It's difficult to know where to begin or what to say about the film, Y Tu Mama Tambien. Definitely not a film I care to see again. Personally, I would think there are other Hispanic films out there that depict Hispanic culture that would be more appropriate for this cultural diversity class. Not that the situations depicted in this film don't exist, I just don't see any value in this film being part of this curriculum. Just my opinion.
Considering socio-cultural aspects, the Hispanic culture seems more aligned with the American culture in this film. The characters of Tenoch and Julio could have been American teens just as easily as Mexican. Tenoch, coming from a more affluent background, and Julio, less affluent, have a high school, teenage friendship. They are looking forward to a summer of drinking, drug use, and sexual conquests. Both appear to have little parental guidance and involvement in their lives. The strong family bond of Hispanic culture is not evident in this film with these families. The existence of their relationships with their girlfriends in the beginning and the relationship between the two boys throughout this film is the core of their being at this point in their lives. They live for the moment and for whatever pleasure they can create or partake in, thanks to their raging hormones. Their emotional immaturity is demonstrated throughout the film as they continuously look for a "good time" and fight over the attention of Luisa, saying hurtful things to one another that threatens the bond of their friendship.
Throughout the film, there is stark contrast between the "haves" and "have nots" in the Mexican culture. The elaborate wedding reception of Tenoch's sister, the country club membership, Tenoch's family's huge house and hired help contrasts with the working class surroundings of Julio and the impoverishment seen as the boys and Luisa travel to the beach. The family they encounter when the car breaks down and the family that they meet on the beach are all just trying to get by and provide for themselves, they seem pretty satisfied with their situations, making the best of what they have.
There are also some political overtones in this film. Tenoch's father is a government official and Julio's sister participates in demonstrations in the city. References are made through the narrator to political reform going on in the country. These situations and influences do not seem to impact Tenoch and Julio at this stage of their lives, doesn't seem to be on their radar screen at all.
As a coming-of-age film of these two teenage boys, it's sad to think of the frequency that this probably does happen, how rushed teens are to "grow up" and have all the rights and privileges of adulthood and the toll life takes in getting there.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Thursday, May 27, 2010
El Viaje de Carol
Carol's Journey was a very touching film. Although I feel like I was able to understand most of the plot without subtitles, I think I would have better understood more of the significant details of the film if I had known what they were saying, not just relying on reading their expressions and body language. A taste of how alienated someone feels when you can't understand what someone is saying to you.
Carol seemed to easily adapt to some of the conventionalisms found in this culture. As far as language, she adapted very easily as apparently she spoke fluent Spanish due to her mother's heritage. We see her resisting some conventionalisms in the areas of religion and family. Catholicism being the prevalent religion of Spain, we see Carol depicted taking religion classes and participating in her first communion. She insists on wearing an outfit the boys wear for first communion, indicating her rebellious spirit. Carol develops a strong bond with her grandfather, her cousin, and the three boys from town. When she first arrives in Spain, Carol appears angry about the whole situation. One wonders if Carol sensed that this homecoming for her mother was in anticipation of her death and this was her resistence or defiance of this approaching situation? Carol never could develop a close bond with her aunt and uncle who became her caretakers after her mother's death. Her resistence to them led her to seek out her grandfather and get him to return to his home with her.
Carol's American background impedes her adaptation to the Spanish culture mostly due to her independent spirit. She typically dresses more like a tomboy than as a girl. She dresses the way she feels most comfortable, with overalls, gym shoes and short hair. She climbs trees, rides bikes, physically fights for what she wants,and has more of a cold climate personality-more aloof, introverted. Her diary is her constant companion. She is a mature child for her age. Unafraid of speaking her mind or challenging adults reflects some of her American spirit, which also would impede her adaptation to the Spanish culture. She also wants things her way, wants to call the shots, wants to be in control of situations, and is willing to force the issue, as noted in the way she dressed, insisting her grandfather not tell her dad about her mother's death, her outfit for first communion,returning to live with her grandfather instead of her aunt and uncle, and ignoring her grandfather until he paints over the graffiti on the walls outside the house. Her independent spirit was definitely reflected in her personality.
I thought this was really a good film and hope to watch it with subtitles at some point.
Carol seemed to easily adapt to some of the conventionalisms found in this culture. As far as language, she adapted very easily as apparently she spoke fluent Spanish due to her mother's heritage. We see her resisting some conventionalisms in the areas of religion and family. Catholicism being the prevalent religion of Spain, we see Carol depicted taking religion classes and participating in her first communion. She insists on wearing an outfit the boys wear for first communion, indicating her rebellious spirit. Carol develops a strong bond with her grandfather, her cousin, and the three boys from town. When she first arrives in Spain, Carol appears angry about the whole situation. One wonders if Carol sensed that this homecoming for her mother was in anticipation of her death and this was her resistence or defiance of this approaching situation? Carol never could develop a close bond with her aunt and uncle who became her caretakers after her mother's death. Her resistence to them led her to seek out her grandfather and get him to return to his home with her.
Carol's American background impedes her adaptation to the Spanish culture mostly due to her independent spirit. She typically dresses more like a tomboy than as a girl. She dresses the way she feels most comfortable, with overalls, gym shoes and short hair. She climbs trees, rides bikes, physically fights for what she wants,and has more of a cold climate personality-more aloof, introverted. Her diary is her constant companion. She is a mature child for her age. Unafraid of speaking her mind or challenging adults reflects some of her American spirit, which also would impede her adaptation to the Spanish culture. She also wants things her way, wants to call the shots, wants to be in control of situations, and is willing to force the issue, as noted in the way she dressed, insisting her grandfather not tell her dad about her mother's death, her outfit for first communion,returning to live with her grandfather instead of her aunt and uncle, and ignoring her grandfather until he paints over the graffiti on the walls outside the house. Her independent spirit was definitely reflected in her personality.
