14 Caribbean countries sue Britain, France & The Netherlands for Slave Trade reparations
So today I read an article from Aljazeera America regarding 14 Caribbean nations bringing a lawsuit against France, The Netherlands and Britain for their roles in the Transatlantic Slave Trade.
It was announced last Friday 27th Sept at the United Nations General Assembly that... “The awful legacy of these crimes against humanity – a legacy which exists today in our Caribbean – ought to be repaired for the developmental benefit of our Caribbean societies and all our peoples... The European nations must partner in a focused, especial way with us to execute this repairing.” said Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Ralph Gonsalves.
These CARICOM nations have a huge battle on their hands taking on these European nations. However, will their endeavours prove futile?
I'm asking a very valid question here playing devil's advocate and as a Caribbean daughter currently living in the UK who explored the legacy of colonialism in my Literature and Sociology degree and final year thesis - 'The Presence and Absence of African Women in Literature'.
I've seen and experienced much of the colonial legacy both in the UK and in the Caribbean... racism, colourism - a good description HERE, economic deprivation, "mental slavery" (think Bob Marley lyrics/ Marcus Garvey - Black Star Liner movement and escaping this) and other socio-economic/ political disadvantages.
The Post-colonial theory and theorists highlight much of the colonial and imperialism legacy discourses which have affected us and our Diaspora, and analysing how we can progress. Some of the issues discussed through these colonial discourses would be for example: loss of cultural identity e.g. loss of mother languages, religion, heritage etc; economic standing; social structure etc...
Michel Foucault, a key French philosopher and discourse thinker believed that the relationship between power and knowledge are used as a form of social control through societal institutions. Enter "Colonialism"/ "Imperialism"!
Martinique-born writer and philosopher Frantz Fanon, a staunch anti-colonialist who was influenced by Marxism and other notable thinkers like Jean-Paul Sartre and Aimé Césaire, explores racism and dehumanisation as part of colonialism in his book 'Black Skin, White Masks'. He uses psychoanalytic theory to analyse and explain the notions of dependency as well as inadequacies people of colour endure in a "white" society, due to the colonial effects.
If you get a chance, please read the award-winning Nigerian writer Chinua Achebe's play, 'Things Fall Apart', which delves into repairing some of the effects of colonialism on how Africans were depicted.
So with the Post Colonial theories explained... let me take you back a bit to the most successful slave revolt in history - the Haitian Revolution...
I obviously learnt about the Haitian Revolution and Toussaint L'Ouverture as a schoolchild in the Caribbean, though not in the UK. I wonder why?!... think what Fanon and Sartre said...
However, something I learnt a couple years ago after watching a documentary by well-known African-American cultural writer and educator, Henry Louis Gates Jr.; was that Haiti had to pay reparation money to France in 1825 for their freedom as loss of wealth from slavery. You should have heard the cuss words that came out of my mouth on hearing the sum of 150 million Francs, even my ancestors would have flew out the graves to slap me on my language!
View the Henry Louis Gates documentary HERE
No bloody wonder Haiti is one of the most deprived nations on the planet! All in the original name of freedom from slavery and this is what their legacy is in return. It sickens me to my core, to say the least! Do you know what this figure is in today's money? Try this for a number... £19,241,354.67 GBP. And that was meant to be repaid over 5 years. And the funny thing is that Haiti had to take a loan from their colonial masters of 30 million Francs to even make the very 1st payment! *more expletives under my breath*...
So now back to my original question at the start of my blog... Do the CARICOM nations have a huge battle on their hands taking on these European nations? Will their endeavours prove futile in gaining reparation? My reply is.... Hmmmmm...
Why?! Well, when certain countries sit on the globalised seats of power and wealth, the rest of the world doesn't stand much of a chance. Also, many of these Caribbean nations (if not all) are completely reliant on hand-outs/ bail-outs, exports/ imports from their former colonial masters; and funds from the World Bank (guess who sits at that board table?!) who continuously describe us as "developing" countries. Say no more...
It's quite ironic though that the 14 Caribbean nations have employed the services of British law firm Leigh Day, who had a successful win of $21.5 million on behalf of hundreds of Kenyans who were tortured by the British colonial government as they fought for their country's liberation during the Mau Mau rebellion in the 1950's and 1960's.
Martyn Day, a lawyer at the firm, states in The Associated Press in back in July... "I think they would undoubtedly want to try and see if this can be resolved amicably... But I think the reason they have hired us is that they want to show that they mean business."
Well I for one will observe how this plays out, and what sum of reparations they are seeking and how it will be spent if they win. However, I think it should all start with a global apology from those European nations for their roles in the Slave Trade. This has never happened.
However, an even greater and more effective form is for the African Diaspora to forgive, heal and progress its mental and spiritual self on the road to REAL emancipation and a legacy of development, lead by ourselves.
Written by: Steph Hernandez - Exist Media Editor
Twitter: @ExistMedia
I was just thinking that I’ve only travelled abroad with wifey four times and this August we will be celebrating 16 years of being happily married (well happy for me!)
Why so few times away? Well it’s all about the pocket or should I say the lack of spondoolies (aka legal tender) to put in it. However, as the song states “What a difference a day makes”, and the day in question was the 16th October 2012 when my beautiful brother @MrHague777 (twitter handle) told me that my other beautiful brother @DavidjGolding (twitter handle) was going to practically help ZeN to be what it needs to be which is to help info-tain, edu-tain; and just help in a very real and practical way the peeps that need it.
With the above in mind I have had the privilege of travelling to places with the two named gentlemen over the last few months and to say I’m grateful doesn’t truly convey my heart’s true feelings. However I will move on before I run out of tissues…
While wifey and I were chilling last month, I suggested that she picked somewhere for us to go while our youngest was on a camping trip with the Girl Guides. So she picked 3 nights for two in Brussels including flights all for the economy price of £350 (€402/ $533) which when converted into the main currencies still sounds like a bargain!
So we set out for the airport where a friend of our son has a parking token, so the parking is free too.
We arrive at the airport 2 hours before our flight and see a huge queue, however, we are fast tracked through customs, wait an hour then board our flight via BMI Regional to Brussels which takes 1hr 10mins, this is quicker than my weekly trip to London.
Halfway through the journey one of the flight attendants called Marcia did the customary thing of offering on board refreshments which I politely refused until Marcia informed me that everything was complimentary! Well in that case I thought give me two of everything!
On landing we took the short journey to our hotel which is a four star boutique called New Hotel Charlemagne which I would imagine is named after Charlemagne (2 April 742 – 28 January 814), also known as Charles the Great (German: Karl der Große; Latin: Carolusor Karolus Magnus) or Charles I, who was the King of France from 768, the King of Italy from 774, the first Holy Roman Emperor, and the first emperor in Western Europe since the collapse of the Western Roman Empire three centuries earlier.
So now you know as much as me.
Once we had dropped off our cases we decided to explore the city and caught a tube from The European quarter and an area called Shuman then travelled to Centrale.
