In the film Machuca the friendship between Pedro and Gonzalo is quite surprise because of their many differences. At recess when the bully takes Gonzalo's sandwich, Gonzalo is very passive and doesn't say much he just seems to accept that this is the way things are. The bully then tells Pedro he wasn't his desk back and Pedro says no and doesn't back down. He even tells the classmate to talk to Fr. McEnroe if he doesn't like it. They are also from very different homes. Gonzalo's home has many things, but a very scattered family. Pedro's home has many people, but not too many things. Gonzalo seems quite surprised when the restroom is an outhouse. However, in spite of their differences, they seem to find things they like to do together. Both seem to enjoy selling flags at the rallies. Both seem to enjoy bike riding, sweetened condensed milk, and spending time together. Gonzalo's father is quite rude and does not seem to understand the friendship. Pedro's family seems quite welcoming. Although they are friends, the struggles of communism and militarism make it difficult for the friendship to continue. It was heartbreaking to see the military take over shantytown and kill Sylvania.
There were many differences between the rich and poor in the movie. The rich had beautiful homes and many things. They did not seem to want for anything. Pedro was amazed at the amount of clothes Gonzalo had in his closet. Gonzalo seemed to take the clothes for granted. The poor did not have nice homes or many things, however they seemed to be very hardworking. They worked together as a community. Even when there was blending of the rich and poor it was still easy to tell who came from what class. I was surprised that Pedro and his friends did not wear the same uniform at St. Patricks that everyone else wore.
There are many messages in this film. One that really strikes me is about prejudice. People in the film, and still today use things to make judgements about people. People are judged by the clothing they wear, and how they look. Later people may notice others actions or words, but have usually formed an opinion of that person before they have even spoken to them. People within a certain group will also make judgements about those in their group and those in another group. I found it interesting when Ft. McEnroe was speaking to those in the church they seemed more interested in placing blame than working things out. The adults certainly weren't treating each other with dignity or respect, so I guess it isn't too surprising that the children treat each other the same way. I think compassion and caring are skills that need to be learned by example and reinforced throughout our lives. I found it scary that an entire group of people could just disappear when the military took over.
I think many of the social issues and cultural differences shown in the film are still relevant today. There are still bullies, prejudice and people who do not seem to treat anyone with respect.
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Susan such a good analogy of the bully relationship of the rich children against the poor. Gonzalo was definitly passive and didn't seem to care. In today's world alot of this still goes on. The family life of both Gonzalo and Pedro were very different. As in Gonzalo life he didn't want for anything and Pedro need more than anyone could give him. The two boys friendship meant more to them than any item they had. The idea that Pedro family was important to him and Gonzalo family was distant from him and material things were there needs. The prejudice in the movie was overwhelmly there and the poor students jugded by the way they look and not by there abilites. Gonzalo seemed very unhappy and he needed a friendship to kindle his passion. Great response to questions and enjoyed reading.
ReplyDeleteLisa Lynam
I am glad you pointed out that the "new" boys didn't wear the same uniforms at St. Pactrick's as those that previously attending the school. People are judged by the close they wear. This is an unfortunate fact. The school was trying to integrate the class. I have to ask, if the education could be paid for by the school, then why couldn't uniforms also be provided . I realize that it was difficult financial times but, how do you attempt to bring two different social classes together and continue to make them visually separate?
ReplyDeleteFather McEnroe was my favorite character in this film. He was trying to teach each class, both the rich and the poor, respect. He had no prejudice for either side. But at the church service he was blamed for bringing the school to it's end. He seemed to be the only adult trying to help the situation. How ironic!
I think you bring up a good point when you mention that the parents in the church were blaming Fr. McEnroe in front of their children. Children are so vulnerable and learn through their parents. So often they are brainwashed into their opinions of others without ever being able to experience it themselves. I have seen many times small children say that they hate a certain group of people, or stereotyping them. How can a small child have these opinions? They live what they learn. As a parent we need to be aware of how we speak and what we teach our children. Everyone deserves to be treated with respect and not automatically stereotyped or hated because of a prejudice.
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