I thought this was really a good film and hope to watch it with subtitles at some point.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Volver
Volver is a film that can be considered a tribute to women. All of the women in this film faced hardships and adversity in their lives, took the bull by the horns (some more forcefully than others) and did the best with what they had been dealt.
The main character, Raimunda, had apparently been sexually abused by her father, which resulted in Paula, her daughter as well as her sister. Her husband, Paco, was also a loser-unemployed, beer drinking, attempting to molest Paula, while Raimunda worked numerous jobs to support the family. Raimunda disposes of Paco's body after he is killed as he tries to molest Paula, protecting her daughter from the emotional trauma of being arrested. Sole was a more timid personality but also independent as she opened her own "on the side" hair salon in her apartment to support herself after her husband leaves her. Irene, the mom of Raimunda and Sole, is also strong in that even though she could not confront her husband in the fact that he was molesting their daughter, she sets the hut on fire where her husband and Agustina's mother are having an affair. She is acting out on her inability to confront her husband and also her feelings about his infidelity, although I can't really say I would condone setting the place on fire. Irene hides out in Aunt Paula's home after the fire, caring for her sister as her health is declining and living as a recluse in Aunt Paula's home until Aunt Paula dies. Agostino is also a strong woman as she too lives independently, cares for Aunt Paula as her health is failing, and sets out on a quest to find her own mother before she dies of cancer. All of these women are fighting for their survival.
Superstition appears to be a normal occurrance in the Spanish culture, especially surrounding death. In the opening scene, ladies of the village are literally washing the grave stones of family members to keep them neat and tidy. I have to believe that superstition comes into play in this ritual or maybe it is just a tradition. When Aunt Paula dies, it becomes apparent that several of the towns people have seen the "ghost" of Irene and Agustina admits that on several occasions she has heard Aunt Paula talking to the ghost of Irene. These sightings do not seem to have instilled fear but are more of a matter of fact part of life, as if it is not unusual for ghost to return, to be seen, or talked to. Agustina seems to readily accept the fact that someone knocked on her door and whispered that Aunt Paula had died, resigned to the fact that the ghost of Irene had let her know of the death. When Sole hears a knock on her car trunk after returning from the funeral, although she is fearful she opens the trunk door to find her mother. Sole assumes she is a ghost, never once thinking that her mother is really there in the flesh and not a ghost. She asks the ghost if she has returned because she has left something undone, which seems to be a common theme or reasoning as to why a ghost would return to earth and not be able to rest in peace. Irene indicates she has some things to resolve, which seems to make the whole situation easier for Sole to accept. Sole accepts the ghost into her everyday life, telling others she is a Russian immigrant that she took in out of charity. When the family returns to La Mancha and Irene reveals herself to Agustina, Agustina calmly accepts that Irene is a ghost and she is there to help look after her until her death comes.
Overall, I enjoyed much of this film. It shows the tenacity of women that have been wronged. I don't think much of what they did as far as disposing of Paco's body and burning the hut with the lovers inside would be accepted at face value in the US with DNA testing and all the other technologies used to identify remains, etc. It was interesting to see how the town of La Mancha held onto their old ways and traditions even though this movie occured in the recent past, as shown in the traditions at the cemetary, the funeral and wake, and the obligation of taking care of family and one another. I was glad to see at the end that Raimunda and Irene were able to repair the rift in their relationship.
The main character, Raimunda, had apparently been sexually abused by her father, which resulted in Paula, her daughter as well as her sister. Her husband, Paco, was also a loser-unemployed, beer drinking, attempting to molest Paula, while Raimunda worked numerous jobs to support the family. Raimunda disposes of Paco's body after he is killed as he tries to molest Paula, protecting her daughter from the emotional trauma of being arrested. Sole was a more timid personality but also independent as she opened her own "on the side" hair salon in her apartment to support herself after her husband leaves her. Irene, the mom of Raimunda and Sole, is also strong in that even though she could not confront her husband in the fact that he was molesting their daughter, she sets the hut on fire where her husband and Agustina's mother are having an affair. She is acting out on her inability to confront her husband and also her feelings about his infidelity, although I can't really say I would condone setting the place on fire. Irene hides out in Aunt Paula's home after the fire, caring for her sister as her health is declining and living as a recluse in Aunt Paula's home until Aunt Paula dies. Agostino is also a strong woman as she too lives independently, cares for Aunt Paula as her health is failing, and sets out on a quest to find her own mother before she dies of cancer. All of these women are fighting for their survival.
Superstition appears to be a normal occurrance in the Spanish culture, especially surrounding death. In the opening scene, ladies of the village are literally washing the grave stones of family members to keep them neat and tidy. I have to believe that superstition comes into play in this ritual or maybe it is just a tradition. When Aunt Paula dies, it becomes apparent that several of the towns people have seen the "ghost" of Irene and Agustina admits that on several occasions she has heard Aunt Paula talking to the ghost of Irene. These sightings do not seem to have instilled fear but are more of a matter of fact part of life, as if it is not unusual for ghost to return, to be seen, or talked to. Agustina seems to readily accept the fact that someone knocked on her door and whispered that Aunt Paula had died, resigned to the fact that the ghost of Irene had let her know of the death. When Sole hears a knock on her car trunk after returning from the funeral, although she is fearful she opens the trunk door to find her mother. Sole assumes she is a ghost, never once thinking that her mother is really there in the flesh and not a ghost. She asks the ghost if she has returned because she has left something undone, which seems to be a common theme or reasoning as to why a ghost would return to earth and not be able to rest in peace. Irene indicates she has some things to resolve, which seems to make the whole situation easier for Sole to accept. Sole accepts the ghost into her everyday life, telling others she is a Russian immigrant that she took in out of charity. When the family returns to La Mancha and Irene reveals herself to Agustina, Agustina calmly accepts that Irene is a ghost and she is there to help look after her until her death comes.
