By Mark HadleyMonday 9 Aug 2010MoviesReading Time: 3 minutes
Ghost Writer
Rating: M
Distributor: Hoyts
Release Date: August 12, 2010
The new film from acclaimed director Roman Polanski and starring Ewan McGregor and Pierce Brosnan. The Ghost Writer tells the story of a writer asked to co-write the biography of the former prime minister of England. However the deeper his research goes the more disturbing the details that emerge. Soon he must choose between publishing the facts or retaining a popular image. However siding with the truth proves to be extremely dangerous.
The Ghost Writer places the viewer in the position of answering the question: ‘How much is truth worth?’ It allows for an unstrained examination of the distance between our public and private lives, and how disturbed we would be if someone were to make our shameful secrets public. Do we really value truth above all things, and if so, are we prepared to be truthful about ourselves? The Ghost Writer’s credentials means it is certain to be a film appreciated by adults, though younger viewers should beware the M rating.
Star Wars: The Clone Wars
Rating: PG
Distributor: Cartoon Network
Release Date: Thursdays, 7:00 PM (with multiple repeats)
A spin-off from the Star Wars franchise, Star Wars: The Clone Wars is a cartoon series filling the gap between the films Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith. In it we see Obi-Wan Kenobi battling the forces of the evil Count Dooku alongside Anakin Skywalker, and the young Jedi passing on the lessons he learns to his new paduan Ahsoka Tano. Prepare yourself for half an hour of light-sabres and exploding droids. But there are benefits that reach further than the blasters.
As a parent of three boys I’m often on the lookout for a series that can channel their naturally physical play in directions that are helpful. As such I’m a big fan the cartoon series Star Wars: The Clone Wars. There have always been spiritual problems associated with George Lucas’ Star Wars universe where the impersonal Hindu-influenced ‘Force’ holds everything in balance. However the cartoon series simplifies things dramatically by reducing most plots to simple morality tales. Most importantly they give a context for the violence that so often enters boyish games.
Every episode begins with a sort of moral framework for the action that follows. Some are greeting card gibberish, but most storylines make the point that violence, when it occurs, has an appropriate context and its proper use is often combined with sacrifice.
Even a cursory examination of the Bible shows that God’s role for men includes them acting as protectors for their families, the helpless and his own honour – often in ways that acknowledge the need for violence. This fundamental to the masculine nature isn’t easily suppressed and just as easily runs into unhealthy channels. As a parent I’m happy to take the support wherever I can find it, though I realise the limitations of programs like this require my input. So I watch every episode with them and, yes, when I bought them toy light sabres, I bought one for myself too.