Watched this movie last night to it's bleak conclusion. A story of redemption, grace and a return to violence. I know which character I would end up being as after all I am borderline bad guy remember and not just because I like De Niro as an actor. How many of us are strong enough to do what Iron's character did in the face of such evil men ?.
In the OT I guess to fight would have been right and fighting for the love of these innocent people against cowards who kill women and children and unarmed old men seems appropriate. As Mendoza lies dying from the weapon he made turned on him he watches Gabriel matyr himself and I can't help wondering who he thinks died the right death.
As a spectator you can easily answer this but what if this was your family being threatened ? Which character would you be ?
you know, theoretically, I'd be Irons's character, but in practise I might find myself with de Niro's character. interestingly, though, none of us think of ourselves in the Cardinal's soft velvety shoes, or the slave buyer's ; ).
Posted by: Alpha | October 27, 2004 at 06:44 PM
I love this movie.... the music of "Gabriel's theme" (that flute or panpipe instrumental) is superb. And the ending, oh! what an ending ...
Posted by: Sivin | October 27, 2004 at 05:35 PM