Overall, I enjoyed much of this film. It shows the tenacity of women that have been wronged. I don't think much of what they did as far as disposing of Paco's body and burning the hut with the lovers inside would be accepted at face value in the US with DNA testing and all the other technologies used to identify remains, etc. It was interesting to see how the town of La Mancha held onto their old ways and traditions even though this movie occured in the recent past, as shown in the traditions at the cemetary, the funeral and wake, and the obligation of taking care of family and one another. I was glad to see at the end that Raimunda and Irene were able to repair the rift in their relationship.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Guantanemera
The film, Guantanemera, is representative of Hispanic, and specifically Cuban culture. This film occurs across Cuba as the body of Yoyita is transported to Havana for burial. The strength of family, tradition of the funeral, religious influences, and the aspect of machismo are representative of the Hispanic culture. The types of music, elements of witchcraft, types of food and drink, and cigars are reflective of the Cuban culture.
Family dynamics are evident in several scenes in this film. Yoyita returning to visit with Gina, the devotion shown as Gina, Candido, and Adolfo (but for different reasons) accompany Yoyita's body to her final resting place express the strong family bonds of Hispanic culture that encompass even extended family.The traditions of Catholicism are evident in the many churches that are seen in the footage and the tradition of the funeral and burial. The machismo attitude of the men in this film exemplifies Hispanic culture. Adolfo's self-centeredness motivating him to create this relay system in funeral arrangements to elevate his status within the political system, his crass attitude toward Gina dictating the clothes she wore, the way she wore her hair, and his general lack of recognition of other's feelings (as seen when the laboring women needs transportation to a hospital) depict him as a "macho man". Mariano, with his women in every town and his action of running away from the one that claimed she was pregnant, also shows the machismo attitude.
Cuban cultural elements were reflected in the type of music in the film. Mambo and salsa rhythms were evident. Music in Cuban culture is an integration between Spanish and African cultures, creating a distinctive rhythm that is associated with the Caribbean area. Witchcraft is practiced by some in Cuba, depicted when Ramon blows cigar smoke on the tires and fans palm leaves at the truck for safe travel before they head out on their journey. The struggling Cuban economic system of the time is reflected in the dilapidated buildings, the closed shops, smuggling of foods like bananas and garlic due to rationing of food items, as well as the acceptance of only the dollar at some of the vendors throughout the country. The system of picking up people with no mode of travel I thought was interesting as apparently any open seat while traveling is fair game for the government to place someone in that seat. We see this when the truck takes on large groups of people and when Adolfo agrees to let Candido go on the funeral journey to occupy a seat, so they will not need to pick up another rider. Again, this shows Adolfo's self consumption. Coffee was a staple as the group traveled, as well as tea and rum. An interesting point I read was that the coffee that is served in Cuba is not usually that which is grown there, but is imported, as the coffee grown in Cuba is of such high quality, it is exported for profit. Cuban cigars are a historically notable commodity of the country.
Cultural elements were very evident in this film and added to the flavor of the story. Overall, I enjoyed this film and found it interesting the way culture was such an important aspect of how the film communicated this story.
Family dynamics are evident in several scenes in this film. Yoyita returning to visit with Gina, the devotion shown as Gina, Candido, and Adolfo (but for different reasons) accompany Yoyita's body to her final resting place express the strong family bonds of Hispanic culture that encompass even extended family.The traditions of Catholicism are evident in the many churches that are seen in the footage and the tradition of the funeral and burial. The machismo attitude of the men in this film exemplifies Hispanic culture. Adolfo's self-centeredness motivating him to create this relay system in funeral arrangements to elevate his status within the political system, his crass attitude toward Gina dictating the clothes she wore, the way she wore her hair, and his general lack of recognition of other's feelings (as seen when the laboring women needs transportation to a hospital) depict him as a "macho man". Mariano, with his women in every town and his action of running away from the one that claimed she was pregnant, also shows the machismo attitude.
Cuban cultural elements were reflected in the type of music in the film. Mambo and salsa rhythms were evident. Music in Cuban culture is an integration between Spanish and African cultures, creating a distinctive rhythm that is associated with the Caribbean area. Witchcraft is practiced by some in Cuba, depicted when Ramon blows cigar smoke on the tires and fans palm leaves at the truck for safe travel before they head out on their journey. The struggling Cuban economic system of the time is reflected in the dilapidated buildings, the closed shops, smuggling of foods like bananas and garlic due to rationing of food items, as well as the acceptance of only the dollar at some of the vendors throughout the country. The system of picking up people with no mode of travel I thought was interesting as apparently any open seat while traveling is fair game for the government to place someone in that seat. We see this when the truck takes on large groups of people and when Adolfo agrees to let Candido go on the funeral journey to occupy a seat, so they will not need to pick up another rider. Again, this shows Adolfo's self consumption. Coffee was a staple as the group traveled, as well as tea and rum. An interesting point I read was that the coffee that is served in Cuba is not usually that which is grown there, but is imported, as the coffee grown in Cuba is of such high quality, it is exported for profit. Cuban cigars are a historically notable commodity of the country.
