Gran Torino (2008)

Gran Torino is a film that depicts the relationship between Walt Kowalski, a Korean War veteran who has been recently widowed, and Thao Vang Lor, a young neighbor of Hmong origins. The anger and bitterness that Walt feels towards the world and his family dives him towards living a lonely life alienated from almost everyone else. Thao is a young man who seeks to join a gang led by his cousin with the latter encouraging him to steal Walt’s Ford Gran Torino as an initiation ritual into the gang. When Walt foils his attempt, he and Thao end up developing a wary friendship with the former acting as a mentor for the young man. This is a story that shows the life that ethnic minorities in the United States have to live because they have very few opportunities to ensure that they improve the circumstances in their lives. Gran Torino is a film that seeks to ensure that there is recognition of the cultural diversity that exists in the United States and the need for there to be cultural understanding in order for social cohesion to take place. The multicultural relationship between Walt and Thao can be considered to be an illustration of what can be achieved through cultural understanding while Walt’s family’s seeming disapproval of the Hmong’s community attending Walt’s funeral can be considered to be a sign of the cultural alienation that Hmong in the United States have experienced since their arrival. Gran Torinoallows for a unique view of the Hmong community in the United States as well as advocates for a need for the development of cultural cohesion in the nation.

One of the most important cultural relationships that are depicted in Grand Torino is that between Walt, Thao and Thao’s Hmong family. Walt, a recently widowed white American, ends up striking a friendship with Thao’s family and becomes a mentor for Thao and his sister Sue. Sue also helps Walt learn Hmong culture and this cultural understanding brings him even closer to the Vang Lor family as well as to the rest of the Hmong community in the neighborhood. Furthermore, it should be noted that Sue goes against cultural isolation through her choosing to date Trey; a young white man. Walt becomes so involved with the Vang Lor family to such an extent that they become closer to him than his own family: the latter who he considers to be emotionally detached from him with their only interest being on his estate. Walt’s involvement with the Hmong community also opens his eyes to the cultural diversity that is present in his neighborhood and this allows him to ensure that he not only feels like a part of this community, but also seeks to protect them from Spider’s gang.

The process of acculturation is one where communities, mainly migrant, adapt to the culture of their new countries in order to fit in with the rest of society. This is normally done in a diverse number of ways from matters concerning diet to such aspects as language and names. In Gran Torino, it should be noted that a significant number of individuals in the Hmong community have come to adopt diverse aspects of American culture. Among these, as seen in this film, is that of dating, where both Thao and his sister Sue date; a situation which is not common in Hmong culture. Another aspect of culture that is seen in this film is enculturation, which is a situation where individuals learn the requirements of a new culture and adapt to aspects of its language and rituals to ensure social acceptance. This is the case with Walt who, with Sue’s help, seeks to ensure that he learns aspects of Hmong culture in order to better interact with the community.

Cultural relativism is the judging of an alien culture through its own understanding of its practices rather than one’s own. This is opposed to ethnocentrism which is the judgment of a different culture based on one’s own cultural perspective. Subcultures are the practices conducted by a small group of individuals in a bid to ensure that they differentiate themselves from the larger cultural grouping. In Gran Torino, all these aspects of culture are dealt with, as seen through cultural relativism where Sue encourages Walt to develop and understanding of Hmong culture. This is in contrast with Walt’s previous opinion of his Hmong neighbors where he often judged them based on his own culture and cared nothing for them. A sub-cultural perspective is where Spider’s gang conducts its own rites of initiation into the group and acts to punish those it believes are turning away from its culture. This is especially the case with the gang’s attempt to punish Thao for failing in stealing the Ford Gran Torino that would have allowed him to join the gang.

In conclusion, the discussion above has sought to show that Gran Torino is a film that portrays the diverse aspects of culture in the United States. Most of the instances that take place within this film are based on culture and its aspects such as ethnocentrism, acculturation, enculturation, as well as subculture. All of the latter are shown in the film through the interactions that take place between Walt, the Vang Lor family, and Spider’s gang and this ensures that there is greater cultural understanding; especially in relation to Hmong American culture. The film shows that cultural isolation is detrimental to individual development, as seen in the hostile attitude that Walt has towards his neighbors before the beginning of his interaction with the Vang Lor family and Hmong culture. Therefore, one would suggest that Gran Torino is a film that seeks to show how greater cultural interaction between the mainstream and minority cultures in the United States would allow for greater social development. Not only would it bring out the best of these cultures, but it would also lead to a situation where there is an advancement of social cohesion which is a desirable trait in any nation.

The Hunger Games (2012)

The Hunger Games is a film directed by Gary Ross and is based on the novel of the same name by Suzanne Collins, and it should be on the top ten list for movies of the year for any reader of Critical Thinker magazine because it deals with many themes, such as hunger and poverty, which are pertinent in modern society. The success of The Hunger Games and the wave of interest it has generated has inspired the development of two sequels. Before its official release, this film generated a lot of interest among the prospective audience because of the difference in concept to the other films that had recently come from Hollywood. It can be said that the concept, upon which the film is based, is highly unique and extraordinarily few films have been created using the same concept. This film employs a vibrating abruptness that is hardly ever found in the work of Hollywood directors, and this can be said to bring the film closer to the realities of life. It has some cold bloodedness that is hard to find in many contemporary films, and this makes it one of a kind. When the film was released, it did not disappoint those who had expected it to have the qualities that were unique and fun, and at the same time made the film a serious picture to watch. It looks at the relationship between an authoritarian state and its citizens in a new perspective that many would consider impossible. This film is, therefore, worthy of the adoration that many of its fans have had, and continue to have, for it.

