Tag Archive for film

Boring Rain? Go Classics

It’s drizzly weather, but the kids need something to do.  Show them a thought-provoking classic movie. Afterwards, talk about what they saw–what went on and why–and relate it to real people in real situations today.  Encourage questions and reactions.  “Could some kid I know face going to prison for killing his dad?” (Twelve Angry Men).  “But poor people today can get jobs and not have people disrespect them” (Grapes of Wrath).  “How dumb! People can’t be accused of stuff just because of their color!” (To Kill a Mockingbird).  Find these films at the public library. Scan the television guides, Netflix, Hulu, On Demand, etc. for others: Ox Bow Incident and Diary of Anne Frank show up often.  Check video rental stores for The Hiding Place or Schindler’s List.  Your friends who are movie buffs probably have a film they’d recommend and even lend you.  Gather the kids and start the movie.

Now, where did I put that bowl of popcorn?

The Beauty in Disney

I’d forgotten the beauty in many Disney films.  I was reminded by this short video from “Pocahontas.”  It seems appropriate for one  of my Sensible Saturdays.  Enjoy…and take it to heart.

 

A Disturbing but Must-See Film

How quickly do we turn on each other?  What does power bring out in us?  These are two of the questions startlingly answered in the newest movie version of the book that reported the real-life Stanford Prison Experiment.  The actual question the study sought to answer was what are the psychological effects on captives and their overseers.  This 1971 experiment lasted only 6 of its planned 14 days, for reasons that become obvious when you see the film.

Here’s a trailer to give you a flavor of what to expect.  Be prepared to be shocked and disturbed.

 

Click Away–It Makes Sense

Graduations, weddings, family BBQs…it’s the season for picture-taking.  Feel virtuous about using a digital camera instead of your old film-using one. The Earth benefits as you save money. Since you  store most pictures on your computer and print only some, you use less paper, developing chemicals, and water, and no chemical-laden film.  It makes sense.

Leaf 6

[For more easy, money-saving, Eco-friendly tips, download a FREE copy of Green Riches: Help the Earth & Your Budget. Go to www.Smashwords.com/books/ view/7000, choose a format, and download to your computer or e-book device. Or download a free copy from your favorite e-tailer.]

 

Cheating the Elderly

“Last Will and Embezzlement”—that’s a film worth watching.  It describes the financial exploitation of the elderly.  The problem is widespread and can happen to anyone, even Mickey Rooney, and it is perpetrated by cleaver strangers, close friends, and “loving” relatives.  Yet, such abuse is often not reported.  Even when it is reported, prosecution is difficult—IF the legal system will even bother to prosecute.  This eye-opening documentary presents several cases, giving us an idea of what to watch out for with our loved ones.  You can find the 2012 film on Netflix and probably elsewhere.  If you have elderly friends or relatives, or if you’re aging (we’ll ALL get there), it’s worth the 1 hour 22 minutes you’ll spend watching it. (See the trailer at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJCDQpqHPEQ.)

 

 

Torture Animals: It’s Your Right

Maim and kill an animal so you can film it. It’s your Constitutional right, according to a Texas judge, U.S. District judge Sim Lake. Prohibiting you from making animal snuff films is infringing on your  First Amendment rights. Therefore, Judge Lake decided in favor of the couple who makes and distributes films in which puppies, kittens, rabbits, and other animals are tortured to death.

For more information, read Sam Wood’s article at http://www.philly.com/philly/news/nation_world/Judge_Animal_snuff_films_protected_by_1st_Amendment.html.

 

 

Trees & “5 Broken Cameras”

The film 5 Broken Cameras woke me up.  I’ve had trouble understanding what’s going on in the Left Bank/Gaza region…until seeing this film.  Now I have other questions, mainly how Americans can pick and choose whose human rights violations we’re appalled at and whose we support.

I also learned to research before I buy.  Recently, when a devout Jewish friend passed away, another member of our little group of friends suggested we honor her memory in a traditional way, by planting a tree in Israel. That seemed appropriate, so I chipped in.  Now, however, I understand that our tree will likely be planted on a Palestinian village’s land in preparation for future takeover and building for Israeli settlers. Had I understood the situation, I would have found another way to express my love for my deceased friend.

See the film.