Good stories, good actors, not all good movies

Fanny 2022-02-02 08:02:37

The story is that a magazine editor wants to write a report on the issue of discrimination against Jews in American society, so he declares himself to be Jewish, and then he can better observe the American public's treatment of Jews from his own perspective. What he did not expect was that the problem of discrimination against Jews in American society was far more serious than he had imagined. It even seriously affected his personal family, career, and even love life... The entry point is good and unique. But I always felt that during the vast majority of the development of the film, the director seemed to be holding a running account. Because Philip was Jewish, the concierge looked down on him; Philip was Jewish, so others thought that he was unlikely to be a civilian in the army; is Jewish; so surprised his subordinates (“also” Jewish); Philip is Jewish; he can’t get a room in a fancy hotel; Philip is Jewish; his son is discriminated against in school; Philip is Jewish ; So the mother couldn't find a good doctor; because he was Jewish, his friend couldn't rent a house in the local area... Too much "introduction"? The audience is never stupid. I think with a few examples, the audience will see the reality that Jews are highly discriminated against in society. Of course, this does greatly strengthen the film's theme being promoted. But to be honest, what I wanted to say most when watching the film was: "I know, I know, I really feel annoyed!"
There are still moving passages in the film.
Philip's son was discriminated against at school, and he and his fiancée had a heated argument.
Kathy: I'm tired of my wrong thinking. My thinking about the Jews is wrong. But I'm just thinking about the kids.
Philip: You're all wrong, you call him a good Christian, like the sugar-coated cannonballs that many parents in America give their children.
Kathy: Do you really think I'm an anti-Semitic?
Philip: No, I have seen many gentlemen who deny that they are anti-Semitic, but never take it seriously. Let him grow...
Kathy stormed out the door sadly, and said to Philip, who was trying to save her, "I am very happy with the fact that you are not Jewish, but you don't care...
The lines are well written, really good, and touching, and most people, like Kathy, don't think they're bad people, "because we didn't bully the Jews, although we just sat idly by and let this happen. (Because we know that a guy like Philip who insists on justice and speaks up will suffer a lot.")
But the development after the movie really made me grit my teeth. The first scene of the ending: a female editor who had been interested in Philip before told him Confession, I think it's normal for the movie to end like this, because the audience should have seen from the beginning that he was interested in Philip, and this woman did not discriminate against Jews. It was a good match for Philip. But the result? After the director let this scene happen, he didn't give us the result for no reason, but why did you let this scene happen? I am baffled by this.
Act 2: The director arranges for Philip's Jewish friend to preach to Kathy. Kathy miraculously changed her attitude towards the Jews. Just imagine, even the words and deeds of her dearest person are not useful to her, how can the influence of others be useful to her?
Act 3: Philip receives another lecture from his mother, and it's still a long speech! Hey! We have already received a moral baptism just now, and we have to do it again!
Act 4: Philip and Kathy hug each other tightly, they are reconciled, OK, although it's a bad ending, it's not bad, but why arrange a scene with another woman to confess to Philip before that What about the ending scene? I'm really dizzy?

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Extended Reading

Gentleman's Agreement quotes

  • Tommy Green: Pop, are we Jewish? Jimmy Kelley said we were. Our janitor told his janitor.

    Phil Green: Well, what did you tell Jimmy Kelley?

    Tommy Green: I said I'd ask you.

    Phil Green: Well, it's like this. Remember that movie Kathy and I took you to, and you asked if things like that really happened?

    Tommy Green: Kathy said they were pretending.

    Phil Green: Well, I'm pretending I'm Jewish for something I'm writing.

    Tommy Green: You mean like a game?

    Phil Green: Yes, but I'd appreciate it if you promised not to tell anybody it's a game.

    Tommy Green: Okay, Pop, sure.

  • Phil Green: I've been saying I'm Jewish, and it works.

    Dave Goldman: Why, you crazy fool! It's working?

    Phil Green: It works too well. I've been having my nose rubbed in it, and I don't like the smell.

    Dave Goldman: You're not insulated yet, Phil. The impact must be quite a business on you.

    Phil Green: You mean you get indifferent to it in time?

    Dave Goldman: No, but you're concentrating a lifetime into a few weeks. You're not changing the facts, you're just making them hurt more.