extra credit assignment

I think it was really beautiful to see the coming together of two different cultures. Especially ones that appear to be polar opposites because they are so far apart. However, after seeing each film you realize that just because our cultures are different doesn't mean that we are. We are all very much human and have our own set of issues that are in actuality very similar than we would imagine. My favorite were Lucky and The Proudest Value of Our Homeland as well as Green Land and Yellowing. Each one I related to very strongly and had a visceral reaction. The first one, Lucky, was very moving because we watch how this innocent dog brings peace to a man's life after he believes it has fallen apart. Revenge is not the answer because why would you want to inflict that pain onto another person and their family. It was so beautiful to watch the pain and then the surrendering to forgiveness. The Proudest Value of Our Homeland was very intriguing. As a dancer I was extremely drawn to the variation of telling a story while also using film as a medium. You saw the struggle of the dancers as they walked you through the traditional moral values their country stands by; which are no different from my own! This film drew me in closer and really connected me to a stranger's life. I felt like I could truly understand (even though I actually have no experience). Green Land was very moving because for me at this day and age I am constantly questioning my purpose of life and the same ideals my parents' generation grew up with cannot possibly be mine. They lived in a time where getting a job was truly the answer and guaranteed stability. These days it is very different. And constantly trying to explain that to the older generation is very taxing, so I felt the pain of the main character as he tries to get his father to understand him about the meaning of family and stability. And Yellowing was just fantastic. To see the unity and drive of the students in Hong Kong was inspiring. They demanded change but they wanted it not just for themselves but for everyone in Hong Kong, they appealed to the police by reminding them who they are and it is okay to be human. In America, especially at this time since there is so much tension between the police and specific communities NOW MORE THAN EVER it feels like there is a disconnect that needs to be fixed. African Americans are Americans all the same as the police officers killing and "fearing for their lives". I thought it was beautiful to see the police walk away without harming anyone and without violence breaking out. Those young adults were HEARD and that was the best part. I could only wish for that here. I hope one day it is possible. But the same political corruption they face, we face too. So just bringing back more and more similarities to a place that seems so distant. I am genuinely grateful for this experience because sometimes it is very hard for me to make connections outside of my race, because what could we possibly have in common, but our commonality is that we are human. Same things that pain you, pain me. Same things that drive you, drive me. Same way you feel happiness, I feel happiness. Although the way stories were told were different the underling themes were the same, so I would prefer not to focus on the differences. :)