I had decided that this trip would not involve me spending any money on clothes because I already have too many so I took €200 with the intentions for it to be spent on food and travel. We saw a beautiful unisex shop called Summer’s End and promptly blew virtually the entire budget on a handmade long sleeved top, a collarless shirt and a great polo shirt with an interesting logo!
William the proprietor was magnificent pointing me in the right direction plus informing me of the names of the designers and their stories. (Summer Ends Rollebeek Straat 43 1000 Brussels). Will then pointed me in the direction across the road to a wonderful biscuit shop called Maison Dandoy and we were served by a wonderful lady. The biscuits were wonderful with a lovely cup of tea and came highly recommended by the locals.
After such a wonderful experience we went to Chocolate Heaven (no that’s not its name just a description of what I saw). The shop is called Pierre Marcolini and we were served by the wonderful Alix who was ably assisted by Lu. The location, if you’re planning on going to Brussels and you should, is Rue Des Minimes (Place Du Sablon). If you’re into chocolate and think the best out there is Thornton’s, then do sample these.
We went to a comic themed eatery called Comic Café and again the service was out of this world. Do go to the site and bombard them with compliments please; give Amina a mention too. Amina is a person who happens to be the best waitress in the world and was (yes I’m repeating myself). The very best I have ever come across in my life. Period. This wonderful person always had a fantastic smile whether you were looking or not.
I asked her about a certain cherry flavoured beer that I hear Brussels is famous for. She said... “Leave it with me.” Having finished my meal I asked for the bill which I received plus a bottle of the cherry flavoured beer that the most wonderful Amina paid for!!!!
That action blew my mind…
Finally on the way home we passed an estate agent that I had used a few years ago when I wanted to look at an apartment in Amsterdam. So on entering we were shown a few apartments that the estate agent named Linda had kindly arranged for me to see on Thursday morning.
What a great day and I have two more to go…
The only problem is that my charger for my iPad isn’t working and I only have…
The Very Next Day…
I’m so sorry about that breakdown in communications. I Just went out and bought a charger for my iPad which is a 2 pin European version which means if I use it in the UK I will need to get an adapter (and so it goes on).
Anyhow, today, the second full day of our trip in Brussels, we set out on an excursion to the King’s Palace, which, let me tell you is quite an impressive building… From the outside. We asked at the hotel reception when its opening times were and they said today from 10am - 6pm. However, he was mistaken; he meant tomorrow but tomorrow was the day we had arranged to see three houses and two apartments in the centre of the city, so the King will just have to wait.
So that’s tomorrow sorted, today we went to a great eatery called Café Leffe Place Du Grand Sablo=n 46 -100 Brussels. The great waiter who worked there was called Denis (was given the nick name of Denis the menace as a child.)
Wifey had spaghetti bolognese (well my wife hasn’t heard the saying when in Rome eh). I had veal, salad and Belgium fries which are exactly the same as the French ones. However, because the country is predominately divided into three main races which are Flemish, French and Dutch and so not to give the French anymore props in their country - they named the fries after themselves (ok, this may not be totally PC but that’s the way I understood the situation). The meal tasted good especially washed down with two bottles of cherry beer.
Food eaten and cherry beer drunk, we went along to a book-store called Taschen which I also believe is the name of the publishers where I saw a book that cost as much as £20k for the limited edition version. There’s also another cheaper limited edition version which costs £1700 on Amazon (who I’ve deleted from my account with... long story, see my previous tweets @gmanZeN #Amazon). However, the book was there, right in front of me for €99 ($131/£86).
The book is called 'Muhammad Ali – The Greatest of All Time' (aka G.O.A.T). For those who have no idea about this book then let me enlighten you. The book charts the boxing career of the greatest boxer of all time, hence the title. The main and only problem with this book is the sheer size. How big is it? Well originally the weight was truly gigantic in size at 50lb.
However, it now comes in a slimmed downed version weighing in at 15lb, which in comparison with the others makes this virtually anorexic in size! So how do you get this tomb over the border as hand luggage? You don’t. You go on Alibris website (and not Amazon) and you buy it now for less than £43 including P&P. An expensive book, however, it’s cheap to real fans of da brudda who also likes books.
While travelling around the city you are made aware of the country’s glorious past and the various monuments to their royalty including Godefroid de Bouillon statue which stands in the centre of the Place Royale, in front of the church of St Jacques sur Coudenberg. It shows the leader of the first crusade and is on the spot where he urged the Flemish (the original natives of Belgium) to join his mission to capture Jerusalem.
The statue is dated 1848. I would imagine that this statue would have inspired King Leopold II the modern architect of Belgium and even to this day the European Union who appear to be modelling their plan on One World Dominance.
Now most would not know about King Leopold II so let me point you in the direction of a man who will...Thought Slavery ended in 1800s? Think again and read this wonderful article full of uncomfortable truths. The Butcher of Congo: King Leopold II of Belgium. via @digitaljournaheir)
Belgium is also the home of Hergé the inventor/ writer of 'Tintin' and also 'The Smurfs'. (Does everyone despise the Smurfs, or is it just me? I mean, what are they?)
Tomorrow (aka the day after today)
As I stated earlier, today was the day we had a look at three houses and two apartments. If you haven’t been to Brussels then let me explain a few things. The people are fantastic, friendly and like waffles (I have no idea why) and the architecture is the most amazing thing I have ever seen!
The first place we went to looked like nothing from the outside, however, once you went inside, you entered into a place that was stylish, big and very, very desirable.
Here are some pictures however I don’t believe they truly do justice to Rick’s (the name of the owner) place.
The cost of this haven in Brussels was a mere €1.950m
Magnificent House on Rue aux Laines
Rue aux Laines 12 • Bruxelles Centre
The description for the property above. This house, built in 1609, offers a perfect blend of original features and contemporary renovations. You will enjoy the volumes, the calm, and the brightness of this house. Its character, its inner courtyard, high ceilings and mouldings will seduce you… It has magnificent receptions (oak floors, fireplace, copper stove, and large windows), a large kitchen and a beautiful meeting room. The first floor consists of a master bedroom, second bedroom and an en-suite bathroom. The second floor has two bedrooms, an office and en-suite bathroom. The attic offers a nice extra space. The courtyard and the terrace overlooking the courtyard will let you enjoy the pleasant outdoor spaces. This house is complemented by an elevator, cellar, alarm system and a garage for 2 cars. A unique house to be discovered.
After leaving this amazing home situated over 4 floors we went with the estate agent Linda, onto the next property which again was nondescript from the outside, however, it totally blew my mind once I entered the building. Set on 4 floors the entry was via a door taken from a bank and once were inside you appeared to lose the power of cohesive speech with all intellectual words replaced with one word such as... Wow!!!
The owners are very private and didn’t want me to display their property in the blog, however, I’ve kept their names and address out but I have to show you one picture so you can see it. However, you won’t get the feel of it unless you’re there, in the flesh (the same could be said for the previous one too).
Once I was able to leave this property (very reluctantly I hasten to add), we were then escorted by Linda to another property which was vacant and in need of total renovation.
