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.
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I agree with you that all people should adopt a more child-like acceptance of others that are different from themselves; such as culture, physical differences, and financial hierarchy. I believe that the political interests and concerns in this film were motivated by the financial hierarchy. But there were acceptions such as Gonzalo (untill the end..as you mentioned, any kid who was scared would pull rank for safety). Also I think Gonzalo's father was for the people eventhough he was financially comfortable, but he left in the end (I believe) sybolizing: there was no room for nuetralization.
ReplyDeleteThis was a great post. It is amazing of what a strong movie this was and how this happens all over the world and happens every day. There are times that I wish adults could learn from children and put aside there differences regardless of there socio-economic backround. Unfortunately I do not believe that will ever happen. I would like to believe that it can happen and not all people are that hard headed. If only we can get alot of the world to watch a movie like this and be able to see what we have been able to watch. To start feeling and start thinking about other people that are different but not see them as such. I know that communism and being in the land of the free makes a big difference, it is just sad that it is always the children who have it the worst.
ReplyDeleteWhat a nice presentation of your response to the movie. You expressed yourself in great detail. I too found similar observations in the boys friendship beginning with the bullying incident. Their different temperaments did help to bind their companionship. The lifestyles indeed were marked extremes. I did not pick up on the differnt political interests between the two classes. Thanks for helping shed some light on this matter; I became a little confused during that segment of the political protests. Realizing this I do see parallels, though not so violently, in present day US politics. The shared wealth of the socialist party versus a desire for social reform but having no answers to get there.I enjoyed your thoughts of seeing the world through the eyes of children. Aceepting
ReplyDeletethe differences in others is what cultural diversity is all about. I wish you continued success in this class.