Billy, lads do football…or boxing…or wrestling. Not friggin’ ballet. -Jackie

In class we watched the infamous movie Billy Elliot. The movie is about Billy, an aspiring ballet dancer and how his environment doesn’t agree with his choice to dance. The movies touches on topics such as masculinity, the British miner strike and family.

I really enjoyed how the LGBTQ+ community was displayed in the movie, as it was so realistic. Micheal, Billy’s good friend, dressed femininely and used makeup on multiple occasions in the film. The movie was set in the 80’s, a time where this was frowned upon by many. Micheal doesn’t hide his feminine side from Billy, and when Billy questions Micheal about his choice of clothes, Micheal stands tall and is proud of his choice. This represents and symbolises everything the LGBTQ+ community stands for, and I admire both Micheal and the writers for including a minority like the LGBTQ+ community to such an extent.

 

 

Recently I saw a movie called Tsotsi. This movie really influenced me on a spiritual and emotional level. It is about a man who lives in a township in South Africa.

We get to know this man, self named Tsotsi, through his actions while we see flashbacks that explain them. He is extremely poor and robs for a living. If you watch this movie with the intent of figuring out why he is the way he is and does the things he does, you will certainly find the answer. The answer I thought was most obvious was how trauma from his past influenced his life.

How his dad was abusive, and how he had to escape from his own parents because the bad situation mirrors why he is abusive and escapes from his emotions. He escapes from his emotions by being coldblooded, cruel and by living like a lone wolf. If you met Tsotsi you wouldn’t have empathy for him, but when you get to know someone you figure out why they act like they do you will certainly find this empathy.

How he survived through what seems like hell on earth, really touched me. Through this, I found hope in my day and realised what I think of as a bad day would be a great day for others. I have endless resources, a loving family and just an overall functioning support system.

This movie also made me more aware of the unbearable conditions that still live on in South Africa, even after the ending of Apartheid. I want to make a change in this world, help people find and use their resources while helping people in bad situations find the loving God I have found.

Everyone is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always.

Thanks for joining me!

Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. — Izaak Walton