To imagine the potential of this place think of the American town house that the main character Meryl Streep had in the film 'The Devil wears Prada'.
Yes, it needed a lot of work, from total redecorating to refitting, however, this is a city that has a lot of European Union money poured into it. I reckon that this property will more than double in value within 2 years (watch and see).
The other apartments were very nice, but a bit too modern for me. However, the others I’ve previously mentioned were out of this world and to be honest, if I could… (But I’m still thinking of the possibilities.)
Another thing that was noticeable, was the amount of skyscrapers being built including The Europa which can best be described as a giant structure being built in the shape of a Fabergé egg or The Tower Of Babel me thinks - (EU president unveils new £280m ‘gilded cage’ via @Telegraph).
For more info on the modern version of The Tower of Babel, then read this link attached which is very enlightening to say the least people. P.s, my original and far more informative link was taken down unexpectedly so I hope this link will help to enlighten you.
Last day was spent at a place that has stolen my heart…
While making our way to Brussels Airport we decide to stop off at Al’s Place or should I say... Palace, However, we were informed that the King had abdicated only a few weeks previously in order for his son to become the new King (I bet Charlie had informed his mum of this arrangement in the hope that this would persuade Mama to do the same but the truth of the matter is “Liz loves the ornate chair and having her picture on £ notes and stamps!)
If you do get a chance to visit Belgium then do visit the Palace to see the rooms that they want the public to see.
After this interesting excursion we decided to visit a café for a bite to eat since breakfast had consisted of tea and biscuits. So rather than go to a place we knew and had visited previously we went to a lovely place that had free Wi-Fi and lovely food such as cheesecake, freshly-made sandwiches and organic drinks.
The Natural Cafe fitted the bill and the South African Manager Nate who wasn’t just good... he was absolutely the epitome of first class. Nate just didn’t take your order, he also advised and encouraged. Great guy and he even stated that we didn’t just have to eat and leave to catch our flight, we could read a free UK paper (The Times, cost in Brussels €4), but you could also take advantage of the free Wi-Fi which was an offer that I, “the seasoned traveller" gladly accepted!
While waiting patiently to board our flight back to the UK we decided to take back some Kriek cherry beer in bottles and tins, Leffe beer and Lemans Frutesse (beer I believe). Don’t forget I have already purchased a polo top, a long sleeved T-Shirt and a grand-dad collared blue shirt at not just reasonable but bargain prices, the best chocolates in the world and biscuits that fall into the same category.”
On the whole I had a great time and so did wifey; and I will definitely be returning to the land of Smurfs, Tintin, waffles and cherry beer.
If you are thinking of moving here then do be aware that property prices in the more desirable places will increase and possibly double within 2-3 years.
The world government has plans for this place on a grand scale. Mark my words.
Written by our Exist Media Film Reviewer: The G-Man. You can follow the G-Man on twitter: @gmanzen or check out www.zen411.co.uk
I had no idea what 'In The Fog' was about by the time I had taken my seat at Derby QUAD last Friday. However, two hours later, I was impressed enough to immediately tweet my joy at what I'd seen. Are you curious to know more? Ok then, I suggest you clear your mind of preconceived thoughts and allow yourself to walk "in the fog"...
Written by Exist Media Film Reviewer: The G-Man (A Life Through the Lens according to G…) You can follow the G-Man on twitter: @gmanzen or check out www.zen411.co.uk
I hadn't seen any films at the cinema for a few weeks. However, I went to Rome and came back on the Sunday and immediately arranged to go to Derby QUAD (courtesy of my beautiful friend there called Kathy Frain - twitter: @KathyQUAD) who sorted me to see two films back to back.
They both were good, however, 'The Great Gatsby' was on another level.
Wanna hear more? Come closer into my world of curiosity...
I'm gonna try and tell you about the film without spoiling your viewing pleasure.
Nick Carraway (Tobey Maguire), a Yale University graduate and World War I veteran is a depressed and disillusioned alcoholic staying in an establishment which would be the 1920s version of our modern day Priory or Betty Ford Clinic for treatment of his alcoholism.
I know what you're thinking, "What brought him to this sad state?" Well if you exercised patience then I would get to the point... geez!
During his counselling sessions he talks about a man named "Gatsby", describing him as the most hopeful man he had ever met. I guess he hadn't met me, however, I digress...
When he struggles to articulate his thoughts on what he has been through, his doctor suggests writing it down, since writing is what brings him a level of peace. Funnily enough, this is the same advice I give those who I'm either counselling or those who have a significant dream.
So this is what Nick writes below...
In the summer of 1922, Nick moves from the U.S. Mid-West to New York, where he takes a job as a bond salesman. He rents a small house on Long Island in the (fictional) village of West Egg, next door to the lavish art deco mansion of Jay Gatsby (Leonardo DiCaprio), a mysterious business magnate who holds extravagant parties.
Nick drives across the bay to East Egg for dinner at the home of his cousin, Daisy Buchanan (Carey Mulligan), and her husband, Tom (Joel Edgerton), a college acquaintance of Nick's. They introduce Nick to Jordan Baker (Elizabeth Debicki), an attractive, cynical young golfer with whom Daisy wishes to match up with Nick.
Now this is where I will stop the breakdown of the film and move onto observations.
There's a scene in film where during a party scene (and there are plenty) you see tinsel falling down on the people and a bit lands on Daisy and Gatsby's shoulders, which in itself isn't a big deal, however, it's the shape of the glittering piece which is interesting.
The shape is that of a butterfly and I saw this as Hollywood exerting its influence on the audience, via the film.
Butterflies are normally an indicator that the subject matter is under a type of mind control (think Britney Spears, Madonna and poster for the film 'Silence Of The Lambs').
For more info please read this link: SECRET MIND-CONTROL SYMBOLS IN MUSIC VIDEOS AND MOVIES
It is an amazing film that is essentially an unrequited love story that has a musical soundtrack featuring the music of Brian Ferry & Roxy Music, Jay-Z and Mrs. Carter (aka Beyoncê) all remixed in a 1920s stylee.
This film is vivid, insightful and oh so tragic.
Ignore the critics and follow your heart to watch this beautiful film that is a wonder to behold.
I was so inspired that I went out and bought a "Jay Gatsby" style pair of white trousers to go with my white jacket that I wore to Dubai recently, plus I also went and bought the collected works of "F Scott Fitzgerald" which the 1451-paged edition features nine of his works, all for under £10!
'The Great Gatsby' was written in 1925 and sold 20,000 copies in its first year. Fitzgerald, who died in 1940, considered himself a failure. However, if he was alive now, he would have realised he was a genius and way ahead of his time.
Written by Exist Media Film Reviewer: The G-Man (A Life Through the Lens according to G…) You can follow the G-Man on twitter: @gmanzen or check out www.zen411.co.uk
I had the privilege to be invited to my 2nd iD Fest which is hosted by Derby QUAD, who are based in the city of Derby.
Met the Director of the event Adam Buss and the Mayor of Derby - Councillor Lisa Higginbottom, which was nice even though she told everyone that last time we met I wouldn't shut up (but I'm sure she was only joking!) But I digress...
