The Shield of Achilles - Why does a person fight? So someday, they don't have to.

Rating: 8/10 (11 October 2008)

DUMB "EYE-CANDY" GIRLFRIEND? NOPE. SHE GROWS TOO.
Is the "girlfriend" in the movie stupid? She starts out acting in accord with the dumb blond persona expected of her, but, she is the one who comes to realize that the reason why Jake (the hero) fights, is because, he wants to be free of the need to do so. Jake isn't the only person who becomes more than what he was over the course of this movie.
THE EMOTION CALLED : ANGER
We all deal with this emotion. It is intrinsic to a Capitalist society which demands that people "fight" and "compete" and "struggle" to succeed.
Most people would say that's the reality of things. "Survival of the Fittest". "The strong survive, the weak perish." and so forth. It is so, if that is the way we as a species choose to make it. But. It most certainly is not the way it "truly" is. Truth is ours to make.
Angry parents naturally raise angry children. The magic comes when THE CHILD IS ABLE TO BREAK THE CHAIN OF ANGER, and say no to continuing the cycle of unresolved rage that traps nearly everyone in a Capitalist society.
WHEN YOU'RE STRONG, YOU'RE NOT AFRAID ANYMORE
It's really that simple.
Why is violence so popular? Because nearly everyone's cup is overflowing with violence inside of them as a result of the daily abuse they subject their hearts and souls to. The unfulfilling existence of forcing oneself to do what one does not want to, day after day, because the alternative is ostracization, hunger, and cold, cannot do aught but fill one with anger at being born into a species which is so backward in its thinking.
Why do so many young men train themselves to be physically strong? Because that way they won't be hurt anymore, and they won't have to be afraid anymore.
The movie has true respect and insight for this fact. Jake is full of pent up anger and rage over his Father's Alcohol problem and the subsequent death it resulted in.
By making himself truly strong, by proving to himself that he could become so strong that the death of his father no longer felt like his fault, Jake found the peace in his heart that no longer required fighting to appease his feelings of guilt and shame.
THE TEACHER TEACHES THE STUDENT, AND THE STUDENT TEACHES THE TEACHER
The theme of Fathers is a vital one for most young men.
The inner peace Jake finds with the memory of his own father, inspires the teacher to seek out reconciliation as well.
It is the human connection forged between teacher and student, the bond made as a result of opening up to one another.
The student needs to acquire the knowledge the teacher needs to teach. It is a perfect relationship of "giving and taking".
Both men "cried" in front of each other in this film when they were overcome by the memories of their own personal pains. Human tears communicate the depth of human feelings in a way words simply cannot. Tears bridge gaps, words never can.
LITTLE BROTHERS
The addition of the idolizing little brother was a very nice touch to the film, giving it a wonderful additional element to add flavor to Jake's character.
Further, it was very gratifying to make the little brother unique and special in his own right, by being a tennis prodigy.
Both brothers develop themselves and make themselves stronger. That way both brothers can earn each other's respect.
GOING VIRAL : THE INFLUENCE OF VIDEO SHARING IN YOUTH CULTURE
This movie points to a phenomenon which is going to become central to humanity very, very soon.
Everyone is a celebrity. Because, everyone is so already. Unique and special. There's no need for human beings to think of other human beings as greater, or, more worthy.
The Evolution past the Celebrity culture.
Jake becomes known to all in the school instantaneously. Indeed, he is admirable and special, but, he is flesh and blood, and it is easy to go up and talk to him and see he is just a nice guy.
AN "ONION" OF A MARTIAL ARTS MOVIE
Definitely, a movie with many layers. ; D