This movie is a standard highway gangster movie. Based on true events. Had seen a movie called "Bonnie and Clyde" before, which reflected the same event. It's just that the previous one was shot from the perspective of this pair of male and female thieves, so I have sympathy for them. And this one is from the perspective of a law enforcement officer.
The film truly restores this sensational case. Also trying to explore its social roots. The United States in 1934 was in the midst of the Great Depression. Unemployment has skyrocketed, banks have closed, the stock market has crashed, and many people's livelihoods have been in trouble. In the film, we can see that the roads that Haimo passed are full of refugee camps. These refugee camps are not the foreigners who are fleeing the war from Africa and the Americas, but the local people who have been driven out of their homes due to various poverty reasons. Even the home of Haimo's old partner, Menie, was confiscated by the bank because he had no money to pay the mortgage. A sign "For Sale Here, Owned by the Bank" hangs on the door. But when he saw the tragic conditions of these refugee camps, he also said with emotion: "I originally thought that my situation was already very bad." When the state apparatus was unable to guarantee the survival of individuals, the public began to be concerned about the existing order. Doubt and dissatisfaction. Although Bonnie and Clyde rebelled for their own reasons, they also reflected an inevitable phenomenon. It wasn't until Roosevelt's New Deal and later World War II that this situation eased.
In the film, there is a conversation between Highmore and Clyde's father. His father said, "I know you're going to kill my child, it's not your fault, he's inexcusable. But he wasn't born that way, he wasn't born with a dark soul. What he really wanted to be was a musician. , he's not a bad boy. At first he just stole a chicken. From then on the law treats him as a bad breed." Highmore said, "Have you ever wondered why Clyde stole that chicken? "Father: "Maybe he's too hungry, maybe we're all hungry." Listening to their conversation, I can't help but think of Jean Valjean in "Les Miserables." A trivial thing can change a person's life. A very small evil, but has since been branded as a "thief". The result of this system is to force you to be a bad guy, a robber, or a robber. If a society cannot guarantee the basic living conditions of citizens, if there is only punishment and no education, then good people will also become thieves.
What Bonnie and Clyde do is not simply their pursuit of excitement, but their disappointment with the existing system and their despair of future life. In "Bonnie and Clyde", there is such a description: Clyde saw a family stop and watch in front of an empty house, reluctant to part, only after inquiring did he know that this was their house, and later because he could not pay The loan was confiscated by the bank. Outraged, Clyde shot the seal on the bank in front of the house and decided to start robbing the bank. After that, they also challenged the law and the system, killing 13 people, including several law enforcement officers. Of course this is a very serious crime. Strangely enough, these crimes, instead of arousing condemnation in American society with a legal tradition, made "they become cold-blooded killers more popular than movie stars." People appreciated their actions, helped them escape, and tipped them off. Surround them like a hero. Of course, there are Americans who are born to watch the fun and are not afraid of big things. More importantly, their actions also represent the wishes of the public. As the gas station worker said, "If you're looking for Bonnie and Clyde, I don't see it. If I see it, good luck to them. They just take money from the bank, and the bank takes money from the poor. For example, poor people like me." Seeing this situation, even Haimer, who was hunting them, said helplessly: "People call them heroes, people worship them. We need to end all this, and it will not be easy. ."
This situation of public grievances has naturally aroused the concern of the US government. In the end, the matter did not reach the level of rebellion. On the one hand, it was because Bonnie and Clyde were not Huang Chao and Li Zicheng, and lacked the charisma and mind to overthrow the existing system. The ending of Bonnie and Clyde described in the film is also due to their helpful spirit. More importantly, American society has not yet reached the point where rituals are broken. People are also separated from the rule of law and venting their anger. The legal system made them bear it, and let them vent their anger to support Bonnie and Clyde. This makes the position of Highmore and Mayni very embarrassing. It is impossible to mobilize the masses to rely on the Little Foot Detective Team to carry out group prevention and group governance, and only rely on their own efforts. At most, I plan to set up an undercover agent, and let Clyde find out that he was beaten to death with a sap. The re-emergence of Haimer and Maini after retirement was only due to their thrill-seeking and adventure-seeking character at first, and later saw their colleagues innocently killed, and gradually aroused the spirit of fighting for justice and the rule of law.
I feel that the most touching and delicate scene in the film is the scene where Highmore and his wife Gladys part ways after he decides to come out. The two understand each other's thoughts, but they can't say it outright.
Highmore: "Where's Pochi (the family's pet dog)?"
Gladys: "Locked in nobody's bedroom. You wouldn't want to take it away, I suppose? Don't pretend you didn't mean to hide it from me."
(Gladys points to Highmore's decision. Gladys opens the newspaper, which reads that Bonnie and Clyde fired thousands of bullets in a shootout with the police. Alluding to Highmer's errand dangers in and Gladys' apprehension).
Gladys added, "I think you'll want my new Ford."
(We see Heimer nod slightly out of focus).
Gladys continued: "I was going to tell you that you're too old for this, it's none of your business, you haven't had a gun in a long time. I know it's a waste of time, so I won't."
Highmore said, "I'm grateful you didn't tell me that. Sorry, Gladys."
Gladys looked at her husband affectionately and said, "Don't do this. When I married you, I knew who you were."
(By Gladys I mean, I know your profession, I know your character, that's how our lives have always been. No need to say sorry.)
Gladys turned his head and said, "Oh, I packed my sandwiches and it's in the fridge."
Highmore: "Thank you!"
(It turns out that you really know me, and you have prepared so thoughtfully)
The next shot is of Highmer packing up and walking towards the new Ford.
Gladys caught up and said, "One more thing. If you're going to run a long way, fill up."
(Gladis is reluctant to leave her husband and loves her new car, so she has nothing to say).
Highmore: "Yes, ma'am."
(I have to go, I am afraid of my wife, and I will obey the decree).
The two kiss. At this point, Gladys expressed her concern: "You tell me."
Highmore: "I'll be back."
(That was what Gladys wanted to hear most, and what Highmore assured his wife.)
The corner of Heimer's mouth lifted playfully.
(This is Haimo's way of relieving the heaviness before parting, and also saying goodbye to his wife. It's wonderful!)
Gladys looked at the passing car affectionately, "Send Wang Sun again, full of other feelings". There is a hint of sadness in his eyes, and there is more expectation.
This scene is the real parting. The tacit understanding between husband and wife, respect for each other, and emotional attachment to each other are perfectly expressed. Compared with those who say "I can't bear to let you go", I don't know how many times stronger!
Highmore and Maynie are played by Kevin Costner and Woody Harrelson, respectively. The role is equally heavy. I don't see many movies with two protagonists like this. I have seen Costner starring in "Dances with Wolves", "Assassination of Kennedy", "Robin Hood", and the bad film "Future Water World" directed by him. I feel that it is good for him to act in his movies steadfastly, and don't expect to be a director.
My rating: 7.0.
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