For those who don't know iD Fest is a film festival which is from Thursday 9th May till Sunday 12th May; and what was the 1st film that opened the event?
Read on and discover my thoughts on this chilling subject...
'The Iceman' is the story of notorious Richard Kuklinski (Michael Shannon), a Mafia contract killer from the 1960s right through till the mid 1980s.
When Kuklinski is ultimately arrested, he is convicted and given 2 life sentences, but is alleged to have killed up to 100. Kuklinski himself puts the figure at nearer to 250.
The film deals with the "family man" aspect of the man who is without doubt a psychopath. If you're not sure what a psychopath is then read my previous review of the film 'Seven Psychopaths' HERE or on the www.zen411.co.uk site.
So the film 'The Iceman' is about the stone-cold Mob hit-man Kuklinski who freezes his victims bodies so that if they are discovered the authorities cannot determine their respective time of death, hence the name Iceman.
During the height of is "career" Kuklinski is playing happy families to his wife Debra (Winona Ryder) and two beautiful daughters.
There's a scene when Kuklinski goes to visit his brother Joey (Stephen Dorff), who wants forgiveness for killing a child which Richy (the nickname his wife gives him) feels is unforgivable; hence his personal rule, which is you don't kill women or children (which he sticks to regardless of personal cost to himself).
Richy gets his 1st opportunity to kill and is hired exclusively by Mob boss Ray Demeo (Ray Liotta) and doesn't just do his job, he does it with relish!
Again, do remember that this film is more about Richy the family man, however, it does show him at his most venomous and sadistic worse. But the question I want to ask is... if we, the audience, find this entertaining, doesn't this show that we have a propensity to do the same?
Think about it... The armed forces recruits from the general population and train that "said" individual into a machine that works in a unit.
If they discover a person or the person shows a desire, or has in their opinion, the ability to go beyond society's norms, then they are either put into the Special Forces (SBS/ SAS/ SEALs etc) or infantry.
Also remember that when war is declared, then ordinary people are recruited without the aforementioned criteria brought into play. Now this is what I'm talking about. During war time all are recruited from the general public and the "killer instinct" is brought out of the recruit, utilised and shaped/ molded into a soldier.
'Iceman' is a film that would appeal to all who have this mentality, whether it is admitted or not.
The truth of the matter, in my opinion, is this... to be a soldier, which, if my thesis above is correct, means everyone has latent psychopathic tendencies.
I found this film amazing and insightful, even confirming my long held views on what makes up a psychopath.
Remember, all multiple killers are psychopaths. However, not all psychopaths are killers.
Insightful, thought-provoking and truly memorable performances.
Ask Derby QUAD to bring it back.
P.S. If you want more info on Richard "Richy" Kuklinski and his sessions with the doctor while in prison, then read the review below of the documentary on the character...
"The Iceman Review: Infamous Mafia hit-man struggles for Work-Life balance" ...
Written by Exist Media Film Reviewer: The G-Man (A Life Through the Lens according to G…) You can follow the G-Man on twitter: @gmanzen or check out www.zen411.co.uk
The title of the film 'The Place Beyond the Pines' meant nothing to me before I saw the film. However, having seen it @DerbyQUAD on its opening day I will not forget the name (even though I'm still none the wiser as to its meaning!)
The director of the film is Derek Cianfrance who had made the highly acclaimed film called 'Blue Valentine' which also starred Ryan Gosling (do watch this if you haven't seen it already).
'The Place Beyond the Pines' tells the story of a young stunt motorbike rider called Luke Glanton (Ryan Gosling) who revisits a town and meets an old flame called Romina (Eva Mendes).
They meet up and then part. However, Luke visits her home when she's not in, only for him to be greeted by her mum holding a baby. He asks who does the little fella belong to? The mum points at Luke.
Luke then visits Romina at her workplace and confronts her about his very recent discovery. Romina explains that he was a drifter that had drifted out of her life a year previously, so she had no means of contacting him.
Also, Romina has started dating an African-American called Kofi (Mahershala Ali) who clearly is a good influence on her and is committed to being a dad to baby Jason Glanton.
There's a scene where we see Romina, baby J and Kofi all in a huge church where the bambino is being dedicated. At the back of the church we see Luke in tears clearly missing the fact that he isn't invited too or involved in the ceremony, which probably reminded him as to why he turned out the way he did based on having daddy issues.
Luke decides to leave the fair, get a job and become a regular Joe. However money ain't enough for the uneducated, so he decides to do what ‘The Clash’ sang about and become a "bank robber".
Two interesting facts about this film are;
1. The robbery scene where he's riding on his bike, getting to the bank, robbing it then escaping into the back of a van are all done in one take.
2. The guy who taught him to ride on set was the same stuntman you saw on the "Bat" bike in the Batman films (just saying).
While Luke is embarking on his new and highly lucrative career his path crosses a rookie but ambitious cop called Avery Cross (Bradley Cooper) and this is where the film uses the two characters to metaphorically pass an invisible baton from one to the other.
Other characters to look out for are Al Cross (Harris Yulin), the father of Avery, AJ (Emory Cohen), the son of Avery and finally the very chilling and menacing Deluca (Ray Liotta).
All of the characters play stronger roles as the film develops.
To conclude, 'The Place Beyond the Pines' starts off with Luke playing a modern version of the James Dean classic 'Rebel without a Cause' then moves into a type of biblical Cain and Abel.
If you're not sure what I'm talking about, then go and see it for yourself at a cinema near you. Check press, or @DerbyQUAD for details...
Written by Exist Media Film Reviewer: The G-Man (A Life Through the Lens according to G…) You can follow the G-Man on twitter: @gmanzen or check out www.zen411.co.uk
I sat in my seat @DerbyQUAD just before 'Trance' was about to start and quickly tucked into my Cheese and Onion flavour crisps as an elderly couple decided to say in a loud voice "so annoying!"; which I believe was in reference to the crunching of the crisps I was eating. However, I don't believe it was as annoying as her spilling a hot cup of beverage over her own crotch!
Anyway, I digress, on with the review of 'Trance'...
Written by Exist Media Film Reviewer: The G-Man (A Life Through the Lens according to G…) You can follow the G-Man on twitter: @gmanzen or check out www.zen411.co.uk
I have to say a big Thank You to @DerbyQUAD who allows me the privilege of watching great films in a great cinema.
I've seen my personal favourite film of the year called 'Django Unchained'; also loved watching a film last week called 'Cloud Atlas' and the third quality film I've seen there has got to be the one I'm gonna review below...
The film I'm talking about is called 'Arbitrage', but what does the word mean?
Definition of "arbitrage": the simultaneous sale of the same security in different markets to profit from unequal prices (full definition here: http://www.investopedia.com/terms/a/arbitrage.asp)
The main character in this film is Robert Miller (Richard Gere) who plays the billionaire hedge fund manager who is trying to sell a company for an astronomical price even though he knows that there's a gaping hole in the books.