The motion picture gives the viewer a glance into the life of Katniss Everdeen, who lives in the post-apocalyptic state of Panem. In this state, because of a past rebellion, its twelve districts have to provide two tributes, a boy and a girl aged between 12 and 18 annually to fight to the death in an arena, with the sole survivor being declared the winner. Katniss takes the place of her younger sister in the games and because of her skill in archery is able to survive some of the worst attacks by her fellow competitors. In addition, she has a love interest in the form of Peeta, who before they get into the arena declares his love for her in an interview. The plot revolves around the relationships that Katniss develops throughout the film, from the one where she seems to love Peeta to her friendship with Rue, a girl from a different district who saves her life. Katniss looks upon Rue as a little sister and form a partnership with her, but this does not last for long as Rue is killed by a member of another district. It is from this point that we seen a change in the character of Katniss as she becomes more assertive and dares to challenge the authority of the government of Panem through various actions. It is through these actions that Katniss is able to force the hand of the government, to change the rules of the game so that individuals can work as teams. It is as a result of this that Katniss and Peeta emerge as winners, and the film ends with the president of Panem pondering on how best to deal with the emergence of defiance in the games.

There is a sense, around the main characters of the film, of being disconnected and alienated by the government and this helps to increase the excitement that one feels when watching it. This feeling keeps one wondering what is going to happen next, ensuring that one fully concentrates on the film, so the later scenes are not missed out. The characters are, unknowingly, brought together at the beginning of the film, each not having a hint of how interconnected their lives truly are. The participants in the games have to deal with not getting too close to the people around them for fear that they might find it harder to kill them when the time comes, since there must only be one winner. This situation keeps them alien in their new environment as they are not able to form the bonds of friendship, with the people around them, as would happen had they been in a normal situation. This film dares its audience to decide who the hero or the villain is because even those individuals who form partnerships, such as Peeta and Katniss, do not know exactly what the other is about. Despite the fact that they work together hand in hand to keep them alive, there seems to be no hint, especially from Katniss, that she does not have any feelings for Peeta until almost at the end of the film. From the beginning, these two characters are accepted as they are with no questions being asked, their behavior being taken for granted.

What makes this film special is not its plot, but the way the various actors starring in it portray the characters. Katniss is shown to be a woman who would have made a different choice in life had the responsibility of saving her younger sister by participating in the hunger games had not been thrust upon her. She is seen as a tortured woman whose life has been chosen for her, and there is no way for her to get out of this purgatory except as the winner. The lives of some of those involved in the games, such as Peeta, Rue, and Katniss are seen as a form of torture for them, and it is this shared torture that makes them come together to ensure their survival. Their motivation is to do the best they can in order to survive in situations which the fates have thrust upon them. Both Peeta and Katniss, through their acting up their love for each other do extremely well in the situations within which they are placed. Both of them go through the fights, killing all their rivals until they eventually become the joint winners of the hunger games. Therefore, neither of these characters can be described as being either good or evil, and instead, they can be said to be working for their own survival.

This is indeed a bold film which deals with the lives of individuals whose lives are going in a way which they did not expect. It focuses on Katniss’ desire to break away from the chains that are holding her and her society back, and this is despite the fact that if she manages to do so, then it might lead to her destruction. One can also say that the film is a tragedy because characters such as Rue end up dying and these results in a lot of grief for Katniss, with whom she had developed a close friendship. It can, therefore, be said that this film manages to capture the different aspects of human life. It shows the audience the futility of some of the actions that people take in their lives, teaching that one does not always get what they want. It is a film of revelation, as the characters get to assess their lives in different situations and come to find what it is they desire in their lives. The plot, as well as the skills displayed by the actors, has made the film one of the best to be made in recent years. The movie also has emotional twist, as seen where Katniss seems to be confused about her feelings for Peeta, and when the latter realizes that Katniss has been faking her affection for him throughout the games, he is terribly disappointed. Their seeming love affair is played out throughout the film and this receives high ratings from the audience, who are in full support of the couple.

Game of Thrones: The Beginning of the End

Winter is here. It's actually here!

After six years of mild weather, the snowstorm is on our beloved and hated characters. Facing the challenges from within and beyond the Wall, there is no doubt not everyone will survive.

We have been waiting for more than a year since last season. Again, this pesky winter setting was dictated when production could film these bubble scenes - there is only so much a snowmaker can simulate.

But now is the time for season 7 on us. No word yet when George RR Martin will publish his next book. Our bet is never, or the week after never.

Here is what you need to know about Game of Thrones Season Seven.

