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| Photo Credit: trailers.apple.com |
I was very excited to see this movie. The trailer made it look awesome, and the movie did not disappoint. I'm someone who has several cops in my family, and my older sister, who I've lived side by side with for most of my life, has been trying to become one for years. Because of this, I LOVE cops and respect them more than I can say. More than that, I respect the law. A lot. Therefore, by extension, I love and respect those who both enforce and uphold the law.
So, you can imagine I wouldn't be a huge fan of movies, books, etc. that show police officers in a negative light. Don't get me wrong: I know corruption exists in every profession out there. No doubt there are at least a few dishonest or power-tripping cops, but trust me--TRUST ME--this is the exception, not the rule. Many people, including the media, would like us to believe that most cops are douche bags (*claps hand over mouth in shame for bad language*) but this is simply not true. As someone who's met a lot of them, I have it on good authority. Most officers of the law are more decent individuals than most, not less. They have the utmost respect for the law and for humanity.
I think this movie portrayed all of this very well. In the opening shot, we see a chase from the POV of a police dash cam, and
Jake Gyllenhaal's voice speaks over it, explaining that, because it's their job, the law requires the cops to chase the criminals and bring them to justice. It's not personal. It's their job. It's what we as tax payers and citizens of the United States ask them to do every day. And it's much more dangerous than most of our jobs are.
The film shows that cops are human beings going about their daily jobs, nothing more. (Albeit ones willing to risk their lives at their daily jobs for perfect strangers, but I won't beat it to death. I promise.) They can make mistakes, and they have the same emotions as anyone else when they see tragedy, violence, or injustice on their streets. They are also parents, spouses, and siblings, just like anyone else. The film also shows the loyalty partners have to one another, and how necessary it is in a brutally dangerous place like South Central L.A. (Not that most of you would, anyway, but DON'T move there, okay? Holy crap what a scary place to live!)
I loved the picture this painted of the police--as Joe cops, just trying to work, make a living, raise their families, and make the world a little bit safer place. It was a beautiful story, albeit tragic, and I'm not ashamed to tell you I cried at the end. The plot, characters, and action were awesome!
This movie is a solid R. The violence isn't over-the-top, although I think a few people get it in the face, and there was a part where they found a bunch of dismembered bodies, which was pretty gross. The language is very heavy. First Responders are infamous for their colorful speech, and this movie was not conservative in it's colorful metaphors. Enough said? There was nothing at all sexual in it, which I found refreshing.
If you don't mind the content, and like a very realistic, touching story that favors the blue uniform, I would highly recommend this film! Here's to all the hard-working heroes that keep our cities safe! :D
WELCOME TO THOUGHTS FOR THURSDAY!
Thoughts for Thursday is a new meme hosted by Musings on Fantasia and LKHill. In this meme, we share thoughts or quotes that we know or have recently come across. Each week there is a specific subject or theme. These can be quotes from books, quotes by famous people, (quotes by YOU, perhaps ;D). Anything from anywhere is game, though we do ask that you keep your quote to a few sentences at most. Don't quote, for example, entire passages of a book or essay. These can be funny quips, cool sayings, hair-raising antidotes, movie lines, any kind of quote you can think of!
Readers may respond by either commenting on the quotes I put forward or contributing a quote of their own. I'll include a linky list, or you can just respond in the comments. (Didn't do this this week but I'll start linkys up again next week. Just comment and if you want to participate, put a link to your blog in your comment! Thanks! :D)
Just have fun, collect awesome sayings by awesome people, and try to be inspired!
In keeping with my movie review, this week's theme is justice.
"True peace is not just the absence of tension; it is the presence of justice." --Martin Luther King, Jr.
"Justice without force is powerless; force without justice is tyrannical." --Blaise Pascal
"The fight for justice against corruption is never easy. It never has been and never will be. It exacts a toll on our self, our families, our friends, and especially our children. In the end, I believe, as in my case, the price we pay is well worth holding on to our dignity." --Frank Serpico
"Knowledge without justice ought to be called cunning rather than wisdom." --Plato
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Martin Luther King, Jr.
Photo Credit: nobelprize.org |
I LOVE the first one by Martin Luther King, Jr. It's one of my all-time favorite quotes. To me, it's the reason why "world peace" isn't the answer. Of course, most people are kidding when they suggest this, but it just isn't realistic. There will always be conflict. (Let's face it: if there wasn't, all of us fiction writers would be out of a job!) But despite the fact that there will always be conflict, as long as justice is present in our society, we can still have peace. So cool!
What do YOU think? Which one do you like best? Do you have a quote about justice you'd like to share? Happy Thursday, Everyone! :D