The main cast is made up by Susan Sarandon who plays his (long suffering) wife Ellen, his daughter (Brit Marling) and Jimmy Grant (Nate Parker) who is the son of Miller's deceased driver.
The opening scene in the film sees Miller arriving home and his family throwing him a birthday party and it all looks nice and cosy.
Soon after, we see Miller visiting his French mistress Julie, played by Laetitia Casta at her art gallery/apartment.
All seems to be going very well for Miller until the day it all unravels. His calculating cold brain that has served him in the ruthless world of high-end finances is called into making unethical decisions that a more morally tuned in person would not even consider, much less do.
I reckon if the director had used a physically repulsive person, say... me... then the audience would not have warmed to him, rather they would have thrown popcorn, tinned tomatoes and steel toe capped boots at him. However, he is a beautiful mature man that we remember subconsciously from 'Pretty Woman', 'American Gigolo' and 'An Officer and a Gentleman'.
This is a great role for Gere and also an equally great role played by Tim Roth as the determined and unauthordoxed Detective Michael Bryer who's prepared to apprehend him Malcolm X style... "By Any Means Necessary!"
The detective sees the weak link in the billionaire's story and in the alibi of his driver on the fateful night Jimmy Grant. But Jimmy ain't no snitch, however the stakes are raised and Jimmy is feeling the heat.
This film cost £12m to make and took £36m at the box office which is a shame because it's a quality film with a quality cast.
This is Richard Gere's best film since the much under-rated 'Brooklyn's Finest'.
Watch it and see for yourself...
Written by Exist Media Film Reviewer: The G-Man (A Life Through the Lens according to G…) You can follow the G-Man on twitter: @gmanzen or check out www.zen411.co.uk
Ok, how do you explain a film that has the same six characters with extras in each scene recurring many times in the film? In multiple stories that are all happening in multiple layers of time and all concluding at the same time on screen, however, in various stages of what we call time? Not like the above I guess!
Read on to discover the multiple layers of this truly remarkable and one of the most thought provoking films you will see this the year, or any other year for that matter.
The main characters are Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, Hugh Grant and Hugo Weaving and the plots deal with the subject matter of what I believe is reincarnation or past lives. There was a group in the last decade that featured the now famous recording artist in his own right, Pharrell Williams. However, in the noughties he was from the production company called 'The Neptunes', and his musical group that he played with was called N.E.R.D (aka No one Really Truly Dies) which is another concept that this film explores.
'Cloud Atlas' also explores the logic that even though you think you live in isolation, you and your actions have impact on others now, then, and before; because the concept of time is irrelevant (again these are my thoughts and may not be yours once you've seen it). I think if I tried to explain each plot featured in 'Cloud Atlas' I would really just be demonstrating an exercise in the power of my memory. However, the film made me think about what the 'Coronation Street' (UK soap opera) actor Bill Roach aka Ken Barlow recently had a lot to say about victims of paedophilia stating that it was a "past" life action that affected their current life.
He has subsequently apologised for offending, however, he hasn't apologised for saying his long held thoughts. Do also be aware that Ken is a practising witch and would have communication with the spirit world. I mentioned the above to explain that the logic of the film is understood by those who are into certain religions, both light and dark; however, not understood by those who are atheists, scientifically-minded or those who believe that "we are totally the only evolved life force in like everywhere!”
My personal beliefs are in an afterlife, but not an after life. After death there is eternity for all based on what we did with our beliefs or not, will determine whether it will be happy or sad. But, I digress...
Here is a bit about the people behind the film... The directors of this amazing film are Tom Tykwer ('The International') and Andy & Lana Wachowsky - they were called The Wachowsky Brothers when they did 'The Matrix'. However, neither has spoken about a possible sex change by Lana.
"The Wachowskis" Lana Wachowski, formerly Laurence Wachowski (known as "Larry"), was born in Chicago in 1965; Andy Wachowski was born in 1967. Their mother, Lynne, was a nurse and painter whose brother is actor Laurence Luckinbill. Their father, Ron Wachowski, was a businessman of Polish descent. Raised by a "hardcore atheist" father and an "ex-Catholic turned Shamanist" mother, they have once described their religious beliefs as non-denominational.
According to actor Bernard White, Lana once told him that while they were raised Catholic; she was influenced heavily by the sacred Hindu texts like the Bhagavad Gita and the Ramayana (so now you know a bit about the peeps behind the film).
The film is based on the 2004 novel by David Mitchell which was nominated for a 'Man Booker Prize'. Mitchell stammers and having watched 'The Kings Speech' stated that it accurately portrays the affliction.
Another interesting point is that Mitchell has spent time living in his native England and Ireland. Though has spent time living in Japan with his Japanese wife and this may have influenced the writing of his novel, because some of the characters in the film have South Asian features. However, as I stated before, the main characters were four people playing multiple roles (which really worked).
Immediately after the film's release, the advocacy group Media Action Network forAsian Americans (MANAA) criticised the film for the use of what is sometimes labelled "yellow face" makeup to allow non-Asian actors to portray certain Asian characters in certain sequences. The above is not a new complaint, I remember there were issues raised when Fu Manchu was played by the late Peter Ustinov or Caucasian actors playing Shakespeare's 'Hamlet' (which is an African character).
However, because the themes hints about past lives/ reincarnation, I believe the directors felt that the main characters should play multi-ethnic roles.
The cost for this film is $100m and was raised independently making it the most expensive independently funded film of all time.
Is this film worth watching?
Well I'll say this. I went to see 'Django Unchained' @DerbyQUAD two months ago and that was 2h: 50m long. This is comparable in length and quality.
This is a masterpiece, however do go and watch this film with an open mind and understanding.
Written by Exist Media Film Reviewer: The G-Man (A Life Through the Lens according to G…) You can follow the G-Man on twitter: @gmanzen or check out www.zen411.co.uk
A friend of mine on twitter who also likes films tweeted me as I was about to watch 'Flight': “@JD3NTON: @gmanZen #Flight one of the best films I've seen in a while.”
Is it any good? Is he right? What shoe size do I wear?
For answers to two of the questions posed, then read on and see if my experience matched his own when I went to "my favourite cinema in all the whole wide world" @DerbyQUAD.
Denzel Washington plays the very handsome and dashing William "Whip" Whitaker who in the opening scenes we see him in bed with his girlfriend. And both appear to have had quite a night (if the empty bottles strewn round the room and what appears to be copious amounts of talcum powder deposited on their table and around the room) - Kids, say no to drugs and alcohol!
Next thing we see is them both dressed and getting on a flight - Whip as the pilot and the girlfriend as an Air Stewardess. Or are they called Flight Attendants now? Discuss. But I digress...
On the flight there seems to be a problem, however, Whip is chilled enough to fly them out of issue.
On the return flight Whip is still in a chilled zone mentally based on his love affair with "The Real Thing" (if you get my drift), also Whip's fridge in the film is filled with the familiar red and white colours of the soda drink that has that same catchy slogan.
While flying back the plane develops difficulties so Whip decides to fly the plane upside down before attempting to land it in a field.
