Y Mama tu Tambien!

I wasn't surprised when I saw the film that was about teenagers having sex, using drugs, and drinking alcohol. Teenagers are faced with these decisions everyday. It is not uncommon at all. I know there are groups against destructive decisions for teenagers in America, but I don't know if they are available in other parts of the world. The film did have nudity, but prehaps the film wouldn't of given the same impression and affect to the audience without it. It showed the real lifestyle that teenagers live everyday, and many filmmakers try to hide parts of the truth such as the sex. Parents are sometimes nieve as to what their children are really doing and don't realize it until the children get into too much trouble. Many parents believe their children are perfect angels and even when they know they are not, parents don't discipline them or get them the right help. It's a stage many teenagers go through.

The Hispanic family traditions was throughout the film, with the big birthday party in the beginning of the film, and with the family ties at the end with Luisa. The boys taking a road trip to the beach is very common for teenagers and young adults. In America, teenagers and young adults go on Spring Break without parental supervision. The end was sad. I was disappointed that Louisa died, but at the same time I expected it. It is uncommon for a girl of such young age to die of cancer. It was sad that the boys ended their long friendship, but I guess they did what they felt that they had to do.

A little point about the class itself... I enjoyed taking this class. I did dread taking it at first, because I took a film class last quarter, but it was interesting learning about the Spanish/Hispanic culture again. It's been awhile since I took a Spanish class, so it felt good to be able to recognize some of the language used.

Tara McFadden

El Viaje de Carol

El Viaje de Carol was interesting, because we did not have subtitles throughout the film, and had to rely on the actions and responses of the characters to understand the film. The film had romance, suspense, sadness, and drama. Carol is a twelve year old American girl, that has a tom-boy style. She has short hair, wears overalls and jeans. She doesn't dress up like the other girls, except for special occasions such as her birthday. Carol's father is in the military fighting the Spanish Civil War. Carol lives with her Mother, Aurora. Aurora took Carol to Spain for the first time, to visit Spain. Aurora's family, is unaware of her sickness and dies. Carol is left in care of her grandfather and aunt. Carol relies on her grandfather, Maruja, and the support from friends to deal with her mother's death. Carol is a strong mature girl for entering her teenage years. She is forced to deal with the loss of her mother and boyfriend, and is in a new country without her father. Carol is considered antisocial by the Spanish society. For example, the Catholic Church categorizes her as a Protestant.



Carol fights with learning the Spanish culture first by standing up against the boys that we picking on her. After Tomiche steals her hat, Carol kicks him to get it back. Tomiche and Carol become friends and quickly fall in love with eachother. Carol even kisses Tomiche first. She makes friends with this small group of kids. They influence her by having her try cigarrettes. She also rebells when she sneaks out of the house after being punished by her aunt. With the help of Maruja, Carol is able to send her father a letter to contact him. Robert responds by sending her a package on her birthday, with an airplane and letter. Robert is able to find Carol, and they are very happy to see eachother. The military men hurt Tomiche and he dies after being shot. The military captures Robert. Robert and Carol hope to one day be reunited. The film ends with Carol and her Grandfather in the car leaving, and she waves goodbye to the boys. Magic realism is in this part as she sees Tomiche wave goodbye for one last time.

Even though I didn't understand the language, I understood the film through the characters and found the film to be very moving.

Volver!

Volver, is an interesting film in regards to death and women. The film is a tribute to women, because they are portrayed strong and powerful. The women in this film stand up for themselves and their daughters by killing, compared to the other films we have seen. Paula killed her father after he attempts to rape her, and Raimunda disposes of his body to protect her daughter. Irene also protected her daughter by killing her husband and his mistress, because he was raping Raimunda. Irene then went in hiding to protect herself. The ability for these women to deal with the death of their husbands, to protect their daughters is very brave. Raimunda is a very strong character for she delt with sexual abuse her whole life, and raised her daughter with love. Even though her daughter to come to find out is also her sister, because she was raped by her father.

