A Man Who Changed History

     The film, 42, was an extremely inspirational movie that depicted Jackie Robinson's life during that time period. I thought the movie was very moving and interesting. Everyone knows the story about Jackie Robinson. Everybody knows that he was the first African American player in Major League Baseball, but not many people knew the full story. It was not until this movie, that I finally knew all the details of his ordeal. The acting in the movie was simply fantastic, playing their roles just right. Overall, this movie was amazing and I couldn't believe that it took so long to film a great movie about the story of Jackie Robinson.
     Jackie Robinson helped our country greatly. He did what he loved no matter what anyone thought. Jackie overcame all of the hatred and showed them who was right. By continuing to play baseball, Jackie confronted racism head on. He never backed down and only got stronger and more successful. He helped this country actually think about racism and how it might effect one another. Jackie made even the most conservative people realize that maybe something was wrong with their ways and they should fix it.
     During one time or another we have all used Jackie's values to face our own problems. Many of his values are fairly common and we use them without even realizing it. For example, many of us use courage and excellence everyday. I know that I strive to do my very best, especially in school. This would be a form of excellence. If I had a problem that I needed to be confronted, I would need to use courage to be able to stand up and talk about it. Determination would help me get through it and keep me going towards my goal. At times my family and friends might be able to help me out with a problem. All of the rest of these values are easily used in everyday life and I know that I use them all the time.
     I don't agree or disagree with the quote. I think it depends on what that person did and to the extent that that impact had on others. Not everyone will have a huge impact on others, but it doesn't mean that we aren't important. I think what Jackie was trying to say is that when doing something, think about the effect it might have on both yourself and other people. If good causes come of it then go for it, but if something bad will result then you might want to rethink and refrain from doing it.

The Revenge of Living

     I absolutely loved this film! Ever since I was little I have always been interested by the Holocaust. The stories of survival, tragedy, and perseverance were awe inspiring and it would always seem to touch me in ways I can't quite describe. Many times I was overcome in sadness when hearing stories, but the film, Defiance, was different. Defiance was more of a story of survival then tragedy. It showed the humanity of the people and how so many cared for one another. The Bielski brothers never turned anyone away that needed help and in the end saves over 1,000 Jews.

     When Tuvia says in the film "Our revenge is to live" I think he was exactly right. I think he meant by this statement is that the Nazis are trying so hard to exterminate all of the Jewish population. Hitler was trying to create a certain nation with specific people. He wanted to create his own race. While their goal is to kill all of the Jews, the Jews are just trying to survive. By simply living, the Jews have their revenge over the Nazis. They are doing was they should not be doing and doing it well. They are experiencing life, even if it was in hiding. In a way living for the Jews was a way of taunting the Nazis saying "Ha Ha I'm still here and you won't win."

     There is a huge difference between humanity and revenge. Humanity is the goodness in people and how they care/act towards one another. Revenge is the opposite. Revenge is an act people do out of anger and hatred. Revenge is mostly never a good characteristic, its an evil one. We simply act out of hate, no good deed or emotion can come out of it. I do think that revenge is mostly a human trait, but in some instances I guess it could be an animal trait too. For example if another animals kills a lion cub, then the mother will most like take revenge out on whom ever killed her cub. Plus you can get an animal angry and they can attack, but I'm not positive if that is revenge.

     Being human is living. Its a physical thing or what we look like. Humanity is whats with in us. Its the way people act towards one another and how we deal with situations. Its the goodness in each and every one of us. 

     While revenge is mostly a bad characteristic, there are instances where revenge is an act of humanity. The most obvious example is Tuvia's statement that I discussed above. Sometimes acts of revenge can be for good causes or showcase the humanity in others. It depends on what kind of revenge is taking place and what happened in that situation.

     

Dealing with the Punches of Life

     This movie was amazing. I had only seen a little bit of it before, so I didn't know the movie that well. I was surprised that the movie was so moving. I was expecting a film about a boxer who just had a tough time during the depression, I guess I just didn't realize how tough it was. What made the film even better was that the film, Cinderella Man, was based on a true story.  It so much more interesting knowing that someone actually went through these times and experienced these events. 

     Jim Braddock was an amazing boxer and human being. He fought not for the fame, enjoyment, or because he was excellent at it. Braddock fought for his family and his pride. He fought to put food on the table, give birthday presents to his children, and buy flowers for his wife. He never gave up, even if it came to begging for money. Eventually he paid back all the money that he owed, even though he never had to pay it back. He didn't want to take charity, but instead work for what was needed. Russell Crowe's portrayal of Braddock was simply astonishing. He depicted Braddock in just the right way and showed the emotional side of what Braddock went through during that time. 

     After I watched the film I felt the need to learn more about Braddock and Max Baer. I read an article that interviewed one of Baer's sons saying that, Baer was one of the most gentle human beings he's ever known and that as a father, Baer was always caring and loving. The son also goes onto say that the in-ring death haunted him throughout the rest of his father's life and that he never really got over it. I understand why the filmmakers changed the character of Max Baer. They needed a villain like any good hero story would have. They needed to dramatize the film and make it so we hate anyone against Jim Braddock. I don't necessarily agree with what the filmmakers did, but I understand why they did it. I don't think that its unethical. I might be immoral and harsh, but that's what Hollywood does. They make films more dramatic, even if its not the truth. If other movies can do it, why can't the filmmakers of Cinderella Man, do it.

"Leave the Gun, Take the Cannoli"

     This is not the first time I have seen The Godfather, yet I never get bored of it. This movie is known as a classic for a reason. There is so much violence, family ties, betrayal, and loyalty that it makes perfect sense as to why people love this movie so much.
     In the film, the mafia is portrayed as a violent, corrupt organization, especially the Corleone family. People are getting killed left and right, its complete chaos. Even though the Corleone is family, many of them still kill their own family members out of anger or revenge. Several of the Corleone's trusted friends, bodyguards, or hit men betray them for their own profit and not thinking of the repercussions that might follow. There is barely a moment in the movie that is free of betrayal and violence.
     Vito Corleone, is the "Godfather" of the Corleone family. He is the "moral" center of the film, because he what should be taken care of and controls the actions of the family. While Vito does do many illegal things he does it to protect and provide for his family, which makes him sound like a moral person. Vito talks always in a low and calming voice, even when he is angry or giving orders. It shows everyone that they have no effect on him and that he is the boss.
     When Vito collapsed and died among his tomato plants, I was saddened. Yes he ordered many people to be killed and took part in illegal activity, but there was a sense of right and wrong within him. He knew what the moral choice would be with every decision he made. So, a "giant" did pass. He may not have effected the world, but his death changed the whole mafia organization.
     There was only one other time that I felt any sympathy towards one of the characters. It was when Michael's first wife, Apollonia was killed. I felt sorry for Michael for having to watch the one person he loves being killed before his very eyes. I don't think he deserved that, even if the bomb was made for him.
     The inside view of organized crime was a totally different take than what I already knew about the mob. Most people know things about the mob, because of the violence that happened on the streets during those years. We've all heard stories of what the mob has done, but we've never heard a story from the inside of a mafia family. The movie showed everyone how the family interacts with one another and how it effects every single person that is part of the mafia.
     This is why I think that the inside view is a much more accurate story. It shows the hard decisions the "Godfather" has to make and how each decision effects everyone and it might not be for the better. The outside view just makes it seem like the mob was a dangerous and evil part of our society, but the inside view gives you both the good and bad perspectives of the mob.