Author Archives: Joanne Li

Dystopian Reality

Posted on by

“What Happened to Monday” is an enjoyable, plot-twisting dystopian film in which overpopulation results in a one-child policy. Though the movie takes place in the future in 2043, its not as far from reality as it seems.

My parents and I immigrated from China when I was two years old. Only recently did China adopt the two-child policy. At this time I was born, China’s one-child policy was strictly enforced. Though there’s more a stigma against having daughters in China, as educated individuals, my parents were overjoyed to be having a daughter, knowing that they wouldn’t be able to have a son. Half a year after I was born, my parents found out my mother was pregnant again. In other circumstances, they would have happily had the child. Unfortunately, this pregnancy was not received as a blessing. When you have more than one child in China, the children do not have citizenship, healthcare, and also are unable to attend school. My parents thought about the kind of life the child would have and decided against having the kid and had an abortion in China.

Thankfully, we moved to America soon after and my mom became pregnant two years after with my little brother. I’ve always wondered what it would be like to have a bigger family and thought about the what-ifs.

Problems of Characterization

Posted on by

I walked into “Patriot’s Day” with low expectations. I find that my opinions of movies usually match best with the Google reviews, however high the critics’ reviews may be. But this time, I was pleasantly surprised by how at odds my impression of the movie was from the other laypeople. Patriot’s Day was able to present a fictionalized version based closely on the actual events of the Boston Marathon Bombing in 2013.

What I found most interesting in the film was its characterization of actual people. Though I’ve seen many films that have characterized actual people–“Jackie” about Jackie Kennedy, “The Imitation Game” about Alan Turing, I’ve never seen one about an event so recent that I thoroughly followed. Many of the people portrayed in the film are still living, and this made me evaluate the ethics behind characterizing an actual person. Following the bombings in 2013, I formed certain opinions of the individuals involved. It was interesting to see how differently the film portrayed them. I had thought of Dzhokhar as someone who acted under the influence of his older brother who wasn’t completely immersed in the mission. The movie made him to be a completely reckless, immature teenager, selfish and excited to use bombs as some sort of game. I’d like to think he had thought through what he was doing farther than that. My greatest qualms involve the movie’s portrayal of Katherine Russell, Tamerlan’s wife, as someone who knew of the bombings and who was unwilling to cooperate with police. This could be true. But it could also be true she truly had no idea of the plan and was betrayed and hurt by her own husband. Characterization has the ability to change the narrative, and when someone living is characterized, this presents issues involving the truth, or lack of. I enjoyed Patriot’s Day very much, but its propagation of a one-sided narrative has me questioning how much truth lies within movies based on real events.

 

New Ideas

Posted on by

As a transfer from WashU in St. Louis, I’ve had the privilege of attending two universities. The differences between the schools are various, ranging from a smaller student body and less pervasive Greek life at Washu, to regularly warm weather in Missouri. One of the largest differences between my experiences at WashU and Cornell is the availability of activities both on and off-campus. Since I’m not involved in Greek Life or other social organizations, I’ve found that my free time spent with friends is usually limited to hanging out in the dorm or going out to eat. Ithaca doesn’t have an abundance of things to do and Cornell lacks regular programming students take part of.

The Eddy Gate project would be great as a permanent addition close to campus. When I went over on Saturday, there were people milling about and performances every now and then. Though the manifestation of the project was a bit smaller than I was expecting, it was nonetheless enjoyable, well-planned and transformative. Recycling a non-academic space as one with food, games, and performances where the Cornell community can hang out is a fantastic idea and hopefully the project will continue and inspire others like it.

Perspective is Telling

Posted on by

With the onslaught of space-related movies in the past few years, I’ve found my knowledge of physics lacking. After learning the basics of special relativity, however, Arrival made a bit more sense than previous movies like Interstellar and the Martian. The concept that time is dynamic and subjective changes the way we see the world and interact with others. In Arrival, it brings about world peace. I think it says a lot about human nature that knowledge of the past and the future is able to rectify the world’s major problems. Our tendency to misunderstand each other and assume what others’ intentions are leads to conflict that can easily be avoided by understanding each other.