While this is going on in the air, directly below in an apartment a woman with aspirations to be a photographer, but has succumbed to the "Brown Sugar", is overdosing at the very time as the plane passes overhead upside down. Brilliant, like 'Crash'.
Fast forward to the hospital and Whip wakes up there and decides to have a smoke in the stairway where he meets the aspiring photographer (Kelly Nicole).
Kelly has a strong role in this film and another is Don Cheadle who plays an Attorney who is so skilled I'm surprised Oscar Pistorius hasn't considered hiring him (yes I went there!)
This film poses the questions that are uncomfortable. However, the ending was perfect and follows themes of redemption similar to Denzel's roles in 'The Book of Eli' and 'Man on Fire'.
Apparently this film cost $31m (less than 'Anna Karennina' and the 'London Olympic' ceremony) and has taken over $140m at the box office.
The film was also nominated for two Academy Awards in the Best Actor (Denzel) and Best Screenplay (John Gatins) categories and some are saying that Daniel Day-Lewis is a shoe in, however if the shoe don't fit then step forward Denzel and get your (not drunken) speech ready. Though we've now discovered that it was Mr. Day-Lewis who took the gong for his role in 'Lincoln'.
Great roles, great acting, rated 15 is for mid-teens and above who like their films with a message.
'Flight' is currently being shown at Derby QUAD cinema and mos def deserves a butchers.
Written by Exist Media Film Reviewer: The G-Man (A Life Through the Lens according to G…) You can follow the G-Man on twitter: @gmanzen or check out www.zen411.co.uk
I had the wonderful opportunity to go to @DerbyQUAD to see two films back to back and what did I see first? 'Hitchcock'; and what did I think?
Read on...
For those who don't know who Alfred Hitchcock was then let me try to enlighten you.
Hitchcock was a British born film-maker that in 2007 was voted the best British director ever. And it's hard to argue against considering the body of work he left behind including 'The Birds', 'North by North West' and 'Vertigo' to name but three. However, the film 'Hitchcock' tells the story of Hitch's making of his 45th movie 'Psycho' which was his first foray into the horror film genre.
Hitchcock played by the wonderfully talented Anthony Hopkins is a great film-maker who's married to Alma a brilliant foil of a wife, plus a brilliant editor in her own right played by the very talented Helen Mirren.
I must admit that I loved this film because it wasn't just a biopic, rather it focused on his idea to make a film that others near and far said he shouldn't do; or if he did do it he would be making nails that they would gladly hammer into his coffin.
Want to know how he lived and was perceived by his peers’ then watch the film.
Want to know how the famous strings sound that's used in the shower scene that was ground-breaking in its day came to be included? Then watch this film.
Want to see a man who's afraid but doesn't let that stop him from doing what is harder as opposed to a non-taxing/less mentally challenging project which if it had failed would have wiped him out financially, plus irreparably damage his great reputation? Then... (all together now) watch this film.
How influential was he? Well it's more a case of which huge director/film-maker that doesn't give major props to him.
Watch 'Hitchcock' @DerbyQUAD very soon to see what all the fuss is all about and prepared to be inspired.
Written by Exist Media Film Reviewer: The G-Man (A Life Through the Lens according to G…) You can follow the G-Man on twitter: @gmanzen or check out www.zen411.co.uk
There isn’t a day that passes that I don’t have to think about my body – how much I’ve moved it (or not), what I’ve put into it, what it looks like in whatever outfit I’ve chosen to wear. But thinking about my body isn’t something particularly new, it isn’t something that came with adolescent...
I've seen the previous award-winning film by the ex-wife of James "Avatar" Cameron called 'Hurt Locker', which I liked because it was gritty and used a relative unknown in the title role.
With the above in mind I wanted to know why Kathryn Bigelow would use the actress Jessica Chastain in the title role. Could it be the fact that they look very much alike? Hmmm... on with the review...
The 'Zero Dark Thirty' plot is simple and apparently based on true events according to the opening credits at the start of the film.
I thought the script, though well written, was penned by Mr. Aesop or Hans Christian Anderson, but I'm very cynical regarding the reasons of this film.
Anyway, here's the plot in a nutshell...
In 2003, Maya (Jessica Chastain), a young CIA officer, has spent her entire brief career since she graduated from high school, focusing solely on intelligence related to Osama Bin Laden, the "so-called" leader of the "so-called" terrorist organisation called Al-Qaeda.
Maya believes, based on the body of evidence collected by the CIA, that OBL is the so-called mastermind of the September 11th attacks in the United States.
She has just been reassigned to the U.S. Embassy in Pakistan to work with a fellow officer, Dan. During the first months of her assignment, Maya often accompanies Dan to a location not revealed to us the paying viewer for his continuing interrogation of Ammar, a detainee with suspected links to several Saudi terrorists. Dan subjects the detainee to torture, including water-boarding, and humiliation which includes pulling down his trousers in front of the beautiful Maya.
Written by Exist Media Film Reviewer: The G-Man (A Life Through the Lens according to G…) You can follow the G-Man on twitter: @gmanzen or check out www.zen411.co.uk
I've not seen many films this year, however, there's been a few films that I've wanted to watch and made the effort to watch such as, 'The Impossible' and 'Lincoln'. But the film that I wanted to see above all others was 'Django Unchained' by Quentin Tarantino, but was it worth the wait?
Come closer and hear my take on a highly anticipated, but very controversial epic of a movie...
As stated previously, I will only be reviewing a few films this year so I've decided to cherry pick what I see, and this was a very sweet cherry indeed!
The plot is simple. Django (Jamie Foxx) is a newly bought slave who is set free by a native of Dusseldorf, Germany - Dr. Schultz (Christoph Waltz) and is offered $75 and legal freedom if he will travel with him as a bounty hunter and identify three ruthless killers who happen to be brothers.
Interestingly, Spike Lee's production company is called '50 Acres & A Mule', which is what a freed slave received...
Django agrees, and thus starts an epic journey that is over 2hrs 30mins on screen, however, it does not feel like a long film, rather it takes you through all emotions.
On their journey they run into Don Johnson who runs a plantation. The dialogue between Johnson, Waltz and Foxx is superb and though the use of the N word is prolific, it is used at a time when it was invented and just goes to show that when ignorance is left unchecked it spreads and becomes the norm. People, always seek wisdom and shun ignorance, this is how we grow.
Another character the bounty hunting heroes encounter is Calvin Candie (Leonardo DiCaprio) who runs the fourth biggest plantation in the South of the country nicknamed "Candy Land". If you're a student of my reviews you will know that in pre-Civil War times the Southern part of America's wealth was made from the maintenance of the slave trade. With this in mind the South had no desire to end the lucrative trade, and why would they when we put currency above people.
On Calvin's plantation is a house-slave called Stephen who is excellently played by Samuel L. Jackson. His character is so ‘lol’ funny, however a twitter follower (@USDannyDyerFan) stated "@gmanZen saw it last Wednesday. SLJ has been giving me nightmares ever since. #SleepDeprived"... Plus "@gmanZen omg yes. I can't remember when I was last disturbed by such a movie villain".
