Lions for Lambs, was a different kind of war drama, showing several perspectives by various individuals of the conflict in Afghanistan. Instead of the in-your-face action and special affects most war dramas are recognized for, this movie focused more on the ethical quandaries, political beliefs and emotions experienced by the individuals involved. The instructor for this course had a few good reasons to find this movie worthy of a review essay. Of course, the length had to be right for scheduling an all-class viewing of the feature and this movie fit into that time-frame, but there were probably a couple of other determining factors. One thing that sticks out is the positive and significant instructor- student relationships in Lions for Lambs that gave so much heart to the story. Robert Redford’s character Professor Stephen Malley, connects with his students and makes not only a difference, but a huge impact on his students’ lives. He feels obliged to go …show more content…
beyond merely teaching his class from the text. He aspires to open his pupils’ eyes to the world around them, in due course aiding them in considering their actions and steering them toward meaningful futures. For an instructor this would certainly be a self-affirming movie. Another reason may be that the whole movie had a bit of an academic tone. It was not a love story or silly drama with no substance. It was the kind of movie that makes viewers reflect on the movie itself, as well as the state of the world and the governing forces running it. Lions for Lambs can be viewed from numerous perspectives by different people and it is the kind of movie that can be discussed on many 2 levels. It will be interesting to hear and converse about the varying views of all the students involved in this assignment, promoting a stimulating discussion. The most important element of any motion picture, drama or otherwise, is a story worth telling to the masses. This movie definitely conveyed thought -provoking accounts of war, media, politics and the human need to make a difference. It began with an interesting scenario to capture the attention of the audience and proceeded to include two more captivating subplots. With three distinct narratives weaving in and out of each other, this story could have been jumbled, but it entwined the separate tales through each other and ultimately brought them together brilliantly. With a heart wrenching climax, followed by an affirmative cliffhanger for the young scholar, in the end this tale leaves the audience with a feeling of realism and a compulsion for both inner, as well as, outer reflection. The negative side of this realistic story is that it has a familiarity that is little too tangible, leaving an acrimonious aftershock and dejected impression, like actual war or terrorism does. It is by no means a feel good drama. Every note-worthy cinematic experience has to invoke caring from the audience and the only way to do that is with outstanding characters.
Lions for Lambs certainly fills this order, with a truly stellar all-star cast, comprised of Hollywood favorites for both younger and older audiences. Academy award winners, Robert Redford. (Who also directed this film), and Meryl Streep gave flawless performances as the wise professor and honor bound reporter. Tom Cruise delivered a very convincing enactment of a portentous politician and even the lesser known members of the cast gave spot on performances. From Andrew Garfield’s disillusioned college student, to Michael Peña and Derek Luke’s portrayals of the brave and honor bound young soldiers. The acting and characterizations were spot on. Toting this believable and endearing group, portrayed to perfection, this motion picture could not have done a better job of conveying realistic and captivating characters. It is a shame that with so many
wonderful 3 rolls depicted in this film, the audience does not get enough of each individual one. The movie leaves you wanting more, wishing you could have followed these fictitious people just a little longer. Of course, with this being a war drama, the audience expects combat. Lions for Lambs delivers on the feelings of war and the political maneuvering it involves. The movie even lets the audience experience the emotional state of not only the soldiers in Afghanistan, but the people back home. It also expresses diverse views and angles of war on many levels and it effectively embodies the interpretations each character has of the war as it unfolds. Something this war movie seems to be lacking though, is much actual war. It does have a few vital and poignant scenes, but the movie spends much more time elaborating on what war means than showing the audience what it looks like. This could be seen as a refreshing angle, but it doesn’t quite compare to some other outstanding war dramas such as Platoon or Saving Private Ryan, that show gratuitous action and carnage to convey their stories. Lions for Lambs quietly beckons a much more understated tone with a lot of narrative and very little action. For war movie fans, it may play a bit like a sociology lecture. Laura Deshaies chose a movie the class could love, hate, or find boring. Regardless of the viewers taste in movies, the story and characters should be convincing for everyone. It may not be a cinematic adventure but this film undoubtedly has something poignant to say, that may just get people thinking about and discussing some important subjects, rather than blindly following the ideals set forth by the powers that be.