Language is an ongoing motif throughout the film. The translation of “weapon” in languages on Earth to “tool” in the Heptapods’ language speaks to our worldview of things as ways to compete with others and become better. It also portrays the power of language in relationships and its ability to show the values of a society.

The most moving part of Arrival was when Abbott sacrifices his life to save Louise and Ian. His commitment to their mission and his selflessness shows his ability to empathize. Additionally, Abbott and Costello had individuality–Abbott was more talkative and open and Costello more aloof and reserved. Though the heptapods were just one take on extraterrestrial life, it was extremely positive and unique. ET life is usually portrayed negatively–they’re trying to conquer Earth and destroy the human race. Do we see the world as we are?

 

Disappointing Character Development

Posted on by

I found Before Night Falls to be an artistic movie that was limited in perspective. Scenes such as the one in the prison where the inmates ask Arenas to write their letters were wonderfully crafted–showing the passage of time and the power of beauty in a dark place. But the majority of the movie portrays Arenas as a talented writer who is persecuted for his work and his sexuality. Though these things are true, there are many facets to Arenas that are not shown in the movie.

Arenas actually started off as a sympathizer for Castro is the revolution. Before Night Falls shies away from this paradoxical fact, and chooses to portray Arenas as totally against the Cuban government. This complexity would have been interesting to see in the movie. Additionally, in the movie, Arenas dies by choice with Lazaro’s choice, while in real life, Arenas dies from drug overdose. I don’t understand why the movie couldn’t accurately portray his death. Are they avoiding any possible negative portrayal of Arenas? I would have liked Arenas to be developed into a more complicated character than the persecuted, brilliant, good man that he was.

I also found the movie to be unnecessarily sexual at times. When Lieutenant Victor holds a gun to Arenas’ face, you’d think he’d be reflecting on his life or thinking about what he’s leaving behind. Instead, he’s having a sexual fantasy involving Lt. Victor placing a gun in his mouth to simulate oral sex. I think the oversexualization of Arenas takes away from his character’s overall development.

Subjectivity in the Olympics

Posted on by

The opening ceremony of the Olympics wasn’t as interesting as I thought it’d be. It was mostly watching athletes I didn’t recognize walk in a circle happily. I’ve never focused on the winter olympics as much as the summer olympics, so it was interesting to see the contrast between the two as the winter olympics ceremony seemed more toned-down. When South Korean olympic figure skater Yuna Kim took the olympic torch and spotlight, I thought about the most recent issue with the U.S Figure Skating team.

 

Historically, the U.S Figure Skating singles position are given to the medalists of that year’s U.S Championships. Though the selection committee takes more than this one competition, its the most deciding factor. For the 2016 Winter Olympics, the top three finalists weren’t taken. Instead, Mirai Nagasu, who claimed bronze, was set aside in favor of Ashley Wagner, who placed 4th and the Championships but had a good record otherwise. I agreed with this decision because Wagner had won the previous U.S Championships and had an overall better record. However, when it came to the 2018 Winter Olympics, once again Wagner placed fourth. This time, the committee went with the top three medalists and Wagner was not chosen. Wagner thought they made the wrong decision and reacted furiously in public and through her statements. The very nature of choosing the Olympians involves subjectivity, and the scoring of them does as well.

Forrest Gump in America

Posted on by

Last week I went to the Universal theme park in Orlando, Florida. Upon entering the park, I looked to my right and saw “Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.,” a restaurant named after the successful  shrimping company that Forrest Gump creates in the movie. The movie Forrest Gump has become an American classic , with phrases like “run, Forrest, run!” being part of American culture, and recognized and used by people who haven’t even seen the movie.

The overwhelming popularity and endurance of Forrest Gump can be largely attributed to the titular main character, a simple man who does extraordinary things. Gump is who each of us aspires to be: a selfless, honorable American who strives to do his best and care for those he loves. Though it’s unrealistic and heartwarmingly comedic that so much fortunate circumstance befalls a single person, not everything goes well in Gump’s life. Jenny rejects Gump’s love time after time, until finally she realizes she loves Gump not shortly before she passes from illness. Without this bit of misfortune, Gump wouldn’t be as likeable of a character. There’s nothing worth rooting for like a good person who surmounts obstacles to achieve success.