Now to comment on what allegedly the film-maker Spike Lee had to say about the film...
In an interview with 'Vibe' magazine Spike said he would not see the film, explaining, "All I'm going to say is that it's disrespectful to my ancestors. That's just me...I'm not speaking on behalf of anybody else."
Spike later tweeted, "American Slavery Was Not a Sergio Leone Spaghetti Western. It Was A Holocaust. My ancestors are slaves. Stolen from Africa. I will honour them."
Minister Louis Farrakhan of the 'Nation of Islam' said he thought the movie was "preparation for race war". My view having watched it is this...
My opinion is based on watching the film and as I have mentioned before there is a difference between a film that is "based on a true story" and "a true story" and then there is "fiction". 'Django Unchained' is not true or based on a true story but is total pulp fiction (do you remember my breakdown of what pulp fiction means? No then read my review on 'The Raven', or was it 'John Carter of Mars'? Which should be in our archive section I do believe.
'Django Unchained' is a wonderfully written masterpiece that deserves to be celebrated and garnered with the highest awards man can give.
It is not historically factual and neither does it need to be. Its strength is that it is a great story based around pre-emancipation days which does depict a period of history that wasn't pleasant for people of African descent.
I loved it and could easily venture back into the cinema with a cheese and pickle sarnie to watch it again because it's brilliant!
Without spoiling your viewing pleasure I will say this... do not watch this film thinking "good guys and bad guys" rather put yourself in the period of the time in history depicted and then you will understand it better and feel less guilty if you’re white and less angry if you’re black.
I feel people in this period of time did things that the climate encouraged until President Lincoln came along and changed things that resulted in Americans fighting against Americans until the road to freedom was built.
Finally if I could be so bold as to recommend three films to watch then I would say watch 'Django Unchained' followed by 'Lincoln', then watch the DVD of the conspirators to get the full picture of 'American History X'.
Written by Exist Media Film Reviewer: The G-Man (A Life Through the Lens according to G…) You can follow the G-Man on twitter: @gmanzen or check out www.zen411.co.uk
Before I get into the film I have to give some "credit due" to Kathy Frain (Twitter: @KathyQUAD) at @DerbyQuad) who has kindly allowed me the opportunity to re-acquaint myself to the lovely surroundings of Derby's Number one Arts Centre.
I have about six films pencilled in that I will be watching there during the end of January 2013 and during February, therefore if I'm watching then I guess hopefully you will be reading. So with that in mind, I shall proceed to inform you of the wonderful, captivating and engaging production that informs the viewer of the long road Emancipation had to travel...
Now everyone has heard about Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of The United States of America and all his achievements. However this film focuses on the final four months of his life which coincides with his efforts to provide freedom for all Americans which was a very contentious issue which had caused many of the Southern States to rebel, thus starting a four-year civil war from 1861 to 1865.
Lincoln is played by the great British actor Daniel Day-Lewis whose performance is immense!
Apparently the director Steven Spielberg wanted Liam Neeson who he had worked with on the Oscar winning film 'Shindler's List' (which like 'Lincoln' is based on true events).
This film is part based on the biography by Doris Kearns Goodwin called 'Team of Rivals: The political genius of Abraham Lincoln', which I must buy after seeing this film.
'Lincoln' is an American historical drama film directed and produced by Steven Spielberg, starring Daniel Day-Lewis as United States President Abraham Lincoln and Sally Field as his wife Mary Todd Lincoln.
The film covers the final four months of Lincoln's life, focusing on the President's efforts in January 1865 to have the Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution passed by the United States House of Representatives.
Now the above sounds boring, however if you want to hear English without "You get me!" punctuated throughout a sentence then this is for you. The language is nearly Shakespearian in delivery, but please do not be put off by this rather run to @DerbyQUAD and ask, nay, demand a ticket (at the back please so that you can take all of the films "bigness"!).
Doris Kearns Goodwin described Lincoln in his final months as a leader with "the rare wisdom of a temperament that consistently displayed an uncommon magnanimity to those who opposed him".
Can the above be said of any political leader anywhere in the World in the last 30 years bar the South African President Nelson Mandela and Aung San Suu Kyi? Discuss...
Back then the Southern states were called "Slave States" based on their dependence of slaves for their livelihood (picking cotton or tobacco I guess).
Interestingly, one of the South’s most famous Leaders was General Lee.
People of a certain age will know that the famous car in the popular TV series in the 1970s called 'The Dukes of Hazard' was called "General Lee."
Lincoln was a brilliant strategist and the film does portray him as a much loved leader by the troops regardless of their ethnicity and just about everyone.
Do bare in mind that Lincoln in the middle of the war brought in The Emancipation Bill (Jan 1st 1863) which wasn't brought into law by Congress, but rather by Constitutional Authority as Commander in Chief of The Armed Forces.
The beauty of this change in Law was that it meant that Black people were all legally free, and had the right if they so chose, to join up in the fight against the States that wanted them to remain as slaves, which increased The Union's numerical advantage. For obvious reasons the South could not do the same.
Just as an aside, the British Governments of the past had an empire that they had enslaved and when they realised that "the natives were revolting" in huge numbers, they then "set them free"; but without their resources which have long since been looted.
However, in times of war "The Motherland" informs the newly named "Common Wealth" that their services (aka bodies that can absorb bullets) are required... but I'm sounding very cynical I know, forgive me as I go back to the story...
The question which intrigues me though is why did the President fight so hard for Black "African-Americans"?
Well there is a mention at the start of the film when Mr President was having a conversation with the African-American soldiers who are stating that they are grateful for the opportunity to fight; they also wanted equal pay and conditions too! During this converse the President makes it clear that he has the type of hair that is unruly.
Historians have said that they believe that Abraham Lincoln's father was black which if true would mean that Barack Husain Obama's recent achievements were less impressive. Read link below...
http://www.dailysquib.co.uk/index.php?news=1455
Do have a look at this film and see the events that showcase that at the time people of colour were not allowed to vote. However now, they and the majority of voters have elected an African-American President not once, but twice.
Mr. 16th President of the United States of America, we the people salute you and appreciate your indefatigable spirit...
People, go see His-Story while I read the book to the film and when you've seen and read both then check out the film called 'Conspirators' which tells the story of the trial of those arrested for prematurely ending the life of one of the greatest, most passionate leaders, ever...
Written by Exist Media Film Reviewer: The G-Man (A Life Through the Lens according to G…) You can follow the G-Man on twitter: @gmanzen or check out www.zen411.co.uk
This is my last regular review for a while (if not for ever!) due to no longer feeling welcome to go to WestField Cinema Deluxe in Derby.
I won't go into details, rather I will say that I felt that the management treated me (in my opinion) unfairly.
I don't feel angry and at the time of the incident I wasn't angry then, but being shaven-headed and "Chocolatey Brown 24-7/ 365" I do realise that if you do not understand my culture you can be intimidated by my presence.
