I missed this movie when it came out in 2007, but I’m glad that I finally got to see it during this Independence Day holiday (a great kick in the teeth). This production is a timely and powerful reminder of what we’re going through in this country, and the forces that are in play at controlling our world. It’s not a conspiracy movie, because it’s been happening in the background of our lives. And now we’re beginning to see the evidence of the fallout from this dangerous “game” (Libor, global market collapse, Euro-crisis, and on and on).
Robert Redford has some amazing company in this movie (here’s the Wiki page so that you can see), but it’s the message that this movie portrays that is really so powerful. I’m not a fan of Tom Cruise, but he plays the perfect politician-type (you can guess why) who’s obsessed with the greatness of America. Robert Redford and Meryl Streep play the disillusioned counterparts (a college professor and a journalist who’ve seen too much to be fooled any longer) who are trying to figure out how to make a difference in a world whose feet are firmly planted in the path of the status quo. But no matter how hard they try, the establishment has a way of letting reality grab the inspired (in this case, two brilliant college students who enter the military to fight from within) by the throat and bleed. The ending is climactic because there is always another hopeful youth to take the place of those who lose against the norm.
I’m not sure why this movie got bad reviews because it was deeply thought-provoking. Considering where we’re currently at with bank failures, out-of-control war mongering, and corruption at a level not seen since the Robber Baron days, this movie should be required viewing for everyone. There are no clear cut answers – only evidence of catastrophic problems that are engulfing the globe. It’s not the time to just go out and vote, then hope for change. It’s time to be part of the change, no matter how painful the involvement will be.
Here’s one of the most powerful moments of the movie (and there’s a lot of them):
Do yourself a favor and watch this movie if you haven’t. It’s that powerful because it makes you think.