Cultural elements were very evident in this film and added to the flavor of the story. Overall, I enjoyed this film and found it interesting the way culture was such an important aspect of how the film communicated this story.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
La Historia Oficial
La Historia Oficial, I believe, is one of the most moving films we have viewed so far in this class. I think many of us can identify with this film, being mothers and fathers,knowing that we might do the same things in our own lives if we were in a similar situation.
Will there be a light at the end of the tunnel for Gaby? The hope is that there will be, although life as she had known it may be very different. Best case scenario would be she would eventually learn the truth about her parents and be known by her true family, while maintaining the love and support of her adoptive family members.
Gaby is a 5 year old girl adopted by the affluent Alicia and Roberto as an infant. She is very much loved and pampered by her adoptive parents. As the story unfolds, Alicia, who initially is naive regarding the political situation occurring over the past several years, begins to wonder about the adoption process that surrounded their adoption of Gaby after a reunion conversation with her high school friend Ana. Ana alludes to the fact that many people "disappeared" during this political regime, and many of the women that were pregnant had their babies given over to high political and military officials. This conversation stirs wonder in Alicia as she has never been given any details of the adoption, it was all handled by Roberto. As Alicia begins her search for information regarding the adoption, she is met by many obstacles but eventually meets Sara, the possible grandmother of Gaby. Sara's daughter "disappeared" when pregnant and when Alicia sees a picture of Sara's daughter as a child, she realizes the strong resemblance between the daughter and Gaby. Alicia attempts to present Sara and the possibilities to Roberto, but is met with strong resistance involving Roberto physically assaulting Alicia, Roberto being desperately stressed regarding his work/political situation and now being confronted with the possibility of loosing his child. In a final scene when Alicia takes her purse and walks out the door, we do not know when or if the family will reunite.
The controversy between fact and emotion are meant to evoke the mood of hope and hopelessness in reaction to a war environment. Facts are clear cut, emotions are based on feelings created from past experiences.
The demonstrations by the Grandmothers of the Plaza de Mayo for the "disappeared" depict the fact of the disappearance vs. the emotional aspect of not being able to find a beloved family member,evoking a hope for answers with a realization that it may be an effort in futility.
Alicia's quest for information about Gaby's parents also demonstrates this. Fact is that she knows Gaby was adopted, emotion is she really doesn't want to find out that Gaby's mother was one of those that had "disappeared". Her hope is she will find definitive information disproving her fears, hopeless in the eventual realization she will never have definitive proof. Alicia's goal is for clear answers but in reality she finally understands she will never get those answers. Alicia's hope is the truth for Gaby, hopelessness in knowing the truth could destroy her family.
Alicia's confession to the priest is a mixture of hope and hopelessness, again based on the facts/emotion of the situation. Her desire for the truth (hope) is met by a brick wall of the priest (hopelessness).
This film is factual in that it was based on actual events that transpired related to the war environment in Argentina. We see how the people were effected emotionally related to events that occurred (Ana, Grandmothers) and how hope for information and closure was sustained through their efforts, but also hopelessness in many times never gaining closure.
I really struggled with answering this question and could be way off in my response. Hope to gain more insight from other's blogs.
Will there be a light at the end of the tunnel for Gaby? The hope is that there will be, although life as she had known it may be very different. Best case scenario would be she would eventually learn the truth about her parents and be known by her true family, while maintaining the love and support of her adoptive family members.
Gaby is a 5 year old girl adopted by the affluent Alicia and Roberto as an infant. She is very much loved and pampered by her adoptive parents. As the story unfolds, Alicia, who initially is naive regarding the political situation occurring over the past several years, begins to wonder about the adoption process that surrounded their adoption of Gaby after a reunion conversation with her high school friend Ana. Ana alludes to the fact that many people "disappeared" during this political regime, and many of the women that were pregnant had their babies given over to high political and military officials. This conversation stirs wonder in Alicia as she has never been given any details of the adoption, it was all handled by Roberto. As Alicia begins her search for information regarding the adoption, she is met by many obstacles but eventually meets Sara, the possible grandmother of Gaby. Sara's daughter "disappeared" when pregnant and when Alicia sees a picture of Sara's daughter as a child, she realizes the strong resemblance between the daughter and Gaby. Alicia attempts to present Sara and the possibilities to Roberto, but is met with strong resistance involving Roberto physically assaulting Alicia, Roberto being desperately stressed regarding his work/political situation and now being confronted with the possibility of loosing his child. In a final scene when Alicia takes her purse and walks out the door, we do not know when or if the family will reunite.
The controversy between fact and emotion are meant to evoke the mood of hope and hopelessness in reaction to a war environment. Facts are clear cut, emotions are based on feelings created from past experiences.
The demonstrations by the Grandmothers of the Plaza de Mayo for the "disappeared" depict the fact of the disappearance vs. the emotional aspect of not being able to find a beloved family member,evoking a hope for answers with a realization that it may be an effort in futility.
Alicia's quest for information about Gaby's parents also demonstrates this. Fact is that she knows Gaby was adopted, emotion is she really doesn't want to find out that Gaby's mother was one of those that had "disappeared". Her hope is she will find definitive information disproving her fears, hopeless in the eventual realization she will never have definitive proof. Alicia's goal is for clear answers but in reality she finally understands she will never get those answers. Alicia's hope is the truth for Gaby, hopelessness in knowing the truth could destroy her family.
Alicia's confession to the priest is a mixture of hope and hopelessness, again based on the facts/emotion of the situation. Her desire for the truth (hope) is met by a brick wall of the priest (hopelessness).
