OPEN UP YOUR EYES!


I was questioning whether or not I should post anything here (seeing as it IS the IMDb) and I’m sure most will disagree and completely miss the point (seeing as it IS the IMDb) of what I am trying to say, but I HAVE to post something even if you do fall under that category.

I also apologize in advance if some things I say seem rude; that is not my intention, but I am actually shocked to some of the reactions to this film. I also apologize for my over generalizations, but I’m just trying to make a point.

First of all, I cannot believe the low rating of this film already. My reaction was disbelief. As corny as this may sound, it saddens me. The thing is, we actually have a film that is trying to bring awareness to REAL issues and you have people calling this film terrible and boring. MY GOD, are you people heartless and completely oblivious to the world outside NORTH AMERICA?? What you see in this film is VERY real as to what is going on in AFRICA, AISA, and many other 3rd world countries. There’s 20 million displaced people in the world and if that is f-ing boring to you, Jesus Christ wake up!!!! The world isn’t peachy and in most cases we don’t know the TRUTH as to what is going on in the world AND newsflash everybody THIS is going on RIGHT NOW!!!! Filmmaking, watching films and our little North American lives just make up for a PART of the world.

The next time you walk outside your house be f-ing thankful you don’t have to worry about stepping on landmines!!! Or the next time you’re hungry and you go to the supermarket!!! Or the next time your child is sick and you go to the hospital!!! We all are fortunate to be sitting here right now!!!

OF course, this is JUST a film and it doesn’t even begin to capture the real brutality. However, if it did (by the way) we wouldn’t be seeing it because God forbid we actually know the truth in North America. If you open up your eyes a little you may actually GET something from this film. Also, it IS a film, so they also have to tell a story - the love story.

All I’m saying is look outside the box and you may actually GET something from this film instead of taking it as IS - think a little.

If you didn’t shed at least one tear during this film I’m worried about you.

Entire generations of children have never knows peace and THAT is NOT boring to ME! Remember those BEYOND your BORDERS!!!!


PS> Diamonds are NOT my best-friend!

~peace~

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Movie Chick................. I like your style. I'd say something, but you pretty much took the words out of my mouth.

Diamonds aren't forever, and they are far from rare. Damn you De Beers!

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hell yes,i totally agree with both of you,i cried so much.and those people who say this movie sucks,i bet my life that half of them didn't even take the time to see it.yea thats right,you lazy @sses probably didn't even take the time to see it, you just assume its bad.so yea i agree with both of you,movie chick and sniper joe.its hard to say more,because i think moviechick summed it all up already

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That's true MovieFan1899. :) However, if you watch CNN, for example, it's nothing but propaganda in many cases. In the US the news is soooo beyond controlled because "they" don't want us to know the truth!!

Anyway, glad to see I have people agreeing with me. :)

PS> Angie rules! :)

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I do see the political message and it's an extremely important generally overlooked by the US media (I prefer BBC, but that has its' limitations too).... But I just didn't like the movie. Mostly for the plot. Sorry to disagree.

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It's all good if you disagree. It's not going to affect everybody the same way. However, it has of me. Anyway, I like the BBC as well. Also, CBC, which is Canadian. Of course, all news will have limitations, but the US has it's own category, in my opinion. I think I was so affected because the images that we see in this film don't even begin to capture the truth. It just made me realize, which is why appreciate this film - it gave me even more perspective. Also, I'm a huge Angie fan and this captures more of the person that she is today, so it's had a huge affect on me.

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I feel the same way... I was sitting there with my mom and we were crying for two hours, along with about half of the people who were in my theatre, and then this guy, during the scene where she picks the little starved boy up and his dying mother, goes to get MORE popcorn to chow down on. I couldn't believe this, I was outraged. Critics are tearing apart this movie, and it seems like everyone is missing the true point. I'm glad that someone finally agrees with me and has their eyes open. The world is saddening me more and more by the moment..I can't believe these people..Aggg

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I'm really trying to write something that doesn't sound Anti-American but because of the effective propaganda in Europe I might sound like I do hate USA. I think, Beyond Borders is one of those movies that are too realistic that people actually like it. I mean, Requiem for a Dream is a great art-movie but how many people want see movie without a happy Disney-ending? And it is so reliefing that all americans aren't stupid because that is the way people see americans here in Europe, sorry. I see beyond the propaganda but as long as USA does what it does I'm not going to shake hands with Bush. Don't get me wrong, the propaganda in here is the same, with the exception that it's anti-american, so I guess we aren't that much smarter. Some of us don't believe everything but don't be surpised that people don't appreciate what USA is doing.

