By Itty Okopide
I don’t think there is anyone who does not love movies. I am not just in love with the idea of seeing movies, I am in love with art. Movie is art.
What role do movies play in culture? Culture is generally a way of life and these movies can tell us a lot about culture, not just that, movies have always depicted the past, present and the future by capturing our values and beliefs. Today, we are living for these iconic movies whose themes depict a thorough interpretation of life. These movies, everyone should see.
- THE KITE RUNNER
“For you, a thousand times over” a phrase which delivered an unexplainable warmth in this 2007 American film based on the 2003 novel of same name written by Khaled Hosseini. Set against a backdrop of events such as the devastating tragedy of the people of Afghanistan, the outcome of war, and indescribable loyalty, the movie tells the story of a young boy who is tormented by the guilt of abandoning his dear friend. Those who read the novel maintain that the movie failed at portraying the true sense of regrets and suffering which was the heart and soul of the novel, however, the magic that reigns in this movie cannot be explained. The movie received generally positive reviews despite its religious viewpoints, sexual references and use of offensive language. As of September 2021, the movie still holds a 65% approval on Rotten Tomatoes.
2. BEASTS OF NO NATION
With an average rating of 7.85/10, 92% approval on Rotten Tomatoes, and a Marcello Mastroianni award, this American-Ghanaian war drama tells a story of a young child soldier manoeuvre through life as his country experiences horrific civil war. What are the effects of war on its combatants? Which memories keep you going and focused? What must I do to survive? are questions this movie, an adaptation of Nigerian-American author, Uzodinma Iweala’s novel seeks to answer.
3. THE REVENANT
The movie was inspired by a true life story of Hugh Glass. Hugh Glass was an American fur trapper, frontiersman, hunter, and explorer. He is best known for his story of survival and forgiveness after being left to die by his companions after he was attacked by a grizzly bear. Leonardo DiCaprio stars as the protagonist of the movie who portrays indescribable strength, eagerness to seek revenge while still being subject to racism and betrayal. The movie has and average rating of 8/10, has won several awards, and even fetched Leonardo an Oscar for Best Actor (Motion Picture and Drama).
So, in one word, tell us why these movies aren’t worth seeing? Till we meet again next week.
