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Reviews
Lions for Lambs (2007)
Advice for Today's Youth Generation
"Love it or leave it" would not be a motto supported by director Robert Redford and the makers of Hollywood film "Lions for Lambs"."Lions for Lambs" certainly does "love it" but not in the blind manner that the phrase insists upon. Reversing the reversed-patriotism that oozes out of every "support our troops" bumper sticker and "Patriot Act" supporting politician, "Lions for Lambs" calls for the restoration of public's consciousness of what being an American is supposed to be about.
Throughout the country, ignorance on social issues, local issues, national issues, and international issues is commonplace. Wrong, right, or neither, most Americans choose to ignore the issues and live life in political self-exile. In the film a student who is commonly absent from class, is given the option to never come to class again and receive a solid B grade. The student notes that any other kid would kill for such a deal, but he won't take it. The B grade represents the status quo, and taking it would be reaping in a false earning while not utilizing opportunity to participate, stealing and cheating in one motion. Of an earlier generation, a veteran journalist engages with a primary source about a secret military operation. Despite confrontation with the independent and truth exposing instincts of good journalism and the reality of her employment duties in the mainstream media, she ultimately gives in to writing a phony article empty of any honest or inspired reporting. Two minority college students, having volunteered for the army and representing the youth that are involved in the war, are dead fighting in Afghanistan. Arguing for the benefits of being part of the armed forces, the students embarked on the war with visions of future benefits and a calling from their country. With peers dead and the social infrastructure having a tight hold on the generation prior the film exits in the eyes of the college youth. "Did you pass? Did you pass?" The answer isn't given.
Redford has certainly studied history and knows its trends and direction. Does Redford believe his film will induce young people to take action against the cronies in power and choose better than the B grade? Definitely. His work will inspire many young people, including myself, and this is undoubtedly a great thing. Does he believe that his success in doing so will ultimately put an end to the corruption and horrors of our modern day? Maybe, and it shows he's trying.
The 11th Hour (2007)
Film superbly does its job as a social responsibility educator.
With the world economy expanding as it is bringing pollution along with it, combined with the lack of socially responsible leadership specifically in the forms of education and regulation, The 11th Hour superbly outlines the current status of our Earth's health, the movement to revive it, and a basis for the education that is needed to make necessary changes for a healthier planet. Much file footage is shown throughout the film that is sometimes not specifically discussed but does provide good visuals for the narration and speakers, which is the basis of the entire film. Although the production is a bit ADD (ie a screen cut every 1/2 to 1 second at times), the distress call for the environment and future of our world is clear. A 10/10 is deserved for this film for social responsibility and standing up against non-leadership while providing feasible options to reduce global climate change from the ground up.