Now that I have been smashing USA with not so good reasoning, I must say that I really appreciate what Angelina is doing. There was a big story og her in todays newspaper (here ín Finland) and there was some happy news: the movie will premiere here on 6th February, I just can't wait!

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Good for you, Movie Chick! I agree with you 100% Sadly this is yet another case in which "film critics" (most of whom are male) diss a movie with a strong female character & try to lock her in to the tight box that fits their own preconceptions. It's very clear in the film that Sara is committed to a cause way beyond the confines of the "love story," & it's equally clear from her subsequent actions that the real Angelina Jolie wants us to see the real world thru her eyes. But most of the male critics would prefer that we remain in the hermetically sealed world of movies about movies like KILL BILL.

Well I've never been "cool" & I'm sure I never will be & I'm not ashamed to say that I cried my way thru BEYOND BORDERS. Then I left the theater re-committed to being the best world citizen that I can possibly be.

You go, girl!

Jan from FILMS FOR TWO

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I will give you this. In light of the recent award that Angelina Jolie recently received from the UN, as well as in light of this discussion, I have come to see Angelina Jolie in a way that I have never seen her before. And I appreciate her that much more. Thanks MovieChick and thanks Jan from Films42. You've opened up a new door in cinema for me.

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I appreciate this message, Camilomilo, especially since I've read several of your other posts. I'm not saying BEYOND BORDERS is perfect, but I am saying it's sincere & I think if you saw it again the "two pieces" might flow easier for you. It was difficult to watch the refugee camps scenes, so it might not have been clear what Sara was supposed to be doing in between, but the story says she was deeply committed to her UN work & widely recognized for it by the "last act." So I saw someone in love with a man because he was committed to a cause & not vice versa.

I never went to any place as desperate or dangerous as the places Sara goes in this film, but I did spend a week in Kurdistan once & frankly it did change my life. I was never able to see myself the same way again. Even 20 years later, part of me still sees me as the people there saw me. They treated me like Marilyn Monroe -- clear skin, bright eyes, shinny hair, I didn't really understand the privilges of my own life before I saw myself thru their eyes. Those little girls who followed me when I walked down the street helped make me the feminist I am today.

You can think up all kinds of reasons to avert your eyes or you can do what you can to help. Even if it's just a little, at least it's not nothing. $87 billion most of which is allocated to the military?!?!? Surely there has to be a better way!!!

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You are certainly welcome Camilomilo and thanks Jan from FILMS FOR TWO for agreeing with me. I, too, cried throughout the film!!! I also love what you said in regards to the message you left with. And yes, surely there has to be a better way! *sigh*

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Ok... so you like the "message" of the movie? What was that? That the only reason you should go to 3rd world countries is to see the hot doctors that live there? Or that a movie uses scenes of true human suffering to get a rise out of emotional people? Why did Angelina Jolie (if she had truly wanted to make a movie to bring awareness)not make a documentary using real people, real stories, instead of spending millions of dollars (that could have been given TO 3rd world countries) trying to win over the masses with an epic love story. I think this movie had good intentions, and people who say the problem is the storyline is too boring deserve to get blasted for being insensitive. I see the real problem is the hypocrisy behind the "message" of the movie. And I don't write these comments to cause any controversy or to blast any comments previously made. I write these so you people can actually think of the millions of dollars used to make this movie. It's such a waste.

