Review of "My name is Rosetta. I deserve recognition." (1 Viewer)

[Vickie_M]

Excellent film, yes. Emilie Dequenne is mesmerizing. I missed seeing her second film, Brotherhood of the Wolf, but I'm planning to buy the DVD just because she's in it.
I don't remember watching Rosetta with any particular politics in mind, I was just watching the character's struggles to survive. I thought the movie was fascinating, but not political. I saw it in the theater when it was first released and haven't seen it since, so maybe I need to see it again with that in mind.
I don't know if it's a Dogme 95 film. It could have been.

 

[RobertR]

Well said, Chris. Substitute ANY term people feel strongly about in place of the term "capitalist" (abortion, gun control, homosexuality, zionist, palestinian, etc.), after the "anti" modifier, and it's easy to see where the problem is.

 

[Jay E]

I have to agree with Vickie in that the film, if it did have a political statement, did it in a very subtle way that I don't think many viewers would notice. At least I didn't. This is one of the many reasons I love this film. If it would have used a sledge hammer to drive home it's points, I would probably would have not enjoyed the film whether I agreed with it's politics or not.

If there is anyone who has not seen it and may be turned off by seeing the words "anti-capatilist" applied to it in this thread, I really recommend you see it. It is deeply humanistic film about how a girl learns to see after being blind to everyone around her. That's all I took away from the film and not any political message.

 

[Gary Tooze]

Well I hate to simply quote my own review because its a click away... but:

Quote:

I disagree. YOU are not your political system. I think open-minded people can witness and appreciate both sides of the coin without taking critiism personally... I mean isn't that how you improve a system ? point out its flaws ? improve upon them? If you just accept, accept, accept... you're going to develop serious problems...
Regards,
Cheers,

 

[Michael Reuben]

Folks, let's focus on the film, not the phrasing of the thread title.
M.

 

[Ricardo C]

Socially responsible cinema is not for everyone... some feel more comfortable with American Pie 1 + 2... to each his own...

Considering the fact that the American Pie movies are widely regarded as "sophomoric," "low-brow," and "dumb," do you pretend to tell me you were not implying that some people lack the intellectual capacity to enjoy what you call "socially responsible" cinema? (Again, political commentary.)

 

[Robert Crawford]

Ricardo and Gary,
Please take your "War of the Words" off line! This thread is about discussing the film in question without personal issues being discussed between the two of you.
Robert Crawford
HTF Administrator

 

[Dave H]

I would be intersted in watching this movie. I enjoy watching movies for political messages. Sometimes people think I am over-reaching for stuff, but I think it's there.
Deleted by administration. How much more clearly can we say it? Discuss the film, not the thread title.

 

[Dave H]

That's fine. But, my point was missed! Let's move on... :frowning:

 

[Chris]

I disagree. YOU are not your political system. I think open-minded people can witness and appreciate both sides of the coin without taking critiism personally... I mean isn't that how you improve a system ? point out its flaws ? improve upon them? If you just accept, accept, accept... you're going to develop serious problems...

Oh no, always question Nothing wrong in that. I think the observation being made is that the term "anti" does propose a forgone conclusion.. which is to mean "slanted". If you were to say a "controversial look at" or a "alternative view" you could propose that the film proposes an outcome. By using the term "anti" the proposal is that the film has made a judgement and is basically propoganda.. ie, if someone were to propose an anti-abortion or anti-smoking film, you'd assume the conclusion was reached in advance.
Regardless, I actually took time to watch this..
That having been said, I didn't find it very "anti-capitalist" as much as a pretty straight forward "downtrodden" story.. (which happens in all economic systems, including socialism) I'm not sure if I would classify it a masterpiece; the cinematography was very interesting, and the acting was good. There were some elements that seemed hastily put together, however. And the pacing was not as good as it could have been. I think you'd have to truly be in the mood for it.
In a lot of ways, it reminded me of "Grapes of Wrath"

 

[Ashley Seymour]

Gary

It seems the title of the tread is intended to stir up controversy to engage the browser to view your review. Then the administrators admonish us to avoid political discussions.

That said, what is there about this film that I should want to go out of my way to locate the DVD? The only thing I know of the film is your review so that is all on which I can comment.

Cinema does not get any better

Out of morbid curiosity I would consider renting this DVD just to see if it is as good or bad as been posted. As of now, I have no idea what is going on.

 

[Mark E J]

Hey Gary,
I was wondering, have you ever read Dostoevsky's Notes from Underground, A Nasty Story, or Dream of a Ridiculous Man? They provide an interesting look at the "social responsibility" of leftist utopias. You should check them out.

