British dramas have always been known for their outstanding group dramas, probably inheriting the fine traditions since Shakespeare. This film is even more of a model in this regard. The all-focus character depiction, from servants to nobles and royal families, the characters of all classes are extremely clear. It shows the unique style of British society very thoroughly.
At present, the British Isles are falling apart again. Previously, there was a failed referendum for independence in Scotland, the internal division between the upper and lower levels caused by Brexit and Remaining in the European Union, and the royal crisis caused by the prince sex scandal. Coupled with the long-term independence tendency of Northern Ireland, In short, in the absence of a unified historical concept, the British need a glue to bridge the differences between the upper and lower classes and various factions, and live a stable life.
This kind of bridging effect is found in Britain's own historical tradition, that is, the British aristocracy, who is loyal to the emperor and patriotic, and sets an example and a model for the next, much like our Confucian practice of self-cultivation, self-cultivation, family governance, and peace in the world. This is also the reason why the British aristocracy can remain to this day.
Noble role 1: the example of loyalty to the king and patriotism
In the TV series, when Downton Abbey was passed to the master, the financial situation had already gone downhill, and it was fortunate that he took a rich American rich lady. The manor's greatest support for the country was during World War I. Because he was not allowed to go to the front line, the master turned the mansion into a hospital to receive the wounded in World War I. In 1927, the manor was already financially stretched. , I have already made plans to sell the manor and move to a smaller mansion. At this time, the king received news of the manor and let the eldest man be resurrected from a terminally ill state in the last season (why can't he be resurrected Cousin), although the eldest master is in a dilemma, obligations and honors cannot be measured by money, and it is a kind of political correctness to receive and serve the king decently.
Noble Role 2: Building a Friendly and Harmonious Manor Community
Historically, British aristocrats and kings have always ruled by separation of powers (the royal family and the Downton family sit at the same table as the guest of honor in the film to illustrate this point), the manor is self-contained, the tax administration and judicial administration are even independent in the military, and many large Nobles such as the Duke of Marlborough (Churchill's ancestor) are still married to other royal families in the European continent, and their strength is not under the king's power, and the previous kings have not succeeded in reducing the domain like the French King Louis XIV, thus maintaining a long-term state of separatism , until the rise of the bourgeoisie and the House of Commons represented by it, the kingship was locked in the cage of the constitutional monarchy, the nobles were sent to the upper house for retirement (it was already very kind and not sent to the guillotine like in France), the state of national separatism was ended, and the manor was not Re-closure becomes like a community neighborhood.
In the era of the film, the embarrassing situation of the aristocrats is clearly manifested. They do not undertake any specific obligations and do nothing. Economic efficiency is low but they occupy a large amount of resources (territory). This useless class destined to be corrupt and degenerate is generally the first object of the revolution. And the United Kingdom made sure to stay, the reason can be seen in the film, the aristocracy actually plays a big role in the United Kingdom.
The influence of the nobility is well reflected in the servants in the film.
The servants in the film do not feel inferior, nor do they feel that they are doing a humble job in Downton. On the contrary, they are all very self-respecting. It is a great honor to hear that they can serve members of the royal family once. In order to invite the retired old butler to preside over the work, the eldest did not hesitate to come to the door in person, looking eager for talents. It is hard to imagine that this is the attitude of the lord to the servant. This level of respect will of course inspire him. The voluntary actions of the people who serve are far more effective than coercive means, because this way satisfies the most basic needs of people to be recognized, thereby removing obstacles to cooperation with each other.
In the film, the maid Anna tells the swaying eldest lady the meaning of Downton's existence, which is the best recognition and affirmation of the aristocratic class:
This mutual respect is the cornerstone of the beautiful and harmonious community of Downton Abbey, which greatly contributes to the stability and long-term stability of the country.
For example, Daisy, who has a republican ideology, represents the bottom class of society. Although he disdains the king, he also actively helps the people around him to win a face in front of the king. This recognition is based on the community around him. brought, and the community was established under the leadership of an aristocrat, this glue effectively prevented possible class struggles.
Another example, Branson, the son-in-law of another man, had a shit luck to see through the assassination plot of Irish independents and directly saved the king's life. Branson was originally just a driver, an Irishman, and took the third Miss Downton family. The king did not agree with him, and always avoided the king's visit, but as for his motives to stop the assassin, he only said that the lord treats me well, and I have an obligation to be loyal to Downton, which shows that the Downton family is big. The aristocratic demeanor and charisma of the master can win over Irish people who are not of one mind.
On the other hand, the king's servants are bossy, arrogant, rude, and petty, and even want to replace the royal family with aristocrats. They look like a low-class person. Objectively speaking, these ideas have not gained enough respect and recognition. As a result, it is the real minions, who want to make up for the dignity lost in front of the master through these.
At the end of the film, the grandmother of the Downton family expressed the firm belief that the nobility will always be passed on:
PS
The opening sequence is very well done. The news of the king's arrival reaches Downton in one go, echoing the news of the sinking of the Titanic in the first episode of the first season. This film conveys orthodox values while not forgetting the fine traditions of the corrupt country, which also echoes the first episode of the first season.
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