The film brilliantly portrays the war with no enemy’s, just people and relationships. It is the story of friends, Paul Baumer (Lew Ayres) and his friends joining the war through propaganda, and leaving through death.
There are many more examples throughout this movie that can be connected or assessed to the many different concepts that was learned. There are many real-life events and these concepts are important because they allow people to see how different types of people and families deal with stress and problems and it is important not to judge or jump to conclusions and maybe take a step back and take time to consider what others may be going
I think all of these topics relate to the movie in many different ways. Most of my research backed my claims and opinions I had in this time period. One thing I did not know was that movies could be recorded that clear in 1968. I think this movie brings a bunch of problems to light. One example is Harry, he is cowardly and is despised by even his own wife. He bullies other people like Tom or Helen into agreeing with him. Once he is challenged by Ben, chaos ensues. They both cannot get along and I think that applies to society today. This movie also makes the lead role an African American Male. This was an unordinary thing to do in 1968 because racism was still a big problem. Today we are also dealing with racial inequality throughout the world. These were just two examples, I’m sure there are many more relatable things from “Night of the Living Dead” and 2017. In conclusion, I think this essay broadened my ideas while solidifying them with this time
do not seem suitable to be human beings. He understands the things he does are
I truly enjoyed the movie, because of how honest it is about how people struggle, but never give up. It is a story of family and perseverance that is heart wrenching. I would completely endorse this movie and push it to be in the curriculum in the future. My hope is that students continue to over fill your class as you aloud me to do this semester. The movie explains so much of Deaf Culture that the standard population could really use to know. Which is probably why I whish the movie was more common in movie rental places, Hulu and other video cites. It is a fantastic movie with a fantastic message.
... class. This book was actually one of most interesting books I’ve read while I’ve been in college, and this course kept me interested the whole semester. The things it has taught me about the meaning of reading and evaluating other people and their personalities and who they really are. It actually came to mind a couple times, maybe I want to be a psychologist and help people with their problems. It just really amazes me how Perry’s dad can literally be the cause of four innocent lives gone. Throughout reading the book and watching both films, I began better at reading people and observing their personalities not only with the characters in the book but also outside the classroom and in the real world. The fact that everyone has a story and reasons they are the way they are. Perry had a story that no one knew about, and it has just taught me that everyone has one
Many of the readings we had this semester has given me a better outlook on the society I know today. Mainly, the most obvious characteristics of people, race. Race: The power of an Illusion, allowed me to understand the construction of a complex distinction of people. These distinctions and classifications created a divide in humanity, and re-enforced a system that not only favored the white race, but embedded a virus of hatred for colored people to succumb for future generations. The man made term and meaning of race is a important tool that the white elite used to oppress non-whites. It 's in this film, which provides us with there ridiculous claims of black bodies inferiority and theorized inevitability of extinction. False scientific theories
Silence of the Lambs, is commonly said to be one of the most famous thrillers made. After watching the film for the first time, I noticed the director had many interesting themes and concepts. Some of these themes included, good vs. evil, the search for peace, judging a book by its cover, and gender and sexuality in the workplace. The theme I found most interesting, and what I found the director made most apparent, was gender and sexuality in the workplace. The director showed that gender and sexuality in the workplace was the most noticeable theme because of the constant contrasts set between Clarice and her male co- workers, her continuous denial about her femininity, and the amount of danger Clarice runs into because as a women, she is always having to do things on her own.
Lamb to the Slaughter, by Roald Dahl, instantly grabs a reader’s attention with its grotesque title, ensuing someone’s downfall or failure. The saying “lamb to the slaughter,” usually refers to an innocent person who is ignorantly led to his or her failure. This particular short story describes a betrayal in which how a woman brutally kills her husband after he tells her that he wants a divorce. She then persuades the policemen who rush to the scene to consume the evidence. This action and Patrick’s actions show the theme of betrayal throughout the story which Roald Dahl portrays through the use of point of view, symbolism and black humor.