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I understand your point, but surely you already know the intentions of our society. If that were the case we wouldn't have films or any other outlandish expenses in our society. As much as I am a self-proclaimed idealist… well, I guess I’m rather realistic here. Of course, I wish that would change... meaning everyone would see what is MOST important. However, I don't see that happening anytime soon, unfortunately. Also, as much as we hear about actors pay checks… there’s a lot of “little” people behind films, etc. I mean, it IS a business after all and if filmmaking wasn’t going on there would be a lot of people out of a career/job. Nonetheless, that doesn’t take away from the fact that little gestures can turn into big ones and enforce change. As much as I understand what you are saying it's not the way most people see it. Also, films are made to enlighten etc. and to me I got more of a perspective from this film. However, seeing the numbers most people didn't even want to question seeing this film. Also, the starving child in this film was digitally enhanced if you weren't aware. If you remember the scene in which Sarah jumps off the truck. Of course, that shouldn’t be taken lightly either, but that’s just to say that this production didn’t use extremely vulnerable children.

What you said about the message is slightly unjust in my eyes. If that's what you want to walk away with... well, all the power to ya, but I surely think it was to stir up a rise in people to want to help. I think this film DOES have good intentions to simply enlighten people to want to change or help what is going on. I mean, if you want to see it as a love story... well, it's all subjective. I also feel you are making assumptions of Angelina herself. I’m not sure if you know anything about her, but I can guarantee she didn’t make this film to put emphasis on the love story.

Oh, and just so you know Angelina has been apart of a Documentary and also continues to do films because she knows she makes a ridiculous amount of money and she knows that money can go to people that really need it. She divides her income in three ways and one of those ways is for charity and to help build schools in third world countries etc..

Beyond Border wasn't a perfect film, but it can open up a lot of people that usually only see Hollywood features and this film touches on issues that need attention. I mean, I do agree for the most part as to what you are saying, but strictly speaking more people will see a feature as opposed to a Documentary and maybe that's why Angelina wanted to do this film. Actually, this script is what made her decide to call the United Nations and since it had such a power over her she probably thought it would have the same power over other people, hence why she wanted to be apart of this film. The woman has the best intentions herself and I can't say a negative thing about her, because she truly just wants to help.


However, it's good to see someone that sees the big picture. :thumbs

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I meant in no way to disrespect Angelina Jolie in anyway, the fact that she stepped in and got this movie made, and the humanitarian relief she's done make me see her as one of the purest hollywood actresses out here. I do respect the fact that she would step into a nicole kidman starring vehicle and use her star power to force something to get made that was in production hell.

I do see many of your points and to the most part, theres no disagreement. I guess I'm just a little naive, and I see that people should not need a 2 hr movie to get them interested in this situation. We (as society) should not need a $50 million dollar budget to keep people interested in the plight of humanity lesser fortunate then us. I mean, its one thing for people to say they were deeply affected by the movie, but all we saw on screen was just a *touch* of what 3rd world countries go through. Did this movie make me feel lucky because I live in Canada and I'll never understand what they go through? Yes, but it also had some tones of we, the rich society, need to help them. Which I understand coming from a Western society, but I think if they were to see it maybe a little insulted. Now I'm not saying help is unnecessary, but it should not be done just to make ourselves feel better. Because then we would be helping people for ourselves not for them. I'm not saying anyone in that movie had that intention, but I sort of felt that tone, and I know that thats what we as a society think. (I've done it myself)

My major disappointment was how they handled the publicity and partnerships. A major bonus to that movie would be to say have a partnership with an organization like say amnesty. If they could have even put a 5 minute advertisement after the movie, say make it a starting point for people that actually want to do something like they saw her do, and explain that relief work is not an adventure like something they would see in the movie but a responsibility because we are so blessed. Also taking the shift off of a love story in the commercials, because thats what many people were there for. It almost seemed the movie was an "impact" movie disguised as a love story to get people in the theaters. I know thats what it was with the people I went with, they said they liked the movie but thought it was a terrible love story.

I guess my point is, I feel strongly about this movie, because I feel it could have been so much more than its end result. And there is no disagreement, I just do have my own personal demons over the movie which make me want to get a lot of stuff out.

