Restlessness, Irritibility & Discontentedness actually kills.

Rating: 9/10 (7 December 1999)

I began to watch this film late tonight,having been frustrated by many interruptions. I was tired . . .
What the hell is this thing, I thought, having rented it on the recommendation of a young bloke at my Video Store. More pushing of ideological barrows, plus manipulation by shaming, and guilt induction?
After two hours glued to the screen, I felt wonderfully refreshed and surprisingly alert.
The presentation and acting seemed, to my in-expert eye, to be excellent, to say the least - no problems there at all.
The idea underlying the story seemed to throw my emotions about considerably - well done.
The White American Hero says that he is "pissed off" with being "pissed off". The Black American Teacher admits to the same thing. I realised that the film pointed up the all too human condition of blind ego-centric living, a blind condition in which I share.
A wise man once wrote that the the word "Blame" should be struck from our vocabulary. The rationalisations of the feelings of being "pissed off" almost invariably lead to the projecting of my own shortcomings onto "them". "They" are the cause of all my troubles etc etc. This is not to deny that every resentment has a "hook" in people, things, and circumstances upon which to hang.
Notwithstanding, I thought, the viscious cycle of the mentality of hate cannot be broken by mindlessly blaming others for what is also deeply entrenched in my own heart and mind.
This film, in my experience tonight, deserves high commendation for laying bare the reality of my part in the human condition, and in giving me a clear and timely call whenever I feel "pissed off", no matter my colour, creed, gender, or status.
Painful? yes. But a great and liberating experience as well!
Thank you for the opportunity to share my reaction.
With every good wish,
JOHN CAMPBELL.