Saturday, April 9, 2011
Machuca
Pedro and Gonzalo are two young children growing up in two very different worlds, yet the they are not all that different. Gonzalo is a rich child who goes to a private school, St Patricks which is made up of the wealthy, non-socialist children. He is kind, unselfish and seems as though he doesn't feel like he belongs. Pedro comes from a poor, socialist background, he has a strong character and is not afraid to stick up for himself. The two boys meet when St Patrick's integrates some of the poor children. As far as the interaction between the two children, I think they represent a sense of humanity and toleracne. While they are just children, society says they shouldn't be friends. Gonzalo is rich, goes to a private school, has lots of clothes and nice Adidas shoes. Pedro lives in the slums, with an out-house for a toilet and has to work to help support his family. They come from very different backgrounds. However, the two boys develop a companionship representing how human beings from different backgrounds can be civil and tolerant. I think tolerance, civility, humanity and compromise are key words that represent the main message of the film. While political differences tend to cause hostility between people, the bottom line is we are all human and need to respect one another even if we can't agree on political issues.
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I agree, our human nature and need for companionship transends race, religion, and political power. We should strive harder to end poverty on a global level. Children can lead the way by showing how much there is in common when they are allowed to be together.
ReplyDeleteI feel that Pedro and Gonzalo could have been friends for life had it not been for the interference of their parents, social classes and political uprisings. Looking at life through the eyes of innocent children, at such a young age they didn’t realize why they couldn’t be friends. They were each intrigued by the other one’s life. Gonzalo was in shock that not so far away from where he lived existed such poverty and harsh living conditions. Pedro was amazed at all the luxury that Gonzalo just took for granted. Pedro’s parents realized that Gonzalo would go off to college and get somewhere in life while Pedro would just end up living the same life they had lived. There was a very distinct difference between the rich and poor classes in Chile, it being very difficult to “climb out” of the poor class. I certainly agree with you that we are all human beings and we need to learn to respect each other. It is very unfortunate for people around the world today that are still living in such uncivil conditions.
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