What to see on DVD
Blaine H. Mogil
Issue date: 5/5/09 Section: Arts & Entertainment
Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. Sometimes you lose twice. This week we have one of the best films of the past ten years and two films that are so bad that they might make you avoid watching any film in the next ten years. While the first film is clearly a good film, or rather a great film, the other two are both bad and fugly.
"The Edukators" makes a marvelous statement about socio-economic stratification. The story follows three young adults as they make a unique political statement, and call for change. They break into homes of the wealthy, rearrange their furniture, and leave a note telling the owner that "The fat years have passed." These creative revolutionists are putting the wealthy on notice. They make the wealthy feel unsafe in their mega luxury homes, and put the wealthy on notice that their wealth should be shared more fairly. "The Edukator" method shakes the victims' sense of security. It also subtly points out the injustice of building a life of luxury on the backs, and with the blood and sweat of the poor and downtrodden.
This very politically charged and insightful film should open both the eyes and minds of viewers. Other reviewers seemed to completely miss the point of the film. Many considered it a cute little love story with "easy to dismiss" politics (Carina Chocano, Los Angeles Times). It's sad that those who report on films to the public can be so completely oblivious to the real intent of such a powerful and clearly political message. These blissfully ignorant reviewers are among those who most need to hear the message in this film. Yet all they see is a love story. The love story is, however, important. But it is secondary to the political message. It provides a strong emotional bond and connection between the three protagonists. Seeing this film will put you on the path to understanding. You should walk this path and live the message.
Take action, big or small, and make a positive difference in this world. If all you find in this film is a cute love story, then maybe you have a future as an LA Times movie critic. What to See *****
"The Edukators" makes a marvelous statement about socio-economic stratification. The story follows three young adults as they make a unique political statement, and call for change. They break into homes of the wealthy, rearrange their furniture, and leave a note telling the owner that "The fat years have passed." These creative revolutionists are putting the wealthy on notice. They make the wealthy feel unsafe in their mega luxury homes, and put the wealthy on notice that their wealth should be shared more fairly. "The Edukator" method shakes the victims' sense of security. It also subtly points out the injustice of building a life of luxury on the backs, and with the blood and sweat of the poor and downtrodden.
This very politically charged and insightful film should open both the eyes and minds of viewers. Other reviewers seemed to completely miss the point of the film. Many considered it a cute little love story with "easy to dismiss" politics (Carina Chocano, Los Angeles Times). It's sad that those who report on films to the public can be so completely oblivious to the real intent of such a powerful and clearly political message. These blissfully ignorant reviewers are among those who most need to hear the message in this film. Yet all they see is a love story. The love story is, however, important. But it is secondary to the political message. It provides a strong emotional bond and connection between the three protagonists. Seeing this film will put you on the path to understanding. You should walk this path and live the message.
Take action, big or small, and make a positive difference in this world. If all you find in this film is a cute love story, then maybe you have a future as an LA Times movie critic. What to See *****
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Jonathan Takagi
posted 5/05/09 @ 9:36 AM PST
It's sad that those who report on DVDs to the public can take fellow reviewers completely out of context. I haven't even seen The Edukators, but a quick search told me that the full quote is this:
"It's easy to dismiss the kids' politics, as Hardenberg does, as the whim and privilege of the under-30 set. (Continued…)
Post a Comment