Gosha...I can't spell it

I've seen this film before, last year when I was in 102 class, and Carl gave me the option to leave early because I'd already seen it. Normally I'd jump at the chance for more free time, but instead I found myself rooted to the seat when the time came for me to leave. This had been one of my favorite films last year. I've seen a lot I liked this year, but once again this film has mounted the top of my list. Why?

I think my favorite part is the contrasting of cultures. I've seen several films that attempt this same idea, but Lockhart's use of basketball is a whole new, appealing approach. The culture contrast is evident in the film, but at the same time, the message is not forced in your face aggressively, it just is what it is. A fact, simple. Instead of focusing on the culture aspect, it focuses on the girls and the rhythmic movement, sounds, and use of space. When I watch this film I feel like I am watching a motion picture in the most tangible sense- a beautifully framed photograph that moves, almost to music, as it glides from one framing to another. The use of space is awesome! The camera does not need to move to give us the message.

Another thing I like is the stage in the background. Even if we are not told ahead of time that the girls are choreographed, we are told by the stage. It suggests a controlled movement, a putting on of a fake demonstration meant to entertain and be beautiful. The sounds of the girls running are perfectly in sync together and overwhelm your ears, like you are watching and hearing a military procession.

Once again, the culture is everywhere in this film. The girls speak in unison, they run together, they move together, and in the last segment they even trace the lines on the floor, in a sort of zen arrangement toward the camera. The girls are so used to working together that they even toss the balls together, as if working together is perfectly natural. How odd for us Americans to see, and what a great lesson can we take from this behavior! I especially love how they take a break and just lay on the floor in the middle of the workout, and later they massage each other. Americans would never do this! We don't care about each other that way, and we always push. The more you do, the more uplifted you are. The busier you are, the better person. Sometimes I hate America. At least what's become of it anyhow.

This is another film that inspires me. I'm not so inspired by the actual film itself, but the use of ideas and culture. This film is artistic and deep in thought. Every scene was carefully thought out and arranged. Every idea tied together, putting completely different ideas together to reach a certain synthesis. These are films I like!