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First off, I’m Canadian too, so hi. hehe

Anyway, in regards to people needing a two hour film to get interested in a situation may very will be bleak. However, look at society itself; look at the information that the main stream audience receive, ya know? I totally agree with you, but realistically speaking, something of this nature can spark a lot more interest in a feature situation, so in theory it’s a good thing. Whether you or I may think it’s a stale, unfortunately that’s the way it is. The reason why I support this film so much is because it does touch on issues that need to be helped. Of course, helping others should not be because you want to feel better about yourself, but because you care. However, helping others also teaches you a lot about feeling, others in general, and maybe gain a new sense of empathy, so whatever way you look at it - it will help us too. Helping those who need it will also help the person that is giving. Well, that’s how I feel anyway. I mean, like at the ending scene of 'About Schmidt' is just a little example. ;)

I also agree with you about the way this film was marketed, but seeing as it IS a Hollywood film… well, it’s all about money. The people that are in charge of marketing want to put out something that will get people in the theatre to make money. I mean, when going to see a film “they” have certain trailers to appeal to different audiences. For example, if you’re going to see a romantic comedy and you see a trailer about a war film… well, they’ll show the relationship parts of the film more so than they would at an action film to get this particular audience to go see this practical “so-called” war film. Honestly, marketing and advertising seriously make me sick, but I can see through all the garbage. Advertising is all very psychological in my opinion, but is used to play on the psychology of others and most people probably don’t even really pay enough attention to that. Anyway, this may disgust me, but unfortunately this is how it works. Of course, throwing that all aside… surely, this film could have very well been better, but it IS Hollywood. I mean, in retrospect if you want to look at it as being heartless. Well, I don’t mind. *wink*

Anyway, I also admire the fact that you do have such a strong passion about this sort of thing because people like you can surely make a difference. I noticed that you mentioned Amnesty - very good organization to support!!

I guess the thing is we want the truth, but sadly we live in a very selfish/shallow society and people that care seem to be of the minority, but the people that do care can hopefully change that.

In a sense it’s refreshing to see a film like 'Beyond Borders' because the intentions of this film are far better than anything I’ve seen in awhile.

Oh, and your idea about supporting an organization at the end of the film would have been very good idea. However, since the UNHCR was mentioned MANY times… hopefully people picked up on that!! ;) I also think this film may have been centered around more of the issues, but “testing audiences” weren’t keen on seeing that (how typical :rollseyes), so a lot of editing had to happen and to further emphasise the love story, which may ALSO explain why the marketers also wanted to have trailers to show case the love story, but who knows?

I do recall this film was way over 3 hours before editing.

Anyway, I’ve blabbed enough. TaTa

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First off, let me just say that it is very nice that this movie has made you think about some of these important issues. Unfortunately, this is an extremely flawed movie, and a huge opportunity wasted. While this movie could have really informed many people about humanitarian / development issues, it may have in fact harmed those working towards development in the world. For an interesting review visit:
http://www.alertnet.org/thefacts/reliefresources/106794248631.htm
It is on Reuters site called alertnet, which has up to date information about humanitarian emergencies both by journalists and aid agencies, so while you are there you might be interested in reading about what is actually happening in the field.
The reason the film was not screened with ads for NGOs such as Amnesty or the UNHCR is probably because none of those NGOs would risk their reputations by being associated with such an irresponsible film. Lame love stories aside, and glossing over somewhat racist stereotypical characterizations, (as well as pathetic dialogue) the protagonists make reckless choice after reckless choice, rarely pausing to consider the ethics of what they are doing, rushing from one disaster to the next like adrenaline and altruism junkies. Whereas real humanitarian organizations carefully consider ethics, debate how each of their actions affect those they are aiming to help in the long run, Clive Owen (what ever the doctors name is)’s rogue band of humanitarian action heroes make rash and ill considered decisions, like supplying arms to the bloody Khmer Rough for heaven’s sake! What good is a vaccine when the people you vaccinate will survive measles only to be tortured and exterminated by a genocidal band of maniacs with the automatic weaponry that you have supplied to them?
The great strength of humanitarian organizations like the Red Cross / Red Crecent, really the only thing that allows them to do their important and necessary work, in the worst of the war torn zones, is their carefully cultivated and guarded neutrality. That was the basis for their establishment and it must be maintained if they are to continue to work with the people that need help the most. This neutrality has taken a beating by the Bush regime’s inclusion of humanitarian concerns in the justification for war with Iraq. Obviously this film is small potatoes compared to that. I really hope that the film and its implications go unnoticed by most of the world, if not it will also help to chip away at this long established concept of humanitarian neutrality, to the detriment of those who are in need of aid all over the world.
It is important for all of humanity to help each other when we are in need. It is good if this film has opened your eyes to this. But please take this as a starting point, and look into the issue further. For much too long North American’s and Europeans have been rushing into situations eager to do good and “fix problems” in the best interests of “helpless victims”. Thankfully, now humanitarian and development professionals (as well as social scientists and anthropologists) are being much more careful to deconstruct their ethnocentric assumptions and to act in a truly responsible manner in their dealings with the rest of the world. This film is most certainly not representative of that, and as such is both a danger to those professionals and the communities in which they work as well as a wasted opportunity to document the real stories of the people this film purports to honour.

