Machine Gun Preacher

Machine Gun Preacher (USA, 2011)

Language: English

Starring: Gerard Butler, Michelle Monaghan and Michael Shannon

Synopsis: The true story of Sam Childers, who decides to go to Sudan and help the local children by building an orphanage.

My opinion: The whereabouts of the true story are more interesting than the actual movie, which is probably the reason of making the movie. The movie manages to raise awareness and alert the audience. At the end you get to see an interview of Sam and pictures of how things are there.

Who should watch the movie: Those interested in African history, Sudan and those who would like to help.

Post movie discussion: I would like to know more about Sam. Well here is his website: http://www.machinegunpreacher.org/

Movie Links: Ratings, IMDB, Athinorama, Website

Hotel Rwanda

Hotel Rwanda (USA, 2004)

Language: Englisth

Starring: Don Cheadle, Sophie Okonedo and Joaquin Phoenix

Synopsis: The true story of a hotel owner who decided to host in his hotel thousands of Tutsi refugees to save them from the Hutu extremists who committed the genocide.

My opinion: After writing about “The First Grader” and “The Bang Bang Club” I thought I should complete the African movies trilogy with “Hotel Rwanda”. If you have to see only one movie about Africa, this is the one. An amazing movie that manages to convey very strong emotions. Shocking, touching, alerting, horrifying. The movie was nominated for three Oscars.

Who should watch the movie: Everyone should.

Post movie discussion: Some of you might be crying. The rest of you, I can assure you, you will have so many things to talk and think about.

 

Movie Links –

– Ratings: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/hotel_rwanda/

– Imdb: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0395169/

– Athinorama: http://www.athinorama.gr/cinema/data/movies/?id=1007551

– Website: http://www.metrofilms.com/hotelrwanda/

The Bang Bang Club

The Bang Bang Club (USA, 2011)

Language: English

Starring: Ryan Phillippe, Malin Akerman, Taylor Kitsch and Frank Rautenbach

Synopsis: The true story of the lives of four photographers during the apartheid in South Africa.

My opinion: These events are so recent that cannot be ignored. You get to see how photographers function in war situations, how they risk their lives to get the best shot and how the events around them affect their lives. But even setting apart the true story aspect, the movie is worth watching.

Who should watch the movie: Photographers and those of you interested in South African history or study politics. Angelos didn’t have a problem with the drama of the movie (he actually started reading Mandela’s autobiography) and Alexandra managed to stay awake.

Post movie discussion: It’s not easy being a war/combat photographer

Movie Links –

– Ratings: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/bang_bang_club/

– Imdb: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1173687/

– Athinorama: N/A

– Website: http://www.thebangbangclub.com/

The First Grader

The First Grader (USA/Kenya, 2011)

Language: English

Starring: Oliver Litondo, Naomie Harris

Synopsis: The true story of Maruge, an 84 year old man, who wanted to take advantage of the “free education for all” that the Kenyan government promised and go to school.

My opinion: The fact that it is a true story makes the movie quite impressing. It is clear that Maruge really wanted to learn and Oliver Litondo, is really convincing as Maruge. Along with some historical facts, you get to see how life is in Kenya and under what conditions children are being taught in developing countries.

Who should watch the movie: People who want to know more about Africa and Kenya specifically. From my friends I believe Marina is the best fit but could watch it as well.

Post movie discussion: Africa has such a great history and it’s so recent that isn’t exactly “history”. I want to learn more about it

Movie Links –

– Ratings: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_first_grader/

– Imdb: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0790663/

– Athinorama: N/A

– Website: http://www.thefirstgrader-themovie.com/