The first superstitious beliefs is the cleaning of the graves and keeping them well kept. It seemed normal in their culture. Also, that in their culture they believe the dead can return and don't think anything of it. Irene pretended to be her own ghost for years, and no one questioned her as she was spotted around town. Sole let her live with her and work at the beauty shop. In the end, Irene was able to repair her relationship with Raimunda and Irene made it up to Agustina by taking care of her.

Tara McFadden

Guantanamera!

Guantanamera!

Guantanamera was not my favorite film, but it was not horrible. I probably wouldn't watch it again. I find the Hispanic and Cuban culture in this film are vivid throughout, for example the cars, driving, food, and decorations inside the cars and houses. I also found it interesting how people hitchhike like it is nothing. In America, it's very dangerous and against the law. People in Hispanic culture, seem to hitchhike all the time and put their life in a stranger's hand.

I find it very degrading that the men hit the women all the time. The use of domestic violence is very common, and in the few movies we have seen the women eventually stand up for themselves, but in the real world do they really stand up against the men? The machoism that the male figures have is completely against what I believe. I don't think a man should tell a woman how to dress, act, and hit her. In America, women fought for their rights and society has come a long way compared to the early 1990's. I hope that Hispanic and Cuban culture make further advancements in women's rights.

This doesn't have to do with the Hispanic culture, but I would like to point out that Hispanic films have people die in the strangest ways. I think it is so werid that Candido died from seeing the man in the coffin and that Yoyita died when they finally were able to be together. It was the same for Like Water for Chocolate, with love causing death. I don't understand the point of it. Where are the happy endings? Why does someone always have to die for love?

Tara McFadden

THE OFFICIAL STORY!

The Official Story was a good movie, but I was very disappointed in the end. I wanted to find out what happened with Gaby and Alicia. Was Sara really Gaby's Grandmother or not? Would Alicia take Gaby and go live with her or leave Roberto and Gaby?

The movie began with this happy family living their dream. Alicia, a history teacher, had adopted a beautiful girl, Gaby, five years ago, and raised her as her own. It was only after Ana told Alicia her story of being kidnapped, and abused that Alicia began to question if Gaby was stolen from her parents. As Alicia attempts to uncover her daughter's mysterious past, that her husband keeps from her, she begins to question her whole life. Alicia just wants what is best and right for Gaby, even if that means losing her husband and daughter. The film ends with Alicia walking out the door from Roberto, leaving the audience to wonder what will happen to Gaby.

Alicia was hopeful in the fact that she could find out the answers to Gaby's past. Just like Alicia, Sara was hopeful, along with the other people trying to find their families, and putting a stop to the crimes. Roberto was hopeful that Alicia would never find out about his position in the government, and became hopeless after realizing there was nothing he could do to keep Alicia from wondering about his daughter's past and his envolvement in the government. I belive Ana was hopeful to get her life back to normal, and cope with her unfortunate past.

I was hoping for light at the end of the tunnel, but I don't think the film gave it. I think they just left you in your seat wondering what was going to happen next, like they would for a part two film, without the second part. Like I said I was disappointed, but I did enjoy the film very much.

Tara McFadden

Like Water for Chocolate

The power of love are the words that come to my mind after seeing Like Water for Chocolate. I loved the movie! It was so powerful! I couldn't believe that they both didn't marry each other when Tita's Mother died, and then when they finally did get together they died.

Tita, this wonderful cook and beautiful woman. All she wants in life is to be with Pedro, but because of the tradition her family has she is supposed to take care of her mother and never marry.

Pedro, is this young, handsome man that would do anything to be close to Tita. Like she said in the film, "You should've just kidnapped me!" That would've been better than him marrying her older sister.

Mama Elena was a selfish, mean Mother. Why couldn't she of just lived with Tita and Pedro. Then I couldn't believe that her mother suggested that Pedro marry Rosaura.



I thought the story of the matches was interesting. When they were younger, I felt like the matches were lit one by one, and then he married Tita's sister, putting them back out. Then when they finally could be together all the matches were lit at once causing the passion to so intense that he dies, and she then kills herself. Didn't the writer know that love story were suppose to happily ever after ending, not a tragedy?