This film is factual in that it was based on actual events that transpired related to the war environment in Argentina. We see how the people were effected emotionally related to events that occurred (Ana, Grandmothers) and how hope for information and closure was sustained through their efforts, but also hopelessness in many times never gaining closure.
I really struggled with answering this question and could be way off in my response. Hope to gain more insight from other's blogs.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Like Water for Chocolate
From a description in Wikipedia, I was finally able to understand the significance of the title of this film. Sometimes in Latin America, hot chocolate is made with water rather than milk, and the chocolate melts only once the water boils. The phrase, "Like water for chocolate", refers to this. It is also used to refer to anger, being"boiling mad", may also be used as a metaphor for passion and sexual arousal, and can be frequently used to indicate"something is perfect for something else". I think we see many of these emotions-anger,passion and sexual arousal in the characters, and also in the relationship between Tita and Pedro, we see they are "perfect" for one another.
There were several scenes involving magic realism in the film. The appearance of Dona Elena as a ghost returning to continue her tirade of badgering of Tita on several instances exemplifies the real world combined with the non-existent. Tita was not frightened at the reappearances. These supernatural occurrances were more of an annoyance to her. When she finally denounces her mother, Tita is free of her captivity and Dona Elena fades away into a small light. The scene where Gertrudis sets the shower house on fire with her passion after eating the quail and rose sauce meal, then runs sensually through the desert, jumping on a horse with the soldier, and riding away into the desert, I also believe exemplifies the surreal mixed with reality. Toward the end of the film, when Tita self ignites after ingesting the matches and she and Pedro burn in the cabin is another example of magic realism. All of these instances were incorporated into the reality of the film so they seemed very natural even though they were not what we would consider natural.
The tradition of the youngest daughter never marrying to be able to take care of her mother until the mother dies was recurrent throughout this film. This is seen with Dona Elena and Tita, and then with Rosaura and her plan for Esperanza. You almost say to yourself "I can't believe this is happening again" when you hear the words repeated. I don't know if this was a common tradition of the time or culture or only practiced in their family, but you can see the strong influence of Dona Elena on the acceptance of this tradition by Rosaura. Dona Elena's matriarchal influence saturated the family and everyone on the ranch, she was not one to be crossed. When Gertrudis disgraced the family by being rumored to be working in a brothel, Dona Elena burned all of her pictures and birth certificate, essentially disowning her. Through these examples I think we see that like water for chocolate is expressed through many of the emotions that were exhibited in the characters of this film.
I did enjoy this movie even though I think it was pretty unusual. I would probably have more appreciation of it watching it a second time to be able to catch details that may have been missed the first time since it was quite different from other films I have seen.
There were several scenes involving magic realism in the film. The appearance of Dona Elena as a ghost returning to continue her tirade of badgering of Tita on several instances exemplifies the real world combined with the non-existent. Tita was not frightened at the reappearances. These supernatural occurrances were more of an annoyance to her. When she finally denounces her mother, Tita is free of her captivity and Dona Elena fades away into a small light. The scene where Gertrudis sets the shower house on fire with her passion after eating the quail and rose sauce meal, then runs sensually through the desert, jumping on a horse with the soldier, and riding away into the desert, I also believe exemplifies the surreal mixed with reality. Toward the end of the film, when Tita self ignites after ingesting the matches and she and Pedro burn in the cabin is another example of magic realism. All of these instances were incorporated into the reality of the film so they seemed very natural even though they were not what we would consider natural.
The tradition of the youngest daughter never marrying to be able to take care of her mother until the mother dies was recurrent throughout this film. This is seen with Dona Elena and Tita, and then with Rosaura and her plan for Esperanza. You almost say to yourself "I can't believe this is happening again" when you hear the words repeated. I don't know if this was a common tradition of the time or culture or only practiced in their family, but you can see the strong influence of Dona Elena on the acceptance of this tradition by Rosaura. Dona Elena's matriarchal influence saturated the family and everyone on the ranch, she was not one to be crossed. When Gertrudis disgraced the family by being rumored to be working in a brothel, Dona Elena burned all of her pictures and birth certificate, essentially disowning her. Through these examples I think we see that like water for chocolate is expressed through many of the emotions that were exhibited in the characters of this film.
I did enjoy this movie even though I think it was pretty unusual. I would probably have more appreciation of it watching it a second time to be able to catch details that may have been missed the first time since it was quite different from other films I have seen.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Diarios de Motocicleta
Although the film, Diarios de Motocicleta, basically started out as a fun filled, cross country trek for 2 friends, Ernesto and Alberto, I think there were many experiences that transformed Ernesto's personality and mindset influencing him to become the leader and revolutionary that he eventually became. Ernesto's philosophy about life changed over the course of the adventure.
The first influence was when Ernesto finds himself torn between his girlfriend, Ferraya, and his commitment to serving in the leper colony, which is an end destination in the trip. He must fore go his personal wants for the commitment to volunteer in the leper community. You see Ernesto as one committed to his promise or obligation.
In early scenes of this film, Ernesto comes across as a no nonsense, straight shooter, as with the man with the neck tumor. He is almost too blunt, not tempering his delivery of the diagnosis of a tumor, but with time and experience, he develops a more sensitive side to be able to converse and empathize with those that are ill.
His compassion is evident with the old woman in Chile as he knows there is nothing he can really do to save her but offers her comfort. He develops a charisma in his interactions with the elderly and infirmed.
You can see he develops a comfort level in interacting with people he meets along the journey.He becomes a more social being as he interacts with people he meets in the towns they travel through.