WHO

The DBs - David Benioff and DB Weiss - remain showrunner of the show, which they created after reading the secrets of George RR Martin, which he so stubbornly refuses to share with his fans by completing the next book. The DBs have known the end game for a while, and we expect a faster dynamic as there are only 13 episodes left over two seasons.

Frequent game of throne director Jeremy Podeswa will play the season opener and the final, while Alan Taylor (who has not led an episode since second season) will be back for the penultimate chapter.

New actors this season are Jim Broadbent and Tom Hopper, while the regular guests and recurring guests who have made it through the bloodbaths of the last two episodes of season six should be back.

Especially the core pieces - Peter Dinklage, Kit Harrington, Lena Headey, Emilia Clarke and Nikolaj Coster-Waldeau - whose salaries have pushed up to a reported $ 3 million per episode (thanks to the sweet, sweet syndicate shops).

OK, now we dare in the seasons one to six spoiler territory. And some discussions about what could be in store for season seven - the trailers were very generous to provide clues.So, if you'd rather be as blind as Maester Aemon, we suggest you return now.

WHERE WE ARE EVERYONE

Since it was so long since we saw the Westeros team last, let's take a stock where we've all left:

Starks: Arya walks away from the Riverlands after beating Walder Frey out of her list. Sansa is not in Winterfell Queen of the North, while Littlefinger whispers sweet things into her ear (what could he possibly?). Jon is King of the North, though he is only a strong through the Matriline line, after the series has confirmed the prevailing fan theory in this vision. Bran and Meera slowly enter the wall after the vivid adventures.

Lannisters: Lastly, we saw Cersei ascending the Iron Throne and looking at Jaime with horror as he recognizes his sister / mistress is now the wild queen. What is a King Slayer to do? Tyrion, who wore the insignia of the hand, stood next to Daenerys, when their fleet made way for Westeros.

Targaryens: After six years of meandering from one side of Essos to the other and then back again and back and back again - you get the point - Dany is finally sailing for Westeros, ready to conquer her ancestral land and take the power back from her crazy Papa abducted. Meanwhile Jon Snow is waiting ... is it too early to include Jon?

Greyjoys: Theon and Yara have joined Dany. The mother of the dragons liked to take the breakaway Greyjoy siblings "wood horses". Her murderous Uncle Euron, also known as Grizzly Pacey, tries to marry for an alliance and has vowed to chase his treacherous kinship.

Tyrells / Sandpipes: Well, almost the entire Tyrell line has been killed thanks to Cerseis fireworks, but Olenna is still there and she is plotting, this time with Ellaria Sand and Varys at a Confab in thorns with speech of revenge, fire and blood. Delicious.

Cleganes: The Hound has become under the brotherhood without banners in the riverlands and the mountain, or the reanimierte corpse of the mountain, Frankenstein-ing is around the Red Keep with Cersei.

Tarly: Sam and Gilly certainly made it to the Citadel, where he foams over the bound tones that form the walls. So many books.

WHAT WE CAN DO

Jon / Sansa: Both Sophie Turner and Kit Harrington in interviews have depended on a showdown or at least the tension between the half-siblings as the jostle for the power in Winterfell remains unstable. Sansa is the one who is really responsible for Jons triumph in the Battle of the Bastards, and she is the legitimate heir of the Winterfell throne, but Jon has proclaimed the King of the North. Expect this rivalry to play in the coming season, especially with Littlefinger seeds seeds of suspicion.

Cersei / Jaime: The injuries of the Inkestuous pair could come in this season with a Cersei-Morphing in the Mad Queen, which does not really coincide with the joyful character of Jaime. We also know what Jaime has done in the past with insane monarchs. Can he really be the one who stops Cersei? Could be. But not before he defends the Lannister House, as we've seen in the trailer with him and Bronn, who led the defense in the fight against Dany's Dothraki warriors.

Daenerys: She is on the charge, she and her dragons and the uninvited and the Dothraki and the Grayyys, Tyrells, the Sand Snakes and Tyrion and Varys. OK, she has almost all on her side. The trailers show Daenerys, who touch their hand on Westerosi ground, what Dragonstone looks like, the home of the Targaryens. There are also insights into another landing party at Dragonstone with suggestions that it might be Jon or Davos to make a deal for the real war - the one against the white hikers.

White Walkers: The supernatural threat is only escalating and the trailers have shown us a battle in which Jon and the brotherhood without a banner looks, are largely under the whitewalkers and their zombie minions. We're pretty sure it's the Brotherhood because you can clearly see Beric Dondarrion and his flaming sword. The human group is secured into a circle as they are surrounded, not unlike the movement of Ramsey's forces drawn on Jon at the Battle of the Bastards - how do they get out of this?

Gendry: No clear view of the Baratheon bastard, last seen, row, row, rowing away in this little boat at the end of the third season. He has a strong claim to the Iron Throne and the fans have expected him to recharge. But really, the story has been moving so far since the Baratheon era, and there is a matter of urgency in dealing with the White Walker threat, any Gendry return seems like an unnecessary complication right now. Especially if there are only 13 episodes to finish the series. Leave him out there.