Magic Realism was throughout the whole film. Tita's love for Pedro was expressed in her cooking. She put all her love into her cooking, because she couldn't for Pedro. One being that when she cried into the cake while baking. Every guest at the wedding, cried while eating the cake. Then, there was the rose sauce. The sauce was made from the roses Pedro bought Tita. The rose sauce was so powerful and flavorful, causing Pedro and Tita to make love through the taste of the sauce. Tita's sister, Gertrudia, was in the shower when her love took over her body making her jump naked on a horse and run away with a man. When Tita is depressed and living with Dr. Brown, the bowl of soup magically heals her depression that she has. It was the power of cooking that emotions were expressed by the characters.



Tara McFadden

The Motorcycle Diaries!

Motorcycle Diaries was an excellent film; portraying a trip Ernesto Guevara took with his friend, Alberto Granado. Together they traveled from Buenos Aires to Venezula. Their adventure begins with a stop at Ernesto’s girlfriend’s home and ends at a hospital in San Pablo. Along the way, they overcome the obstacles of having hunger, lack of shelter, being broke, and only having a motorcycle for part of the trip.

There many scenes throughout the film that helped shape his personality as a future leader. I think the most influential scene would be when Ernesto and Alberto meet the poor couple that had to leave the son behind to find work. The police and rich people began taking over land from many landowners, forcing families to split up and live in poverty. Ernesto gave the fifteen dollars that his girlfriend gave him, to the poor couple. Ernesto realizes the couple needs the money far more than he does.

Another influential scene is when he works at the leper community. Ernesto took care of the people who lived on the land. He befriended them and earned their trust by not wearing gloves. It was after they brought him food, when the Nun told him he was not going to be served and when they celebrated his, that he realizes how much they care about him as well. Ernesto makes his first political speech during his birthday toast.

Ernesto Guevara, later know as Che Guevara became an influential leader in the revolution in Latin America. He was loyal to his family, friends, patients, and to the poverty of Latin America. I believe that throughout his lifetime he personally touched many lives, after reading about his life and seeing Motorcycle Diaries.


~Tara McFadden

Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown!

Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown!

Let me start off with the fact that this is the strangest movie by far that I have ever seen. I liked it, but at the same time throughout the film I was thinking, what in the world are these women doing? The craziness left me in awe, but at the same time I'm sure women go crazy like this at times over men in all countries. Maybe not to this exaggeration, but I'm sure they do. Now I am not saying men don't either, because I know men have their crazy moments too. I just haven't seen a Spanish-speaking film about it. The exaggeration makes the film so crazy and funny!

I think in all cultures, women are driven crazy by men. I think the feelings are over-reacted by every actor in the film. The actions were above, beyond and taken to the extreme. For example, who tries to commit suicide, because their friend says we will talk about your problem in a little while because I have a guest? SERIOUSLY!! I know that Pepa kept pushing her off, but still. Also, do you really need two guns to kill one guy? I love the hairdo that Lucia has from the motorcycle ride.

In American comedies, women try to get back their men. Women will take some actions such as cry, eat ice cream, throw all the man's clothes out the window, and then go extreme by getting into Harvard to win back your man, like in Legally Blonde. As I think about it, a lot of recent American comedies, the men are chasing after the women, such as What Women Want, and Wedding Crashers. In the film, Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, the women did whatever they could to get revenge and peace of mind, even if it meant destroying their own place, going to jail, or drugging people.

I think the difference between Spanish America and women in Spanish Europe would be that the women might be more outgoing sexually in Europe. I think the culture in Spain and Mexico is "hotter" compared to America, which effects actions of women. I know I would not just let strangers into my home for a whole day. The women in this film are powerful and filled with rage; nothing was going to stop them from the craziness Ivan caused.

Tara McFadden

Machuca

I believe the film, Machuca, was different. It was interesting on the fact that it was a subtitled film (which I am still getting use to), but it had politics in it. I have trouble following politics in English, let alone reading the subtitles and trying to understand it all. At one point, I was unsure if the the protests were for or against communism. Even though I thought the film was confusing at times, I still enjoyed it. Family is very important in the Spanish-speaking community. I admire the relationships that they have with their families. I wish my family would take the appreciate each other as other cultures do. I found it interesting to see the culture and social issues between the two boys.

