Hunger

The world has been dominated by overbearing, greed fueled and power mad religions, armies and monarchies since the rise of humanoids. It goes on to this very day in it's many forms. Some are refined and cloaked in self-righteousness. Others through blunt force evil. The common denominator is always the same: The conquest and subsequent enslaving of the innocent. What inevitably follows is the systematic attempt to destroy those who speak out against the tyranny. Though voices are silenced, the spirit endures. It is a reality the barbarian can never grasp. For it has no soul.

One such voice came in the form of Bobby Sands. The story of 'Hunger' concerns him, but it would be a mistake to believe that he was it's sole bearer. He was a representative of a much larger effort to see a united Ireland join the world of independent and free countries. A cause that stretched from the footsteps of men, women and children to the prisoners of the the notorious H-Blocks.

I had read about the hunger strike in 1987. A book by the name of 'Skylark Sing Your Lonely Song' documented the path taken by it's author, Bobby Sands. Each page of that book was more difficult to turn than the last. It was painful, yet necessary to understand what happened, what series of events that led to the strike.

I had heard rumors of movies under consideration to portray the life and times of the prisoners in the Maze. Over the years, I lost track of what might eventually get made. So when I came across 'Hunger' on Netflix, I was hopeful. Remembering the book, I went into the screening just wanting to see an accurate portrayal. What I found was a matter of fact retelling of the hunger strike without fanfare, special effects or heroic sappy dialogue.

There is an extended, one shot scene that features Sands (Michael Fassbender) and a priest named Father Dominic Moran (Liam Cunningham). The scene is brilliantly written and acted. The banter plods along, darts and sometimes dances until it gets to the heart of the matter. Clearly one of the finest moments in film that I have come across in some time.

The 'supplements' are filled with more on the story and the making of the film. We find out exactly who this 'Steve McQueen' is, hear from the actors and are treated to a BBC piece on the Hunger Strike that was never shown in the United States. I highly recommend these extras.

'Hunger' was crafted in sparse, stark tones by director, Steve McQueen. It is an intense, and direct portrait of a dynamic event that unfolded in the early 1980's. In many ways, it was one of the last powerful protest movements that the world would witness after decades of causes borne of action, not lip service. What had been won will be debated for centuries to come. What was lost, forever mourned by the descendants of freedom.

Good Hair

A daughter inquires of her father "why don't I have good hair?" The father cannot believe what he has heard and sets out to get some answers of his own. What he encounters is surprising, outrageous and fascinating.

He travels from Los Angeles to New York to Atlanta and India to find out why black culture deems European and Asian style hair to be more desirable than any other. Along the way he uncovers the purported reason's and issues that drive this belief. Our father gets to the truth through a series of 'stranger than fiction' observations and inquisitive humor, that only Chris Rock can masterfully employ.

Along the way we pass through an intricate world of weaves, religious sacrifice and competitive fires on par with prize fighting. It's a nine billion dollar annual business, that is only marginally controlled by the community it serves. Yet, it is also a profession that enables it's hard working professionals throughout the US to live the American dream.

Throughout the film, Mr. Rock virtually leaves no stone unturned to understand why his daughter should have to question her own head of hair. There are many explanations and justifications that are both zany and sad, but it all comes down to each individuals interpretation of what constitutes beauty.

My money is on the great Paul Mooney, who splashed a bit of humor on his sad but true realization:

"If your hair's relaxed, white people are relaxed -
If your hair is nappy,they're not happy."