I prefer this translation: People of Four Seasons.
This time, it's not cheap and insincere sentimentalities that I shed my tears for, but for a great man in history, that has stood for all seasons…
Sometimes, I have to admit the charm of old movies.
But then I think about it, maybe it's just because of this person that makes this movie particularly memorable.
If it weren't for Utopia, I would probably not know Sir Thomas More, nor would I meet such a movie: The Man of Four Seasons.
I don't like another translation of it, Sunyue Jingzhong. People can't help but think of serving the country with loyalty, and there is always a very old-fashioned feeling.
For such a person, his beliefs cannot be measured by the king, country, or official position alone. I believe that the conviction in his heart must be rock solid and untransferable. He is a wise man, but at the same time, he is also a man of firm conviction. He has a generous and kind personality, but at the same time, his morality is extremely high, to a kind of society that makes people feel that this country has let down his heartache.
Before, I knew nothing about him, except for "Utopia." But my "Utopia" is limited to the beginning of utopian socialism in the book. Looking back on it now, it feels very ridiculous. In one sentence, the beginning of utopian socialism has been given an indispensable hat, regardless of whether it is appropriate or not. So not long ago, I always felt that "Utopia" was probably inextricably linked to communism. However, when I got to know Thomas himself, I seriously questioned the hat of "the beginning of utopian socialism".
Would a book written by a man with such a pious belief in God and the law be the same as communism that preached atheism? What kind of book would an Englishman with such a charismatic personality write?
I even complained to myself that before reading "Utopia", I would have some prejudices for such a character for granted.
The background of the story chose a very delicate timing. King Henry VIII did not want to take his brother’s widow Catherine as his wife, but wanted his lover Anne Bolin to be his queen. But the Pope did not approve it. However, in fact, there have been disagreements within the English church. The reason is that Catherine is infertile, and the king must have an heir, otherwise the country will be divided and wars will fly. Moreover, the king also mentioned that in Leviticus it was said that the wife of a brother could not be taken as his wife, although it was not clearly stated.
In fact, when the story progressed here, I was on the side of the king, whether it was from a utilitarian point of view or by quoting scriptures. Moreover, at that time Martin Luther had already raised questions about the Roman Church, which set off a wave of religious reformation. However, as a devout Christian, Thomas only identified one church. Although he admitted that the Roman church had been corrupted, to slander the church is to slander God.
In fact, Thomas did not explicitly oppose the king's divorce from the beginning to the end. He just kept silent, or by citing the law and the king's power, to prove that his silence was not opposition. In the final court trial, he finally explained that he believed that the king’s proposal was contrary to God’s law, and that no law in the world could violate God and the church, so the law could not force a Catholic to change his beliefs. More importantly, both the oath of the king and the Magna Carta grant immunity to the church.
The supremacy act passed by Henry VIII cut the ties between the Church of England and the Church of Rome, and he became a religious leader. This move was of no use to the corruption of the church except to consolidate Henry's own kingship.
In fact, Thomas never made a statement from beginning to end. In the end, the court Rich gave a false testimony. Although Thomas argued hard, the people also saw his innocence, but he still couldn't change his final tragic fate.
Every detail about More in the film is very moving when I recall it at the end. His care for his servants, his love for his daughters and wives, and his loyalty to the country. He doesn't want to be accused of treason, because if he is so loyal and worthy of lessons are labeled such a label, then where does the way of heaven exist?
A few classic words, if the earth is round and the king ordered it to be flat, will it be flat? On the contrary, will he become round?
Out of conscience, it is not because I believe, but because I believe
And, what Thomas said to his daughter in prison. If we see greed, evil, anger, and stupidity get more than wisdom and justice, perhaps we should stand a little bit straighter.
Although Thomas had severely criticized Martin Luther before his death, it seemed to contradict his wisdom. But in fact, he is a person who can't stick to principles and beliefs. His criteria are Catholicism and humanitarianism. He believes in law. He only used pen to fight against heresy, and he never sentenced a case of execution of heresy. But those unjust men seem to live better than just men because of the wind. But, probably as Plato said, they are not really happy.
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