As the journey progresses, you see Ernesto begin to internalize the needs of the oppressed as he meets up with the communist couple whose land has been overtaken by a big property owner. He is overwhelmed by the number of men at the mine looking for work that have lost their land due to similar over takings. He meets farmers whose property is usurped once the land is productive, and farmers uniting to care for one anothers families out of a common need. All of these situations awaken a need in Ernesto to advocate for those being victimized and oppressed.
Ernesto views the Inca ruins at Machu Pichu, realizing the Spanish force utilized to wipe out this civilization, writing in his diary "Bloodless revolution-never". This indicates he knows any revolutionary change to unite all classes will involve bloodshed.
At the leper colony, Ernesto refused to wear gloves, believing there was little risk in transmission of the disease by contact, leprosy being a disease where victims are ostracized and secluded. The river separates the sick and the healthy but also symbolizes the divide between the powerful "haves" and the weaker "have nots". I think the pivotal point of the film is when he swims across the river to get to the leper colony, symbolizing that he is one with the oppressed and setting the course for his future.
Ernesto indicates "so much injustice" that he has viewed and experienced through his trip. His speech at the birthday party indicates his philosophy of no division of the people that will be his mantra for the future. All of these experiences molded his personality and influenced the leader he became.
From our class reading, though, it seems that Guevara developed such extremist values as he became more of a revolutionary. I think his goals initially were well founded but it seems he became quite a violent extremist as he became more of a revolutionary, lending truth to his proclamation of "Bloodless revolution-never".
The first influence was when Ernesto finds himself torn between his girlfriend, Ferraya, and his commitment to serving in the leper colony, which is an end destination in the trip. He must fore go his personal wants for the commitment to volunteer in the leper community. You see Ernesto as one committed to his promise or obligation.
In early scenes of this film, Ernesto comes across as a no nonsense, straight shooter, as with the man with the neck tumor. He is almost too blunt, not tempering his delivery of the diagnosis of a tumor, but with time and experience, he develops a more sensitive side to be able to converse and empathize with those that are ill.
His compassion is evident with the old woman in Chile as he knows there is nothing he can really do to save her but offers her comfort. He develops a charisma in his interactions with the elderly and infirmed.
You can see he develops a comfort level in interacting with people he meets along the journey.He becomes a more social being as he interacts with people he meets in the towns they travel through.
As the journey progresses, you see Ernesto begin to internalize the needs of the oppressed as he meets up with the communist couple whose land has been overtaken by a big property owner. He is overwhelmed by the number of men at the mine looking for work that have lost their land due to similar over takings. He meets farmers whose property is usurped once the land is productive, and farmers uniting to care for one anothers families out of a common need. All of these situations awaken a need in Ernesto to advocate for those being victimized and oppressed.
Ernesto views the Inca ruins at Machu Pichu, realizing the Spanish force utilized to wipe out this civilization, writing in his diary "Bloodless revolution-never". This indicates he knows any revolutionary change to unite all classes will involve bloodshed.
At the leper colony, Ernesto refused to wear gloves, believing there was little risk in transmission of the disease by contact, leprosy being a disease where victims are ostracized and secluded. The river separates the sick and the healthy but also symbolizes the divide between the powerful "haves" and the weaker "have nots". I think the pivotal point of the film is when he swims across the river to get to the leper colony, symbolizing that he is one with the oppressed and setting the course for his future.
Ernesto indicates "so much injustice" that he has viewed and experienced through his trip. His speech at the birthday party indicates his philosophy of no division of the people that will be his mantra for the future. All of these experiences molded his personality and influenced the leader he became.
From our class reading, though, it seems that Guevara developed such extremist values as he became more of a revolutionary. I think his goals initially were well founded but it seems he became quite a violent extremist as he became more of a revolutionary, lending truth to his proclamation of "Bloodless revolution-never".
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown
The Spanish comedy, Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, was a cute film, but possibly due to cultural differences, not one that I considered very funny. It fits into the screwball slapstick category of film in the sense that the characters exhibited alot of physically violent acts in relationship to the comedy. The coincidences occurring in the plot of the film built upon one another to create the comedic effect.
The women in this film all seemed quite dramatic and emotional in their interactions with men within the same culture. They did not seem to mind that their emotions were openly visible to others. There also seemed to be alot of jealousy going on between the couples in this film. This could be seen between Pepa and Ivan, Lucia and Ivan, Paulina and Ivan, even Marissa and Carlos. I'm sure the infidelity factor came into play to create so much of this. Pepa, as the betrayed lover, was very emotional and persistent in her quest to have a face to face confrontation with Ivan to let him know she was pregnant. When she does confront him at the end, she has been able to pull her emotions together and walk away from the relationship. Lucia's "big" hair and excessive eyelashes added to her aura of extreme emotions and mental instability, noted in her relationship with her son and her pursuit of Ivan. Spanish women's "hot climate culture" places emphasis on relationships and the expression of their culture is demonstrated by emotions involved in these relationships. Feelings in this film were expressed dramatically and were over reacted for effect, but I think many women would react similarly to being cheated on. (Maybe not catch the bed on fire!)
Todays American women I think have many similarities to the Spanish women in the film in that many are strong and independent and will take matters into their own hands, but are also very much influenced by their emotions. I don't think today's American women are taken in so much by the machismo exhibited in this film. I imagine though in any society there will always be the macho man that will appeal to some women, until they are left behind. If this film had occurred in the United States, I think it would have been in a large urban city, Pepa would have had a cat in her apartment but no animals on the patio, but I think much of the film could have been the same.
