Saturday, December 22, 2007
HATE 101
Today's film was
Against the backdrop of the Falklands' War and Thatcher's administration in Great Britain, a boy grows up alone at school and fatherless then meets some Skinheads.
At the time, they are a benign group of social outsiders, a timeless film theme. Rebels without a cause.
Here, the Skins get taken over by racist leaders and the game of being an outsider becomes one of finding other outsiders to hate. A way to become an insider again.
Newsreel footage of the war bracket the story which is really an anti-coming of age tale.
A false start and a new beginning.
The kid is great. So is the racist ex-con gang leader who takes over.
The film is relentless. It looks a lot like the news footage that shows us the war. Washed colors, handheld, I am pretty sure it is digital.
I can't say that I liked it as it was an uncomfortable ride. It is a 'tract-film' with a definite social message.
I already have the message but it does not hurt to have it reinforced.
It is not just about Great Britain. It is also about any country that diverts itself with war adventures in the midst of its own serious social problems.
The home front gets worse.
Sound familiar?
I will give it a 3 out of Netflix5.
