Patriarchy and Patriotism

Rating: 8/10 (7 November 1999)

There is an undercurrent today, rumbling about that men aren't particularly needed in that 'old-fashioned' way. That primal level defenses simply are a thing of the past. Well, to my mind, that kind of mind-set presumes an awful lot. I am watching, with some trepidation, feminist thinking degrading our forces simply on the 'why-not' premise of women requiring that all situations be made level for their abilities, whether those abilities in fact exist. The result is droves of men, good men, leaving the services, because the premise is flawed and the execution is destructive.
Independence Day is a text entirely to the contrary and thus, entirely to my liking. It is vital that women /not/ need to put themselves utterly into harm's way, for they are a priceless resource. ID4 takes this completely seriously. The result is a rousing war movie, one that stirs the blood. There is some simplification of the situation, a potential impediment that seems necessary when a film maintains a wide viewpoint through its entire length. However, even given this, focus is also kept on a limited number of key individuals, whose interaction and ability to come together are key to whether they will succeed, or fail.
This is in many ways an old-fashioned movie, in that there are no permanently disturbed characters, no one's sexual hangups are explored, selfishness and self-absorption are put aside. Thus it is not 'edgy'. I say, good. Ordinary folk have too much living to do to bother with films that endlessly navel-gaze and woolgather. There is no moss growing on these people and I'd like to see people in real life being just as courageous.
So, if you want deep thought, go see something else. If you want to see people responding to crisis and see it done with dispatch and brio, see this film. Highly recommended.