Gonzalo and Pedro were from two different worlds, but that didn't stop their friendship. At some point in the film, they each defended each other against others; it didn't matter if the boys were at school, with their families or in public. I was disappointed in the end, when their friendship ended.

The social classes were completely different. The rich lived in homes, worn nice clothes, and had housekeepers. The poor families, including the children, worked very hard for the little they had. Their homes were not sanitary in any way, and they barely had enough food to feed the family. The poor lived in a small community and couple different families could be living under the same roof.

One message I received from the film is to appreciate not only the roof over my head, and the ability to feed my family and provide security, but also to appreciate America. Most Americans take advantage of what we have here, not to mention myself. When I went to Maya Riviera, Mexico last year, we went though the poverty to get to our resort. It was scary to see the police with assault rifles walking down the street and stopping random people. I know the movie was from 1973, but there are many places in this world where people are suffering and fighting for their freedom. I think schools in America need to teach children and teenagers more about other life styles in the third world countries, so they would have a better understanding on how lucky they are to be in America.

Machuca wasn't a bad film in my opinion; it just won't make the top list of my favorite films.
~Tara McFadden~

Under the Same Moon!

I believe the movie was titled, Under the Same Moon, because in the phone conversation she tells him that he will always be close to her because they are under the same moon. I think it was a way of them connecting together even though they were so far apart. I think it is an excellent title to the film. I really enjoyed it and will definately watch again. It was great hearing everyone's responses. It was very interesting and blogging is definately a new aspect to learning. Thanks for all the great comments! See you in class!

La Misma Luna 3/30/2010

My reponse to La Misma Luna Questions:

Rosario left her son in Mexico to be with his Granny, to find a better life in America for him. Opportunities are available in America and it is very difficult for an illegal immigrant to get a VISA for one person, let alone a mother and son. Rosario had the intention of obtaining her VISA and then bringing her son into America, so he can live the life of opportunity. It was difficult for Rosario to find work as an illegal immigrant, which took the process of saving money and paying for a lawyer longer.

I think this was a very hard decision for Rosario to make. She wants to provide the best life for Carlito, but is limited on time due to her mother being sick. As a mother, she is faced with the decision to be there for him as a child or leave him to get into America, to make his future a better life. For Carlito, this is very hard to understand, because he doesn't think about the future; he misses and wants his mother now.

Carlito was lonely without his mother, and he had never met his father, so the only person he had was his Granny. Carlito's Granny was very sick and he took care of her on a daily basis. Carlito's neighbors (who turn out to be his Aunt Joseana and Uncle Manuel), place pressure on Carlito to come live with them. Carlito works with Carmen to save money for his future. His highlight of the week is waiting for Rosario's phone call from a phone booth.

Rosario decision was one of the toughest decisions she has had to make in her life. She missed Carlito, and he was her life. She would do anything she could to make his life better for him, even if that meant sneaking into America and working illegally. Rosario was taken advantage of, and did not have the same rights as Americans because she was an immigrant. Rosario might have been thousands of miles away from Carlito's but she worked every second for him. She pushed aside the chance of meeting a man and falling in love to concentrate on saving her money. Carlito was her world and she was determined to be a good mother by providing him with better opportunities.

I don't think a mother in the United States would have to make the same choice, unless in extreme circumstances, such as placing the child in danger if she didn't leave the country. Some Americans do not realize that in other countries food, water, shelter, education, medicine, and not to mention out luxury items such as cars, well-paid jobs, colleges, shopping stores are not available to everyone. At this time, American's have the opportunity to go anywhere in the fifty states to find a better life. I do believe that anywhere in the world, mothers do what is best for their children. It is a mothers natural instinct to protect her offspring in any and every way possible. I don't think American mothers would be faced with this decision in particular, but are faced with other difficult decisions to make.