No more about the incident, now to tell you about the film...
This is the amazing story of a family that go to Thailand for a holiday for Christmas. When they get to their hotel they are pleasantly surprised to be upgraded to an apartment with excellent sea-views!
Now this would be a dream come true for anyone, however, on Boxing Day the biggest most devastating Tsunami the world had ever seen hits the country and in their case, their world.
The scene when the wave hits and completely separates the family is awesome and makes you glad that you, the viewer, are safe in the cinema unlike the Belon family.
The film states at the start of the film that it is a true story and not based on a true story.
What is the difference? Well if the film states that it is "based" on a "true" story then they will exercise creative licence on the story, but use true elements. A "true story" means story/film you are watching is accurate, so with this in mind the makers of 'The Impossible' are saying it is an accurate film telling the experiences of the Belon family.
I mention the above because what you see on screen is amazing and is one of the best disaster movies I have ever seen.
Naomi Watts plays Maria Belon (Mum), Ewan McGregor is Henry (Dad) and Tom Holland plays the young son and they are all excellent in this film in particular Tom.
There is a moment of nudity which isn't gratuitous, rather it is relevant.
What is wonderful about this film is that even though the subject is horrific (250,000 dead, millions displaced), it shows small touches of how compassionate people can be in such adversity. However, if you're still cynical on how precise this film is then please read the excellent piece below written by Simon Jenkins who was there at the time and has commented on the accuracy of the film.
Read his comments below via this link.
(http://gu.com/p/3cpfj/tw)
Finally, to all who have read my reviews over the years, THANK YOU for you dedication, and if you still want to read my stuff, then may I suggest you follow me on twitter @gmanZeN where I will be constantly talking, just not so much about films...
Written by Exist Media Film Reviewer: The G-Man (A Life Through the Lens according to G…) You can follow the G-Man on twitter: @gmanzen or check out www.zen411.co.uk
EXIST MEDIA EDITOR (Steph Hernandez): "I/ we at Exist Media would like to say a very humble thank you to the G-Man for all of his fantastic film reviews since our inception at May 2011. I hope we will continue to receive other types of reviews from yourself via book reviews and more!"
This year has been a bumper year for blockbusters, but not all big films were in my opinion any good. Take 'John Carter' of Mars. The critics hated it and based on the published takings, the general public thought it stunk too. However, I didn't, I in fact loved it.
This leads me to talk about the next and final film I'm gonna review this year which I think is a very apt film.
Come closer and walk with me as I attempt to connect... the... dots...
Tom Cruise has starred in many action films. My favourite ones thus far are 'Mission:Impossible 1' and 'The Last Samurai'. I thought 'Knight and Day' could have been brilliant if it had removed the jokes/ comedy elements. 'Jack Reacher' has no comedic moments.
Reacher is a wild card, a highly decorated warrior once employed as a brilliant internal investigator, who has now quit the army and disappeared off the map, a hero for hire. Technically he's a one man A-Team!
He was born on a military base in Berlin in 1960. A graduate of the U.S. military academy at West Point, he served 13 years in the military police, during which time he became part of a fictional military police unit, the 110th Special Investigations Unit; formed to handle exceptionally tough cases, especially those involving members of the United States Army Special Forces.
He received many military awards during his career, including the Silver Star, the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Soldier's Medal, the Bronze Star, and a Purple Heart.
Since leaving the army, Reacher has been a drifter. He wanders throughout the United States because he was accustomed to being told where to go, when to go and what to do for every day of his life from military childhood to military adulthood. He also felt he never got to know his own country, having spent much of his youth living overseas on military bases and at the military school West Point. He usually travels by hitch-hiking or bus. As a drifter, the only possessions he carries are money, a fold-able toothbrush and, after 9/11, an expired passport and an ATM debit card. He has never possessed a driver's license.
Let's go back in time...
In July 2011, Cruise was in negotiations to play the role of Jack Reacher. Author Lee Child said that it would be impossible to find a suitable actor to play the giant Reacher and to recreate the feel of the book on-screen (what about The Rock?), and that Cruise had the talent to make an effective Reacher. Child also said, "Reacher's size in the books is a metaphor for an unstoppable force, which Cruise portrays in his own way."
Of Cruise's relatively small stature, Child said, "With another actor you might get 100% of the height but only 90% of Reacher (I see now why he didn't use The Rock now!). With Tom, you'll get 100% of Reacher with 90% of the height."
The above statement by Child is in my opinion after watching the film, very accurate.
"So what's the plot" I hear you ask? Read on...
The film starts with a sniper who is seen setting up and then picking off people at random. We see the shooter from start to finish, carefully perfecting each detail. We see his targets and then he shoots. Next thing we know, the cops are on the scene looking for fingerprints. They find several clean ones and then they apprehend the shooter.
We see the sniper being interrogated and he's given a sheet of paper to sign confessing to (in their opinion) the open and shut case. He takes the paper and writes "Get me Jack Reacher".
Do bare in mind Jack is a virtual ghost. He can't be found. He finds you.
Jack makes himself known to the defence lawyers and he initially believes the sniper is guilty. However, he decides to look deeper because the evidence, in his analytical mind, doesn't quite add up.
Now though this is an excellent film and if you want to know more I would suggest you go watch it. However, I want to digress and talk about the spate of shootings that heave been taking place in the US of A.
The killings that took place in Aurora in the cinema during the screening of 'The Dark Knight Rises'. The killings of the worshippers at the Sikh temple in the USA. The Newtown killings in School at the USA.
All the people were killed by a "lone shooter" as confirmed by the media, however, there are many reports on YouTube pointing out by various eye witnesses that in all the above mentioned cases there were others involved.
Some of the links below are interesting in that they show that Sandy Hook was on "the map" (literally in the case of the 3rd link) even if we daren't believe what's clearly staring us in the face. See the links for yourself...
(http://www.sott.net/article/254873-Sandy-Hook-massacre-Official-story-spins-out-of-control)
(No Further Info To Be Released -- sandy hook police shut-down. http://t.co/JKkuwm0M)
(Lower Part of Gotham Renamed "Sandy Hook" in Dark Knight Film http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fus1FpQiU-Q&sns=tw v)
Now back to the film...
All the evidence points to the fact that the trained sniper is guilty and is working alone based on his past.
I really don't want to spoil this film for you by revealing spoilers. Suffice to say that in 2013 I will be arranging to do talks about the correlation between film and events that happen in the world that are described as atrocities.
In concluding, I think Tom Cruise is a brave man to associate himself to such an eye opening film for those who choose to "connect the dots!"
Tom, if you're reading this, take my advice... Hand over the IMF franchise to Ryan Gosling. And considering that the writer Lee Child has written 17 books in the 'Jack Reacher' series, you should bulk up and try and do as many more films with this character as you possibly can because you're onto a winner.
Great film, great actor; but do connect...the...dots....
Written by Exist Media Film Reviewer: The G-Man (A Life Through the Lens according to G…) You can follow the G-Man on twitter: @gmanzen or check out www.zen411.co.uk
