POLITICAL FILM SOCIETY NOMINEES OF BEST FILMS FOR 2012 ANNOUNCED
Usually presidential election years bring dozens of feature films nominated for raising political consciousness among film audiences. Not so in 2012. Political documentaries appeared in droves, but so few feature films raised issues about politics that the task of Political Film Society members to select the best of the year has been simplified to a choice between a few very excellent movies.
Two films raise consciousness about DEMOCRACY:
Lincoln demonstrates what one president did to tame an unruly Congress that was thinking of constituents rather than slaves No surprise!
Promised Land offers a town meeting in which residents must choose between breakup of their community and environment versus an opportunity for a quick buck promised by a smart talker
The best EXPOSÉ films, bringing new political facts to light, are as follows:
Argo reveals how some U.S. diplomats were secretly saved while others were held hostage in Iran.
Compliance is a true story about public gullibility à la Stanley Milgram’s famous experiments.
For Greater Glory reveals how a Christian force fought an atheist dictator in México in the 1920s.
Lula, Son of Brazil is a biopic about the rise of the famous leader from poverty to the presidency.
Mulberry Child is a biopic about why survivors of the Cultural Revolution need family support.
The best films on HUMAN RIGHTS:
For Greater Glory shows why the right to practice one’s religion is a basic human right.
Mulberry Child shows the suffering experienced during the Cultural Revolution in Mao’s China.
Red Tails portrays how Blacks gained the right to fight in combat in World War I and triumphed.
A Royal Affair shows how Denmark impressed Voltaire by banning censorship, torture, etc.
West of Thunder reminds Americans of the tragic deaths at Wounded Knee, etc.
The best films on PEACE:
War of the Buttons shows how foolish violent conflict can be, even among adolescents.
West of Thunder shows an aggressive American that reconciliation is better than revenge.
In the next newsletter, a ballot will be provided to vote on the nominees. Meanwhile, now is the time to see the films so that informed judgments can be made.