Remember, remember, the 5th of November.
The Gunpowder Treason and Plot.
I know of no reason, why the Gunpowder Treason.
Should ever be forgot.
Every year, on the 5th of Neover, I and anyone who wants to, watch V for Vendetta. I'm not British, and I'm not sure I have a real appreciation for Guy Fawkes Day. But V for Vendetta is one of my all time favorite movies. Top ten. This show has everything. Great acting, writing, costumes, music and of course, storytelling. I sometimes will show an edited version in my government classes. It doesn't matter how many times I see it, I can still go home and watch it again.
Democracy is fragile. It is up to us to maintain it. We must vote. We must be involved, because if we allow politicians to run our country, then we're not really a democracy anymore. This movie reminds me of the most important political point...
"People shouldn't be afraid of their governments. Governments should be afraid of their people."
I've always been a huge Clint Eastwood fan. The Man With No Name made a huge impression on me as a kid - A Fistful of Dollars showed me that there were different definitions of a hero. I was embarrassed and delighted when I found out that it was a remake ( a direct copy) of Yojimbo, staring Toshiro Mifune, and directed by Akira Kurosawa one of the greatest directors of all time. This movie is certainly dated but it is fascinating to watch the similarities and differences between it and A Fistful of Dollars - and between Mifune, who puts in an amazing performance that would stand up today, and Eastwood, both masters of subtlety and menace It is a great movie and well worth your time.
Seven years ago I discovered the movie Baraka. It was like nothing I'd ever seen. It was stunning images strung together with strange and compelling music. Since discovering it I've shown it to countless high school classes who make their protestations known regarding the movies lack of dialogue or talking of any kind. But soon they are drawn into its hypnotic vision. Samsara is more of the same - more beautiful, more compelling, more hypnotizing. It is better constructed and sends messages of love and hate, violence and peace, consumption and want, and the endless beauty and ugliness of humanity. It is a beautiful and provocative movie that everyone should see. I will own it, show it and promote it.
