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The Year of Living Dangerously (1982)
The movie is not reflecting the political context and dangers
First, I got excited when I found out that there is a movie about President Soekarno , General Suharto and the Communist Party in 1965-6. I wanted to know what was the movie's approach at this juncture. Does it dive deeply in the causes of coup d'etat against PKI by the army led by General Suharto ( the Dictator and next President after Soekarno)? Was it the real cause for the communist massacre? In fact , I was not able to find my answers in this movie and it let me down. I read in some books that there was an allegation against the Communists that they killed several high ranking Generals of army and also Mr Sukarno was circled by them. I was also looking for a hot debate between the Press journalists and correspondents to get their points of view on what was really happening on the ground. Moreover, I could not find or follow any interesting interview in this movie which is the least expectation from a reporter/correspondent played by Mel Gibson.
As a matter of fact , the movie did not add to my knowledge about this political juncture of the Indonesian history except that part which was showing some political and economic slogans against Western interference in the country but what was the western meddling after the Independence of Indonesia in 1945 and exit of the Dutch in 1949? Why the Communists took to the streets? And why suddenly , were cleansed and massacred by the Army? I understand there was a fear about the Domino Theory of Communism in the thoughts and minds of the West in the region , heightened by the Vietnam Communists in 1960s but the movie was very superficial about the political facts.
On the other hand, unlike the title of the movie and some movies like ( Killing fields or Hotel Rwanda), I did not feel any danger , fear or excitement in this film except 5 to 10 seconds of killing a few communist by the fire squad.
To me, the only attractive part of the movie was the role of Billy Kwan played by Linda Hunt which brought her an Oscar for supporting role.
The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit (1956)
Honesty and the most significant fact about me
This was the second time that I watched this impressive movie. In fact , there are some ethical points that keep me pre-occupied such as honesty and what is the most significant about me . There was an important question that was asked for hiring Tom Rith (Gregory Peck) that kept me thinking. In fact, anyone should ask himself/herself this question not just for work or to be hired but in the lifetime.
The second point is honesty that was the cornerstone of this movie. Honesty to your employer , to your wife or friend ..etc even if it has unsatisfactory reaction. It is better being said directly by you than the third party or another person.
Gregory Peck is one of the best actors for playing ethical and war roles and along with Jeniffer Jones they made a nice couple. They once again played with each other after 10 years ( Duel in the sun) .
Although this is a long movie but I did not feel the passage of time and is worth watching.
The Sea Beast (2022)
History is written by the mightiest
I liked the message of the story at the end of animation where the young girl said to the people in front of king and queen that: what was written in our books about the monsters was fake and by the mightiest( kings ..) for their benefits. I want to generalize this argument for some of the old history or even religious books that are based on superstition. Those without having diverse sources. Exagerating and sanctifying the ordinary people without addressing the bitter facts. So, whatever is written in the books should not be accepted blindfoldedly.
We must think and contemplate on what we are reading.
Bedazzled (2000)
Nobody is perfect
This movie is a modern version of Dr. Faustus written by Christopher Marlow or Faust by Goethe. The Prof who sold his soul to the devil but here the devil is played by gorgeous and ravishing Elizabeth Hurley. She also demands for soul. Soul of a good and noble man ( Brendan Fraser).
The movie is sending this message that nobody is perfect . What seems to be ideal maynot be desired. We shouldn't judge people from their appearances. When you want to sign a contract , read it well. It is sarcastically referring to those people who do not read the details of a contract. But the devil is in the details. If you want to be someone else, change your mind and open up your heart and mind.
All This, and Heaven Too (1940)
Patience & Tolerance
One of the classic masterpieces produced in 1940s, accompanied by stunning performance of Bette Davis and Charles Boyer.
The story is told by a french teacher about a scandal occured in Paris at the time of Louis Philippe king of France before revolution 1848.
The movie revolves around affection and hatred. What was happened in the story of the movie partly turned to reality in the life of Bette Davis. Her third husband left her to marry their daughter's governess.
In brief, suffering may lead to comfort if practiced by patience and tolerance. So , the heaven can be on earth by patience and innocence.