Change Your Image
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Reviews
The American Society of Magical Negroes (2024)
Not a bad movie
I don't understand all the 1/10 reviews for this film. Although I am a middle-aged white guy, I didn't think this film was promoting racism against me. Rather, it was an exploration of a very real phenomenon - African-Americans sometimes "code-switch" or feel pressured to act differently when among a mostly-white crowd. And the reasons for these pressures have to do with prejudices - both subtle and overt - deeply ingrained in society.
I particularly enjoyed Justice Smith's performance in this film. He very well portrayed a young man with low self-esteem finding his voice and his power. He also discovers that only doing what it takes to survive (the way the American Society operates) can also harm his sense of self, even preclude him from pursuing a relationship. Life involves taking risks, and a pure focus on survival (the way the American Society works its magic) can lead to missed opportunities - in work and in love.
Some other reviews focus on feelings of "discomfort" during the movie. To me, that was the entire point! Racism and race relations are inherently uncomfortable topics, especially for those who aren't involved in civil rights activism.
I think fewer people would be racist if they were to experience that discomfort, because out of that is borne empathy for others.
We Don't Deserve Dogs (2020)
Travelogue with dogs, touches on some disturbing things
I highly recommend this film. It will take you to Europe, Africa, Asia, North and South America and show you how people of different cultures relate to dogs.
Do we, as humans, deserve to have dogs in our lives? Depending on where you go, dogs give emotional support, herd sheep, find rare truffles, or hang out in pubs. Some cultures pamper "community" dogs; others neglect strays.
Other reviews have criticized this film unfairly due to a segment filmed in Vietnam, where some people view dogs as livestock - as a food source. This is presented realistically but not for shock value. We do not see the moment a dog is slaughtered for food, but we do see a carcass and meat being prepared. The film reveals a puzzling duality; in Vietnam, people view some dogs as beloved pets, but "native" dogs as a source of food. If you are especially disturbed that some people in Asia eat dog meat, then what does that say about people who eat beef (taboo in India), pork (taboo in the Middle East), chicken, goat, deer, etc.? There are people who have an affinity for each of these animals and wouldn't dream of them ending up on the dinner table.
Dog meat is not the only disturbing theme in this film. Even more heartbreaking is a segment in Uganda, in which people who survived the atrocities of war, only to be shunned in peacetime. Dogs helped them heal and re-integrate into society.
What I took away from this film is that dogs are a gift to humanity, and it is up to us to treat them well. I gave my pups extra treats and belly rubs after seeing "We Don't Deserve Dogs."