martinjacksmith

I had low expectations of this film when I chose to watch it, and I was quite overwhelmed by its depth and relevance. Set in a future world where even bananas are banned for being suggestive, relationships and marriage are tolerated only when approved and regulated by the state. It contrasts the lives of two couples - one elderly approved married couple in crisis and two happy young lovers seeking to marry. Ihe sets, locations, lighting, dialogue, camera angles: everything is so carefully crafted to contrast these couples, to depict the essence of their relationships, and to make us care for them and feel their pain. For days afterwards I was exploring this film in my mind, and its parallels to modern life: its very political message. When a state, even with the best intentions, tries to control our personal and family lives it will inevitably end up damaging them. Suddenly I regret not standing up more for GLBT rights, refugee rights, abortion rights, religious tolerance and so many other instances where nation states still deny citizens their freedom of choice. It has changed me, and in my opinion that makes it more than a good film, it makes it a great film.