 

[Brian Champ]

Gary,
I enjoyed your review very much! Rosetta is indeed a materpiece in my eyes and you brought out details of the film and its obvious political message that I was unaware of. I think it just adds another layer to an already brilliant, and overlooked (in North America anyway) film.
I'm guessing that you have achived your goal, regardless of the controversy, of exposing this title to many, who were not even aware of it before.
I rarely post, but continue to follow your threads in this, and other forums, as well as your website.
I hope you are not offended, but I think of you as quite a diamond in the rough as a reviewer. It is obvious you are very heartfelt about film and I wish many others here would share your lack of apprehension when expressing their feelings about particular movies. You often step on peoples toes and that tends to push them away rather than bring them closer to your points, which are all valid.
Don't let them keep you down!
Brian
B.C.

 

[Gary Tooze]

I made a mistake. My original intent of a Subject line of this thread was a variation on the mantra that the character Rosetta states before sleeping at night (“Your name is Rosetta” “I am Rosetta” etc.). My title should have been what the title of my review is: “My name is Rosetta. I deserve recognition”. Feel free to change it Robert, Michael or Jason, if this thread does not die a swift death.
I apologize to Crawdaddy and the other administrators. I am aware I am a constant source of bother to them. I had forgotten the “veer away from politics ” guideline stated in the Forum rules. I was just not thinking.
My own personal interpretation of this film is just that. I see that I may have shed some light to some, but the consternation that I have created for myself because of this post leads me now to the conclusion that I should take a long break from “contributing” to this and other Forums, and instead only “take” by just lurking for a while. Perhaps a long while.
My usual intent, as Brian stated, was to introduce a award winning film to many that I feel have overlooked it for whatever number of reasons (because its is foreign?, because it is hard to find on DVD? etc.) If BC’s comments are accurate then I have done the opposite; stating my interpretation in the manner that I have has shunned potential viewers away instead of intriguing them.
I no longer have the strength or inclination to defend my posts, positions or myself anymore in the Home Theatre Forums “Movies Section’. I await, with baited breath, the resurrection of such threads as “Who would win a fight between Wesley Snipes and Jet Li” and “Why I hate Joan Rivers”... etc.
I have made a large number of friends with like-minded tastes IN HTF who I will continue to correspond with and for that I thank the Forum for its existence. Initially, I was able to garner much valuable information from my subscription to this group, but in most recent months the tone of posts here seem to point towards only one area of cinema... an area that I feel gets far too much exposure anyway.
P.S. As a last request can someone respond to that 400 Blows... guys thread, before I go crazy...
Regards,

 

[Ashley Seymour]

My own personal interpretation of this film is just that. I see that I may have shed some light to some, but the consternation that I have created for myself because of this post leads me now to the conclusion that I should take a long break from “contributing” to this and other Forums, and instead only “take” by just lurking for a while. Perhaps a long while.

What the?

Gary, when you, me or anyone posts here we open ourselves to criticism as well as support. You have put forth your heart felt opinions and beliefs. There is nothing wrong with expressing yourself unless of course it is to denegrate someone or a group. You have not done so. This forum is fun to me becasue it opens debate. If my posts generate disagreement then I hope to enter a debate. I may win my point but if I loose I hope it is because I have been presented another point of view that I have not considered and that I can come to accept in my belief system. I could go along and make posts like "Why I feel the Godfather is a classic" and wait for everyone to respond by blowing sunshine up my ass.

This forum would be a lesser place without your posts. Hang with it.

 

[James D S]

Anyone remember the "Joe Caps forum resignation?" It's a shame when people with unique opinions pick up their ball and go home.
Gary, I've grown accustomed to your... um... interesting opinions and I enjoy your contributions. As a matter of fact I now look at This Island Earth in a whole new light. Okay, not really, but I tried to. And isn't that what's most important?
You, and you ball, should stay where you belong... at the HTF.

 

[Brian Champ]

Ohhh Man.. No Gary, please don't stop posting here... or your reviews. I hope it wasn't any of my comments.
I took a look this morning and see you have REWRITTEN the review ?! Shame. I preferred it the way it was... offensive and all. Don't worry, you are not going to appeal to all people all the time! Stick to your guns in the future. Part of the fun of your reviews is the controversial stance that, I think, stems from your passion.
Ashley Seymour: I think the review is probably purposely left without too many spoiler details, which would clear up pretty much all of your questions. I know, I have seen it and I understood exactly what Gary was saying.
Anyway, add my comments that this place would be better with you, than without!
BC
"Cat ?... cat ?... here cat? " - BaT, LLM