agreeing that it was a film not to be missed.

 It is based on a true story of Philomema Lee (Judi Dench) who, at the age of 14, gave birth to a baby boy and was forced by the Catholic authorities to give him up for adoption. She has spent 50 years trying to find him. Martin Sixsmith (Steve Coogan), a cynical journalist, helps her. The search takes them to North America and back. Martin Sixsmith wrote the book on which the film is based, in 2009.

The film is about the relationship that develops between these two as the story is gradually revealed. It brings laughter and tears to the audience. Philomena, the simple, Irish-Catholic woman, reveals depths of understanding and humour. Her training as a nurse gives her practical knowledge of the world that startles people who think her old and out of touch. The journalist Martin Sixmith, by contrast, is highly educated, cosmopolitan and feeling depressed, but is determined to solve the mystery of her son's whereabouts. The commonsense, warmth and compassion displayed by Philomena contrast sharply with the reserve and occasional rudeness displayed by Martin.   Her capacity to forgive is inspiring. We agreed that Judi Dench played her flawlessly and predicted an Academy Award nomination.

For some, the story brought back memories of education by the nuns and the harsh discipline sometimes imposed.  Others remembered the huge stigma attached to unwed pregnant girls, and friends who had dropped out of sight after becoming pregnant.  Everyone agreed that the inspiring cinematography enhanced the story being told.  It was a moving film - even for those seeing it for the second time.

                                            Anne Hutchinson, Ros Moorhead

There was a great turn-out for Philomena and I was sorry to have missed it. The following dates are when the SLR Friends of the Hyland will meet in coming months.

Febrary 9
March 9
April 13
May 4 (to avoid Mother's Day)

Thank you.
Hope to see you there!!
Joanne.

Captain Phillips

Though the attendance was minimal for the film Captain Phillips, the discussion was lively. When questioned about a rating for the film, the responses ranged from 2 to 5 (out of 5). The rationale offered for the lower rating was because there was no “suspension of disbelief” – no intense involvement in the action of the film. Interestingly, the reason offered for giving the high rating of 5, was because the viewers did experience an intense involvement in the action of the film. This disparity of opinion led to a further discussion concerning why the film appealed to some, but not others. 

Tom Hanks portrays the captain of a commercial ship taken over by pirates off the coast of Africa. It is based on a true story, and therefore provides interesting information about the plight of crews traveling in ships in dangerous waters. While pirates are a threat to the safety of commercial ships, the ships are only equipped with minimal defensive capability -- and no fire power. Jet-streams of water, used to sink the small pirate ships as the men try to board, is their only defense. 

When the American navy comes to the rescue of Tom Hanks (aka Captain Phillips), one wonders if it wouldn’t be better to provide a couple of armed guards for every ship, rather than spend millions of dollars to recover ships and crew held ransom by pirates. The American navy coming to the rescue, creates a situation akin to using a bomb to kill a mosquito. An amazing amount of firepower utilized by the US to fix a problem which should never have occurred in the first place. 

Since I have a friend who travels the open seas in commercial ships, I was drawn to this film to try to understand the life and the dangers he must face daily. However, I personally found the acting, directing, photography and screenplay lacking in this production. The film just wasn’t as good as it could have been, considering the main actor of the film (Tom Hanks). However, this is my opinion, not that of my companions. 

When all is said and done…. it is an interesting film which provides information about a problematic situation experience by crews on commercial ships worldwide. Ships and their crew are vulnerable to being boarded by pirates. Which begs the question… shouldn’t there be safeguards in place to protect the crew on commercial ships? Shouldn’t there be a plan in place to prevent this life threatening situation? Instead we are shown how the Navy is called in after the crisis has occurred; a situation akin to shutting the barn door after the horse has bolted!

Blue Jasmine

                                                                          

It was generally agreed, by the members of SLR Friends of the Hyland, that “Blue Jasmine” deserves a rating of 4 to 5 (out of 5) for acting, directing, photography, and music. Cate Blanchett does a wonderful job (some mentioned an academy winning performance) of portraying an emotionally unstable woman who is dealing with a crisis in her life. She is floundering, and she finds herself in a vulnerable position in life –one of her own making. 

We learn Jasmine was raised as a favorite child. The preferential treatment she received early in life engendering in her the notion she is entitled to the “good things in life”. She feels she should not have to work at anything “menial”, but rather, she sees herself in the role of the pampered, wealthy socialite. 

Jasmine’s personality and behavior is the catalyst for creating her present situation. When rejected by her husband, she destroys her husband by notifying the FBI about his shady financial dealings. As a result of her actions, she destroys the privileged life of her son as well. With his father disgraced and jailed, the son leaves Harvard and cuts off all ties with his mother. Jasmine next moves into her sister’s home and proceeds to dismantle her sisters’ life. Jasmine disapproves of her sister’s boyfriend, her home, and her lifestyle. As a result of Jasmine’s influence, Ginger risks losing the man she loves. Jasmine was responsible for destroying Ginger’s previous marriage. Now, her scorn and advice threaten to destroy her sisters’ present chance for happiness. 

Jasmine is the quintessential “toxic” personality. And in the end, she’s rejected by everyone -- her husband (who rejects her, then kills himself), her son, her sister, and her fiancé. Jasmine has no self awareness. She has one goal—to be on the arm of a wealthy, powerful and influential man – and she is willing to do anything to achieve the goal. And because of her approach to life we see her cycling down into psychosis. 

One senses Jasmine will never progress emotionally. She will never move forward to understand a better way of living. At the end of the film, she is alone on a bench, talking to herself. We learn this is how she was at the end of her marriage. And we sense it is only a matter of time before the “men in white coats” come to take her away. 

Some SLR members expressed disappointment about the ending of the film. Suggesting it would have been nice to see Jasmine move towards a healthier lifestyle—see her finish her education, get a stable, satisfying job, and so on. However, the film portrays a situation which may be more true to life than would a “happy ending”. Aren’t many of us like Jasmine? How often do we take a long hard look at our behavior and attitudes, and make changes necessary to bring about our own happiness?

Joanne