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This film may have issues regarding "white-skinned savior" stereotypes and painting a bad picture of NGOs, and refugees, but I really doubt people reviewing this film take those much into account, and they probably miss the point of the movie as they focus on directing, acting, etc.

My general feeling of BB was that it was great until it ended and went to credits. That's when I was reminded that it was a movie that cost tens of millions of dollars to make.

However it is better than your "american pie" and "dude where's my car" crap, it will hopefully make you think about how messed up the world is. To that end I'm sure someone somewhere will feel compelled to donate their time or money to a relief organization of some kind after seeing this movie. If BB has more of an effect on people than that, and really does have some negative impact on NGOs I would be suprised.

Too weird to live, and too rare to die.

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1. Angelina was employed to star in this film, she did not produce it herself. And she is also a Goodwill Ambassador for the UN of her own efforts.

2. The crew that filmed in those locations left behind running water, extra shelter and even money to help keep orphanages going.

3. The money spent on making a film is considerable, though if they hadn't the film wouldnt be released world-wide and we wouldnt be discussing it.

4. The human suffering portrayed in this movie is happening in the real world, much worse than they are legally allowed to show on film.

5. The money used technically is not a waste, because it has shown people what is happening in the world and has created an influx of people wanting to help aid third-world countries. I am one of those such people.

Yes, the money could have been used to aid so many of those to whom the story is based on, but if it hadnt been made into a revealing film, it would have stayed in everyone's bank accounts. That I am certain of.

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Hi all...
First off let me state that I have NOT seen this movie yet, only because I know it will profoundly affect me and, frankly, I'm not up for viewing it yet. I work with a non-profit group that helps refugee women and to see "footage" of refugee situations - whether fictional or documentary - really affects me, now that I personally know so many survivors of war, displacement, and torture.

So I can't comment on the film itself. That said, I'd like to say that if anyone who saw "Beyond Borders" is moved to help refugees but doesn't know where to start, there is so much you can do here in the States. Amnesty International and the Red Cross are good places to start. The Red Cross has an "international tracing" program: you help people here locate and aid their relatives who have become refugees in war or disaster, or who have been imprisoned for political reasons. You can contact your local Red Cross chapter for more info.

If you'd like more info on the non-profit I work with, you can contact me at [email protected] I'd say its name and more info about it, but I don't know if IMDB permits "advertising" of any kind.

Thanks for your time.

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Actually no. A lot of Angelinas films have flopped in the last few years, sadly, and I haven’t post anything of this nature on her other film boards. I happen to be more of a fan of Angelina the Goodwill Ambassador than the actress, even though I think she is a great talent. I care a great deal about these issues, hence why I am here. The only reason I made this post in the first place (and to be honest I was expecting a comment like yours way before this) is because it bothered me that people were calling this film boring and yet it touches on REAL issues that need ATTENTION. Of course, films are here to entertain, but also to enlighten. Most people will not bother watching a Documentary, so films such as this one can open up a lot to some people and bring more awareness. If you or whoever else didn't like it. Well, whatever, but I'm just saying someone could actually get something out of this film. I guess I would rather watch something with depth. :shrugs And if someone says this film sucks, clearly they have not been affected, which I find to be pretty sad.

