Tribe.net. Local Connections John http://asianamericanfilm.tribe.net/thread/e209b3b3-103c-415c-a51e-a95ded79c066#d3e4fb76-eed0-4e08-97a2-1d2c31297f6d 2007-11-22T09:13:44Z 2007-11-22T09:13:44Z

I just watched "To Live". The movie was very sad, and I pondered at the end if doing what *seems* necessary to stay alive in a totalitarian society is really living, or just enduring. There seemed to be a subtle fear that underlies all the post-revolutionary conversations of the couple who are the main characters. They *live* by never standing up, by making concessions and sublimating their conscience to what is *necessary* to remain alive. I am certain the director toned down the reactions of the movies characters to the injustices which occur throughout the film, to accommodate the Chinese government. As a result, I was left wondering whether the couple subtly despise their actions *to live* by repeating to each other past mistakes (which led to personal tragedy) or see the life of their grandchild -- the hope in a future generation for a better life as a sort of redemption -- as justification for the compromises they made . Or perhaps both. Any answers?

John 2007-11-22T09:13:44Z