Old question in new light

Rating: Null/10 (21 May 2000)

Kubrick focuses on an old question about the role of society in meting out justice. There is a story associated with Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. Angulimaal is a robber and a murderer. He robs travelers and kills them. He then keeps their finger as a token count. Buddha reforms him. He converts into a monk. He vows never to take up violence again. On one of his visits to a village, he is recognized and stoned to death by angry villagers. For sentimental value, the story ends with him dying in Buddha's lap telling him that he didn't violate his vow. The anti-hero of Clockwork Orange is a violent youth who is captured and reformed and rendered incapable of violence. He is recognized and almost dies at the hands of those he had brutalized. The ancient question remains : if the criminal is reformed, would his victims accept him? Or would there be a role reversal with him becoming a victim and the endless cycle repeats. The political angle is funny. Kubrick displays sex, violence and rape in this brilliantly directed movie which would keep cheap audience away from his future works.