PS> I love learning!

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I do have to disagree with one comment you made. Because as a story this is a great film, but as a movie it is not. I see a lot of wasted potential in this movie because I think it was a movie that lacked in a lot of areas. The scenes in London were BRUTAL, it seemed like ever scene involving her family was dragging and overtly forced. The parts where she was in the third world were great and to have the brutal/great scenes does not make this a GOOD movie.
I could not ever begin to compare these movies to say Schindlers list or saving private ryan, which were both good moving movies, I wouldn't even put this on a good will hunting scale. Clive Owen was bad, he dragged a lot of could-have-been great scenes down because he looked so bored. Angelina was the only one worth watching other than the "victims" in the movie. (Except Teri Polo, I love her!)
I think to sum everything up, everything in this movie depends on what you watch it with. If you watch it with your head you will be let down as a movie fan, if you watch it with your heart you will be moved and it appeals to more the humanity in you.
A great story - yes, a good message - kind of, a good movie - no.
So to say people that didn't like the movie means they weren't affected by it is a pretty inacurate statement. These are the reasons the critics hated it.

(by the way where in Canada are you from? I'm 19 and from Edmonton, and if you ever want to see any reviews or other stuff I write, I write reviews for www.franksreelreviews.com, I got one on beyond borders but its most stuff I have covered in the postings already)

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Okay, I understand your points, but I guess being a emotion driven person myself, that's how I feel. This also puts emphasis on why I would be down right horrid as a critic... I wouldn't be able to do it. I guess it DOES go with how you watch the film as you said. The story won be over because I know THIS type of thing happens in REAL life, so this is why it effected me soo much, you see. Sadly, I also feel that people would rather ignore matters like this because they ARE often neglected but a film like this may open up the floor to more awareness, which is why I appreciate this film. Like I said before, it’s not perfect, but it had a huge emotional effect on me.

Anyway, ahh there's one thing though. I thought Clive was great. I think he is a wonderful talent and we'll see lots more of him in the future.

Oh, and I’m 19 too and in Ottawa. I’ll check out the site. :)

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"Get your head out of your ass!" is something someone who I know says to your kind of people. Movies aren't ment to only entertain. Movies are supposed to be art and used to be until Hollywood took over. In Hollywood people make lots of crap and say it's supposed to entertain. I know lots of kids think movies are supposed to be entertaining but as a REAL friend of movies I disagree. And don't give me that "this is just my opinion" crap because movies are supposed to deliver a message and be a form of art. 99 prosent of movies made in Hollywood aren't and that is why you think they are supposed to entertain. It's just a lame excuse by Hollywood excecutives to justify the crap they are making.

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Hey, TombRaider09... I like you. :) I love real films and I know you do too. :thumbs In reference to your other post I know you see things too. :thumbs

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I haven't seen the movie yet, but I wanted to thank you for this posting! It's something that I think a lot of people needed to hear. Good job!

We are the makers of music, and we are the dreamers of dreams.

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I would just like to suggest everyone read Ebert's review as he mentioned it perfectly. It has good intentions but fails to deliver. Utter garbage

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Every time I heard a remark about the movie I was stunned to hear about the cheesy love story. I wondered if people actually considered what me be going on in the world outside of their over rated lives. Can you imagine seeing a CHILD getting eaten by a vulture (reference to the photographer that committed suicide after watching this and did nothing)????
My friend is in the peace corp as we speak and I'll be joining in a year. Don't you people ever want to save another life besides your own?





Don't play with fire.

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To be honest the real reason why this got low scores is because it's just so generic (Hearing OSCAR WINNING, DRAMATIC, EPIC!! doesn't help either. I find it stupid they had this in the commercials for it before it even came out when it should be people and critics who should be the judge of what it is.). Handsome guy, handsome girl, helping each other out, starving children. There is potential to make a dramatic epic as you will as what life can be like in other countries, but this doesn't have it.

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