Change Your Image
jeunet97
Reviews
Noam Chomsky: Rebel Without a Pause (2003)
Really interesting and well done.
This is a really interesting perspective on Noam Chomsky that I haven't seen before. Chomsky is one of the most out-spoken critics of the US and it's government and this film really showcases him in his element. The film is broken into chapters on various issues with Chomsky discussing the issues with students and other intellectuals. This I thought was a really interesting because I have never really seen Chomsky engaged in debate with other people. It's funny how he challenges people on their views and is patient enough to listen to others try and attack his in return. Even at his age, his mind is as sharp as a knife and you can see him formulating in his mind his rebuttal to others comments. And when he unleashes his response it's often to the point and accurate (and right). I read somewhere that "Rebel Without A Pause" is the title Bono from U2 gave Chomsky and it's very appropriate. Having not seen any one else with the encyclopedic knowledge of Chomsky, it's easy to see why his is one of the great minds of the 20th century. It's sad that more people don't hear his views these days as they are really on the mark. And with what looks like an Iraq war made on false pretenses (of which Chomsky already suggests in this film which was made BEFORE the war happened) you can see how he's still ahead of the game. This is a great film and if you can find it in a indy theatre or on tv you should check it out because you'll be learning a bit more about the world you live in in the process.
Whale Rider (2002)
Brilliant
Saw this film twice and it is better the second time! The Maori culture is fascinating. Having lived in New Zealand I know a bit about it and Whale Rider is a fascinating journey into the trials of a broken village and the saviour who rides in to save them (simple but that is the plot in a nutshell). Very interesting with excellent performances. The children are especially strong as is the grandfather and "tribal leader" of the village. This is a nice counterpoint to "Once Were Warriors" (another NZ film that deals with life in the Maori culture). In "Whale Rider" the points are more subtle but not any less relevant. "Whale Rider" is a wonderful journey of discovery. I wish we made more films like this in Canada celebrating our own native peoples.