X2; A Message Film?

Rating: Null/10 (19 May 2003)

Hmm, being a pontificating sanctimonious jerk that I can be, I'm prone to over-analyse. So why not lay out my thick self-gratifying thoughts on something as popcorn fluffy as Xmen? Yes, why not? ;)
Below thus my take on one of the many lofty themes covered by Xmen.
That, of prejudice.
(Spoilers ahead)
Gay fans may identify with the veiled but sensitive treatment of their community in the pseudo coming-out sequence Iceman had with his family. But most incisive about that scene was his family's unknowingly hurting response(Bobby mom to him:"Bobby, have you ever tried, not being a mutant"). Therein lies the deep-seated ignorance and misguided beliefs held by most people and indirectly this "force field" caused many of those who are different to conform, to hide from others their own true selves.
Which was why there's an added echo of resonance from a short retort Mystique uttered to the Nightcrawler, with a deceptively revelatory remark, that one shouldn't be in diguise(even when one is capable of doing so).
Such sly yet poignant moments, nearly equalled the unexpected Jewish holocaust opening in X1. All of which underlines one of the basic themes of the Xmen series - that of the crusade against prejudices and fear, hatred and discrimination. Definitely one of the reasons this comic series is still so widely embraced since its 60's origins.
At any point in time, from civil rights(60's) movement all the way to women's/ gay rights advocacy(present day), people who felt victimised for being different will always be able to identify with the characters and themes introduced in Xmen's fictionalised world. For these comic superheroes too were asking for something as basic as mutual understanding and acceptance. One pertinent question raised by Xmen to us the unsuspecting public may thus be, "after all these years, have we given it to them?"
(End of Spoilers)
Comic origins notwithstanding, Xman is a work of pure good. As long as there are victims who still suffer at the hands of others who perptuate prejudices, fear, hatred and discrimination, the Xmen universe will always be a relevant voice of reason for all times.
That's my humble opinion anyway.