One difference I have noted between Spanish and American women is that Spanish women seem to be very "touch" oriented, there is more hugging and kissing in their expression. They don't observe spatial boundaries as much as many Americans do, they get into your "personal space." I have noticed this in some of the films we have watched and been a little uncomfortable with it, I suppose because it is not the norm for me.
Women from Spanish America are different from those in Spanish Europe, just as in America there are differences in women from one region to another. There are variations in values, interests, lifestyles,and habits. These differences are what make the world such an interesting place.
The women in this film all seemed quite dramatic and emotional in their interactions with men within the same culture. They did not seem to mind that their emotions were openly visible to others. There also seemed to be alot of jealousy going on between the couples in this film. This could be seen between Pepa and Ivan, Lucia and Ivan, Paulina and Ivan, even Marissa and Carlos. I'm sure the infidelity factor came into play to create so much of this. Pepa, as the betrayed lover, was very emotional and persistent in her quest to have a face to face confrontation with Ivan to let him know she was pregnant. When she does confront him at the end, she has been able to pull her emotions together and walk away from the relationship. Lucia's "big" hair and excessive eyelashes added to her aura of extreme emotions and mental instability, noted in her relationship with her son and her pursuit of Ivan. Spanish women's "hot climate culture" places emphasis on relationships and the expression of their culture is demonstrated by emotions involved in these relationships. Feelings in this film were expressed dramatically and were over reacted for effect, but I think many women would react similarly to being cheated on. (Maybe not catch the bed on fire!)
Todays American women I think have many similarities to the Spanish women in the film in that many are strong and independent and will take matters into their own hands, but are also very much influenced by their emotions. I don't think today's American women are taken in so much by the machismo exhibited in this film. I imagine though in any society there will always be the macho man that will appeal to some women, until they are left behind. If this film had occurred in the United States, I think it would have been in a large urban city, Pepa would have had a cat in her apartment but no animals on the patio, but I think much of the film could have been the same.
One difference I have noted between Spanish and American women is that Spanish women seem to be very "touch" oriented, there is more hugging and kissing in their expression. They don't observe spatial boundaries as much as many Americans do, they get into your "personal space." I have noticed this in some of the films we have watched and been a little uncomfortable with it, I suppose because it is not the norm for me.
Women from Spanish America are different from those in Spanish Europe, just as in America there are differences in women from one region to another. There are variations in values, interests, lifestyles,and habits. These differences are what make the world such an interesting place.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Machuca
The film, Machuca, focuses much of it's plot on the friendship that develops between 2 boys from 2 different socio-economic classes in Chile during the time of political upheaval surrounding Salvador Allende's socialist government oust from power by General Augusto Pinochet in 1973.
The interaction between Gonzalo and Pedro, I think, is typical of children. Even though Gonzalo is from affluence and Pedro is from the slums, they are brought together by chance when Father McEnroe integrates upper and lower class children into the private English school. They become friends, partly due to the fact that they are both bullied by some of the other boys and feel somewhat ostracized. Pedro tolerates less of the bullying than Gonzalo, and I think this sort of cements the bond between them. Their friendship grows as they sell flags with Pedro's uncle to political protesters on each side of the political fence. Both boys have eye opening experiences when they visit each other's homes and see the surroundings in which the other lives, but I didn't get the sense of either being ashamed or boastful of their status. They were accepting of each other for who they were and didn't base their friendship on societal or material status.
I think the end of the film, when Gonzalo did use his status to get out of the situation when the military was rounding up the occupants of the shantytown, was disappointing, but not untypical of the reaction and panic of a child his age in a situation like that. As Pedro watches Gonzalo ride away on his bike, there is a realization that their friendship is over. Gonzalo cries as he rides away, possibly partly due to disappointment in himself and the knowledge that he will never see Pedro again. The final scene at the school when Gonzalo does not give in to the bully I think shows he has matured through his experience with Pedro.
The differences between the 2 social classes in this film were very dramatic. Differences were noticeable in the type of dress, hairstyles, modes of transportation, recreation, living situations, as well as values between the affluent and the poor. A materialistic value was more evident in the upper class versus lower, as the lower class just struggled to survive. There was also a division politically between the 2 classes. The more affluent supported the overthrow of the current government due to it's philosophy of sharing the wealth. The lower class supported a social reform stance. Each side though appeared vehement in their demonstrations for their political views.
I think the main message from this film is one of the strength of a friendship, even though it may not last forever. The friendship that developed between Gonzalo and Pedro was a bond that could have lasted a lifetime had it not been for the political upheaval going on at the time. I see their friendship transcending the differences in their lives and statuses. Maybe this lesson could serve others well to adopt a more childlike acceptance of others that are different from ourselves. I also think this film highlights the perspective that people have politically that stem from their personal interests and concerns and how it colors their actions. Not that this is necessarily wrong, it just shows motivation behind people's behaviors.
The interaction between Gonzalo and Pedro, I think, is typical of children. Even though Gonzalo is from affluence and Pedro is from the slums, they are brought together by chance when Father McEnroe integrates upper and lower class children into the private English school. They become friends, partly due to the fact that they are both bullied by some of the other boys and feel somewhat ostracized. Pedro tolerates less of the bullying than Gonzalo, and I think this sort of cements the bond between them. Their friendship grows as they sell flags with Pedro's uncle to political protesters on each side of the political fence. Both boys have eye opening experiences when they visit each other's homes and see the surroundings in which the other lives, but I didn't get the sense of either being ashamed or boastful of their status. They were accepting of each other for who they were and didn't base their friendship on societal or material status.
