Is There Any Need To Make Such Films?

[anotheoldgit]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2415405/12-Years-Slave-Audiences-gasp-walk-Oscar-tipped-film-giving-ovation.html

We all know that such things happened during the times of slavery, but should such graphic films be made, as I am sure they do nothing to foster good race relations?

There were also many horrific things carried out by black persons against the whites in past times, but could anyone envisage a film showing such happenings ever being made as well as directed by a white person?

[jackthehat]

Yes, there is.

[woofgang]

Its simple, if you don't approve of it, don't watch it. I would rather see truthful films being made than sex and violence being used to entertain.

[jomifl]

They might foster understanding which wouldn't be a bad thing.

[youngmafbog]

Only if it is impartial and does not stir up racial hatred, either way.

The problem is of course it will never be impartial because the directors that make this sort of film usually have some sort of left wing agenda, so you are hardly likely to see extreme violence by non whites.

[andy-hughes]

Without sight of the finished film, it is not possible to make a reasoned assessment of this film, but 'Is There Any Need To Make Such Films'?

Absolutely there is.

Any film which paints an accurate historical picture is a worthwile endeavour, and we should not shrink from uncomfortable subject matter.

As to the justification of the violent treatment of slaves by their white oppressors - again that requires a viewing to comment properly.

"There were also many horrific things carried out by black persons against the whites in past times, but could anyone envisage a film showing such happenings ever being made as well as directed by a white person?"

Well I could.

The issue is not that the oppressors were white and the director is black - that is in my view taking a simplistic view of a compex subject.

Should any white director select a piece of history - and there are plenty to choose from - check Mugabe's history as a simple example - that involves oppression of white people by black people, then that would merit examination, and to be based on its merits as a film - which is what this is - it is not advancing itself as a pamphlet for race relations.

I am capable of accepting that horrible wrongs have been done to all race by all races through the ages - if i thought that this film would inflame any sense of injustice to be avenged by current black citizens against white citizens, then i would look to me upbringing and education - if such attitudes are exacerbated bt a feature film, then something has gone seriously wrong somewhere.

That approach would also inform my thinkin if the hypothetical film was made about black oppression of white people.

I don't obtain my cultural and political mindset from feature films - the fact that some people do should never be a barrier to films being made - that way lies a facist state..

[Mamyalynne]

I think that films based on Historical facts and memoirs will always be made despite the nature of their topic, would not like to think censorship would raise its head.

[andy-hughes]

youngmafbog -

"The problem is of course it will never be impartial because the directors that make this sort of film usually have some sort of left wing agenda, so you are hardly likely to see extreme violence by non whites."

Ever thought of setting up a cultural website to expand your views - you could call it Sweeping-unfounded-knee-kerk-statements-are-us.com!

[emmie]

you should have watched the documentary on last evening about the demise of Detroit, and the one the other day about the abysmal condition of some southern states in USA, not so much an eye opener, but the treatment of blacks in USA then and in some parts now should be a national disgrace. And i haven't mentioned our involvement in the wretched slave trade as yet.

[jno]

I love youngmafbog's idea that a film should be impartial

"Hamlet II - Claudius Gives His Side of the Story"

"Captain Hook's Secret Tragedy"

"Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs and a Vegetarian Option"

[emmie]

i totally dislike over violent films, i can't sit through through blood and gore pouring out of everyone, having said that if you listen to the Billy Holiday song called Strange Fruit, about the lynching and hanging of blacks in USA by the KKK, you get the message loud and clear.

[hc4361]

Does it show the initial transaction between the tribe leader and slave ganger, when the slave was first sold in to slavery by his tribe or a rival tribe?

[jno]

he was born a free man in America, hc4361.

[anotheoldgit]

A certain Congolese man living in Belgium has tried for the past four years (unsuccessfully I mighty add), to get the book 'Tin Tin in the Congo' banned, because of its demeaning portrayal of African characters.

http://nimg.sulekha.com/entertainment/thumbnailfull/bienvenu-mbutu-mondondo-2011-9-30-4-50-53.jpg

[emmie]

not sure i see the connection

[jackthehat]

You might want to get someone to hang onto your legs, AOG...........

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ft7O4MzlbVw/TjCsRM2rRFI/AAAAAAAAASY/wdMzEkiGsIs/s400/bottom2Bof2Bbarrel.jpg

[sandyRoe]

Did Capt Hook really have a secret tragedy? You'd have to hand it to him, he hid it well.

[jake-the-peg]

Executions, murders and graphic floggings on screen here too:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0335345/

[emmie]

i wouldn't sit through that, nor many films of today, either too violent, too sexually graphic, and in some cases just too juvenile for my tastes

[andy-hughes]

AOG - "Question Author

A certain Congolese man living in Belgium has tried for the past four years (unsuccessfully I mighty add), to get the book 'Tin Tin in the Congo' banned, because of its demeaning portrayal of African characters."

Apologies, but I also fail to see the connection - care to elucidate? Thanks.

[sp1814]

AOG

Are you REALLY asking whether a film which looks to land a couple of Brits with Oscar nominations should have been made?

A film which is already garnering praise from critics?

Do you want to live in a world in which art can only be made if it doesn't ruffle feathers?

Should Holocaust films be banned as well?

No Oscar for Life Is Beautiful then.

And put back your award Mr Spielberg, because 'Schindler's List' might offend non-Jews.

I say let's wait for the film to come out, and if it's as good as some are saying we should celebrate this British success, rather than finding something to complain about...