I think that students could understand the dangers of not following prison protocol, like the guards in the film who allow Derek to be raped, the ease in which drugs are passed through prisons and jails, the importance of acceptance; even in prison settings, this films how extreme people will go to feel protected, like Derek’s joining of the Aryan brotherhood. How parole really works is a key aspect covered by the film. Also students could benefit from seeing would re-entry may actually be like for former inmates and all of the struggles they may
In the movie “Silence of the Lambs”, the secondary antagonist, Dr. Hannibal Lecter, was interrogated by FBI trainee Clarice Starling on the whereabouts of the main antagonist nicknamed Buffalo Bill. Starling asked Lecter for his help on solving the case because he is a brilliant psychiatrist and psychopath, currently incarcerated at the Baltimore State Hospital for the Criminally Insane. Buffalo Bill was kidnapping young women and skinning them in order to make a “woman suit” for him to wear, being a deranged transvestite. Starling asked for Lecter’s expertise because of his medical background and experience with his own personal disorder. Lecter was presently imprisoned because he is a ruthless cannibalistic serial killer. Before the audience actually meets Lecter, they are told he is dangerous, manipulative and an outright monster, calling him a “most prized asset”. Upon meeting him, Lecter appears to be subdued within his cell, a combined mixture of oddness and genuine care in his body language and facial features. When Starling introduces herself, Lecter listens intently, seemingly approachable and friendly for advice. Although the tone of his voice gives off a rather disturbing persona, he can easily be categorized as a disciplined, cultural and polite individual at first glance. In the 16 minutes total that Lecter appears in the movie, his presence automatically commandeers the flow of the conversation and mood of the environment that he is placed in.
Lions have relatively short-legged, long, muscular bodies and large heads. The male grows on average to 1.7 to 2.5 m (5.6 to 8.2 ft) long, not including the tail, which is 90 to 105 cm (36 to 41 in) in length. It stands 1.23 m (4 ft) high at the shoulder, and it weighs 150 to 250 kg (330 to 550 lb). The mane, which covers the head and neck, sometimes extends to the shoulders and belly. The mane will vary in color and length; well-fed, healthy lions have longer, fuller manes. Females are smaller but equally muscular. Lions vary in color from golden to brown. The mane of a male lion will vary from black to yellow. Both sexes have retractable claws to keep them sharp when they are needed. Lions have wide powerful jaws. The lions roar, which can be heard by humans up to 9 (5.6 miles) kilometers away, is usually uttered before the animals hunt in the evening, after a successful hunt, and again in the early morning.
...movie that I fell in love with. But most of all I love how the story line is a great overlap into the cinematically engaging movie. There is a great use of camera, timing, shots and story line that are portrayed in this movie without being too overwhelming. This allows the audience to relax during the movie and just take in the scenes as a story from reality. To this day, and even still doing this paper I still come to find different aspects of the movie that I missed the previous times I have watched it.
I believe this movie does a good job incorporating what we have discussed in class in terms of adolescent development. Although the movie is greatly exaggerated and blown up, the movie does emphasize on key factors to the development of an adolescent. Aside from the self-identity and friendship, the film incorporates parental relationships, academics, teacher-student relationships, risky behaviors, and moral development during adolescent
Non judgmental and Compassion was a message in this movie. If more people would have compassion for others we would live in a better world. It is important to be non judgmental because people never know what happens in a person's life to cause them to act out in a certain way. Mrs. Erin Gruwell’s students were separated along racial lines and had few aspirations beyond street survival. Many people warned her that her students were all criminals who couldn’t be taught. With all odds stacked against her, she accepted the teaching position at Wilson High School. Erin Gruwell saw more in the students than a future as criminals and gang members; she saw them as people who have lost their ways in life. Instead of turning her back as society had done, she held out a helping hand. She had compassion and was non judgmental toward the children’s actions and hatred for one another. Being judgmental...