A movie review that isn’t

I saw Munich earlier today[1]. It was quite awesome—moving, intense and all that. Given the attention span of the average person here though, I’d say it was pretty long, but I guess that the gratuitous violence and gorgeous women in graphic procreative acts makes amends for that. It ends up asking the difficult questions, like, “Is extreme violence against your enemies really the answer for a happy ending?”, “How late into a pregnancy can you continue to have sex and still end up with a beautiful daughter?” … stuff like that. You know, the really important questions.

But here is where I stop talking about the movie, and break off into our tangent for the day.

The thing is, I was brought up in a cultural setup that’s totally non-confrontational[2]. The sort of, you slap me, I will turn and offer you my other cheek, mentality. Eventually you’ll vent your rage and move along; I will not be provoked into behaving like the animal you are. This in no way means I’m advocating being a wuss. In fact, it’s just the opposite. It takes a much bigger man, to forgive, forget and remain peaceful than it is to pick up a gun and vow to kill all your enemies.

I mean, where does that really get us? You kill my family, I yours, and your kids me, my kids (who somehow escaped) yours and so on. Seriously, what’s the fucking point?

And it is this root concept that most people in the movie—and in life—fail to see. Violence is never the answer. But there are several instances in the movie where people feel proud they’re fighters—”If we don’t fight for our land, no one will hand it to us”—and cases where they’re made to feel like traitors if they aren’t willing to give up their lives for their country.

I don’t claim to be unpatriotic, but there’s a big leap between being proud of where I’m from and giving my life for my country. I shouldn’t be made to feel guilty for not fighting for my country. It is my choice to make, and I will help her in productive ways, not “killing our enemies” or whatever grand crusade these people are after.

After all, no one is arbitrarily violent. Nothing is really unprovoked; It is always the sign of a bigger problem. Something you’re probably a part of. So fix the real problem. Be a little less inward looking (ignorant) and aware of other cultures. Peaceably go about your own life, and all will be well.

Especially if you have a super-hot loving wife and an adorable baby[3] on the line. You’re not screwing your country by leading the happy life you’ve built for yourself.

[1] I also got to talk to relatives who were in Munich in the ’70s for the Olympics when the incidents this movie is based on really happened (who’ve also seen the movie), and that was pretty enlightening too.
[2] I said I was brought up…. I didn’t say or mean everyone from where I am from was. So keep your “But my mommy taught me differently”s to yourselves. I don’t really care.
[3] This is a reference to the movie. Since I wanted to tie it in to close.