Some years ago, I started a tradition of watching “Children of Men” every November. I’m not even sure why. The dystopian landscape is one that might manifest ten minutes from now — the scariest kind. There’s a compelling story and an unbelievable cast, including one of my all time favorites — Clive Owen.
(From IMdB)
The first time I saw the film, the idea of immigrants in cages seemed a little far fetched. But now? One characters states: “Illegal immigrants — our government hunts them down like cockroaches.” To Americans, this no longer sounds like the stuff of fantasy.
The distribution of assets is spectacularly unfair, with most people living in drab utilitarian spaces or in squalor. And then there is the fact that no baby has been born in 18 years.
In 2007, a year after the movie was made, Roger Ebert reviewed the film and penned these lines, more relevant now than they were 12 years ago:
Often I fear it will all come to this, that the rule of law and the rights of men will be destroyed by sectarian mischief and nationalistic recklessness. Are we living in the last good times?
In rare and spooky synchronicity, The Boston Globe today featured an article about declining fertility rates.
After a respectable pause, it’ll be on to my holiday favorites, prime among them “The Last Holiday,” with Queen Latifah.
Do you have any movie traditions this time of year?
I’m sorry I don’t but since I haven’t seen either of the movies you’ve listed here I’ll be watching them soon.
I think they might both be on Netflix. We have them saved on a hard drive.
two films I have watched many times in this lifetime are ‘Performance’ and ‘Bladerunner’, the best film we have seen this year is Terry Gilliam’s ‘The Man Who Killed Don Quixote’, movies saved my dad’s life when he was a motherless child in Brooklyn, his older brother would take him to the movies every weekend, they fed his dreams…
I love Bladerunner, too and haven’t seen it in a while. The other two I’ve not heard of, so adding them to my list. Thank you.
Both my parents grew up in Brooklyn. With both parents, tho. My father’s father was known as the “fastest bricklayer in Brooklyn”. I never met him.
No movie traditions but I am traditional in what I watch on TV during the holidays: Listed below are programs that I would not ever think of missing at Christmas:
While almost all of my TV viewing is done on PBS, I never miss A Charlie Brown Christmas. Watched the first show on Dec. 9, 1965 and since then, I think I missed two years. It has been on well over 50 yrs. Our daughters (twins who are 49) still watch it every year and right after we call each other to sigh and talk about this heart warming program even though the spiritual aspect is not what holds it for us. Our grandchildren now wouldn’t think of missing it as well. Since moving to New Mexico and living in a small casita, I create what I call my Charlie Brown Christmas tree from the free box of Christmas tree trimmings at Home Depot.
On PBS, I look forward every year to Rick Steve’s European Christmas. He travels to Italy, England, Wales, Norway, Germany, Austria, France and Switzerland. How the holiday is celebrated in other countries via music, food, stories, traditions, has always been a fascination for me..
For several years now, we wouldn’t think of missing the Christmas episode of the British program, Call the Midwife that always airs on Christmas Day. This year my daughter, British son in law and 10 yr old twin granddaughter and twin grandson will be with us so of course, Call the Midwife will be watched by all.
Our local PBS channel has a wonderful program , Colores which showcases the arts and creative spirit in New Mexico. Since moving here, I never miss their Southwest Christmas.
Lastly, I love watching cooking snippets on You Tube and every night, starting Dec. 1st , I allow myself one or two episode of holiday foods and cooking; my version of opening an Advent calendar. I mainly enjoy watching British cooks Mary Berry, Delia Smith, Nigella Lawson, Jamie Oliver and absolutely love watching yearly episodes of River Cottage Christmas with Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall. Sometimes I will watch a few of Martha Stewart’s old 80’s Christmas programs as well.
So glad I posted about this because you’ve given me some more great ideas. I’ve watched Rick Steve but not his holiday special. Now I’ll look for it! As for Charlie Brown’s Christmas, because of this comment, I’m gonna watch it this year. It’s been a loooong time.
I’ve watched a LOT of The Great British Baking Show, including a recent holiday special with some returning contestants. Seen the holiday Master Classes, too. But A Christmas Call the Midwife? Who knew?
Thanks again!
PS I used to make a point of watching Its A Wonderful Life but don’t anymore.
Our traditional family Christmas movie is Galaxy Quest. (I know, not about Christmas.) We have all loved it for years and the boys and their dad are hilarious and merciless in their re-interpretations of the script. Mike draws heavily on his knowledge of the original Star Trek series. We all laugh ourselves silly.
Sounds super fun!
Dee, as far as “holiday” viewing goes…its all about the Grinch, any version. And James Stewart in Its a Wonderful Life. But I love me some intense “the future is now” stories. =I will check out both of these if I can find them. Thanks.
“Muppet Christmas Carol,” Tasha Tudor’s “Take Joy,” & the Christmas episode of an old BBC series, “The Good Life”.
Going to compile these suggestions!
Nah, I don’t think we do…but I do love Queen Latifah! Enjoy your viewing.
Her holiday movie is fun and upbeat while still addressing things like income inequality and corruption in politics.