I think the end of the film, when Gonzalo did use his status to get out of the situation when the military was rounding up the occupants of the shantytown, was disappointing, but not untypical of the reaction and panic of a child his age in a situation like that. As Pedro watches Gonzalo ride away on his bike, there is a realization that their friendship is over. Gonzalo cries as he rides away, possibly partly due to disappointment in himself and the knowledge that he will never see Pedro again. The final scene at the school when Gonzalo does not give in to the bully I think shows he has matured through his experience with Pedro.
The differences between the 2 social classes in this film were very dramatic. Differences were noticeable in the type of dress, hairstyles, modes of transportation, recreation, living situations, as well as values between the affluent and the poor. A materialistic value was more evident in the upper class versus lower, as the lower class just struggled to survive. There was also a division politically between the 2 classes. The more affluent supported the overthrow of the current government due to it's philosophy of sharing the wealth. The lower class supported a social reform stance. Each side though appeared vehement in their demonstrations for their political views.
I think the main message from this film is one of the strength of a friendship, even though it may not last forever. The friendship that developed between Gonzalo and Pedro was a bond that could have lasted a lifetime had it not been for the political upheaval going on at the time. I see their friendship transcending the differences in their lives and statuses. Maybe this lesson could serve others well to adopt a more childlike acceptance of others that are different from ourselves. I also think this film highlights the perspective that people have politically that stem from their personal interests and concerns and how it colors their actions. Not that this is necessarily wrong, it just shows motivation behind people's behaviors.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
La Misma Luna
The film, La Luna Misma, depicted the parallels between the lives of the main characters Carlito in Mexico and his mother, Rosario, in the United States. Rosario crosses into the US illegally to try to earn a better living so that she is able to send monetary support home to her son and mother. She also saves to hire a lawyer to become a legal immigrant, hoping someday to be able to bring her son to live with her in the US. Carlito's grandmother has cared for him since his mother's crossing and vows to keep him with her, even when his aunt and uncle attempt to claim him, aware of the money Rosario sends each month to support the boy. The crossing to America was dangerous as depicted by those being captured at the border and I'm sure she felt that her chances of a successful crossing were better alone and she would not want to risk her son's capture since he was 4 years old at the time.
I am sure this was a difficult decision for her. She probably felt this was her only option to create a better life for herself and her son. I think there is the perception that the US is the land of opportunity, but as depicted in the film, Rosario found herself having to work 3 jobs and live a very frugal lifestyle in order to support herself and save money to send to Carlito over the 5 years she was in the US. Rosario also struggled with self doubt regarding her decision as she debated returning to Mexico at times to be able to be with Carlito.
Carlito faced the difficulty of missing his mother on a daily basis. Even though she spoke with him by phone every Sunday, he missed her motherly touch and comfort. He also struggled with discouragement because she had been away so long, as evidenced by the few brief instances where he questions her love for him. Carlito's grandmother was really his only familial support
and you could tell she loved him dearly. When she dies, he has no ties to keep him in Mexico and sets out on his quest to find his mom.
Rosario faced the difficulties of surviving as an illegal immigrant in the US. This hindered her ability to find more profitable work, always living under the radar screen of immigration officials.
She was subject to the whims of those she worked for, as seen when she is fired from her cleaning job and not paid for the days she worked that week. Her driving force is the goal of supporting her son and getting him to the US. She is heartbroken with the separation, crying when she speaks with Carlito on the phone. I think this probably prevents her from getting involved in a relationship with men because she is so focused on her goal.
I think mothers in general would make the same choice, but the situation is different for the majority of Americans. There are some American mother's that leave their children with family or caregivers to work in different countries or cities, but not for the same reasons as depicted in this film. Their drive may be more so for professional advancement, not usually for their children's opportunity. There are probably many moms that work multiple jobs to support their family but don't have to go to the extremes of going to another country to do it. Although I guess you could say Rosario could have made a go of life in Mexico, she wanted more opportunity for Carlito and his future. She was willing to risk her life and happiness for her child.
I am sure this was a difficult decision for her. She probably felt this was her only option to create a better life for herself and her son. I think there is the perception that the US is the land of opportunity, but as depicted in the film, Rosario found herself having to work 3 jobs and live a very frugal lifestyle in order to support herself and save money to send to Carlito over the 5 years she was in the US. Rosario also struggled with self doubt regarding her decision as she debated returning to Mexico at times to be able to be with Carlito.
Carlito faced the difficulty of missing his mother on a daily basis. Even though she spoke with him by phone every Sunday, he missed her motherly touch and comfort. He also struggled with discouragement because she had been away so long, as evidenced by the few brief instances where he questions her love for him. Carlito's grandmother was really his only familial support
and you could tell she loved him dearly. When she dies, he has no ties to keep him in Mexico and sets out on his quest to find his mom.
Rosario faced the difficulties of surviving as an illegal immigrant in the US. This hindered her ability to find more profitable work, always living under the radar screen of immigration officials.
She was subject to the whims of those she worked for, as seen when she is fired from her cleaning job and not paid for the days she worked that week. Her driving force is the goal of supporting her son and getting him to the US. She is heartbroken with the separation, crying when she speaks with Carlito on the phone. I think this probably prevents her from getting involved in a relationship with men because she is so focused on her goal.
I think mothers in general would make the same choice, but the situation is different for the majority of Americans. There are some American mother's that leave their children with family or caregivers to work in different countries or cities, but not for the same reasons as depicted in this film. Their drive may be more so for professional advancement, not usually for their children's opportunity. There are probably many moms that work multiple jobs to support their family but don't have to go to the extremes of going to another country to do it. Although I guess you could say Rosario could have made a go of life in Mexico, she wanted more opportunity for Carlito and his future. She was willing to risk her life and happiness for her child.
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