shorttrini said:

Shyra said:

You ain right, Trini!

Am I lying?

You ain nevah lied! He a twin!

ufoclub said:

Finally saw "Django Unchained"... it's hot. Too much fun. And it's certainly not trying to be realistic. But it is trying to show a childlike b-film perspective on the b-movie version of a slave underdog finally getting the b-movie version of glory, complete with horse tricks.

There was one part of the movie that actually felt just like a Spike Lee movie, the way it used a song and was cutting back and forth between two events happening simultaneously.

I've been missing a lot of Spike Lee's movies... but I'm curious to see his last one. It hasn't opened has it?

I rarely go the movies. A film has to really capture my curiosity for me to plop down, hell, I don't even know how much admission is anymore, what, about $15 now? I'll try to catch a matinee when the kids go back to school tomorrow. I hate going to a movie filled with loud, rowdy black teens and hardheads. Yeah, they my peeps, but I don't want to hear any extra dialog from the peanut gallery while I'm watching the movie! For $15, I want to hear every word!

missfee said:

Urgh, I saw this yesterday and my first thoughts were why doesn't he just shut the fuck up. Seriously. This isn't anything new with him, he does have a right to an opinion, but damn, he's always bitching and moaning and bitching and moaning about somebody else's film...especially if the stars of the film or the cast is predominantly African American.

What I really don't get is that how he can have an opinion on a film he hasn't even seen? I mean its one thing to say, "I don't have any interest in seeing it. That's it"...but it's another to say I don't have any interest because it "disrespects my ancestors"...how do you know what the film does if you haven't seen it??? His reasoning doesn't make sense and seems like it's just yet another dig to make at Tarantino whom we clearly know from past criticism that he doesn't care for.

I think Spike is salty because his films generally don't do well at the box office...and not only that, his films don't get decent promotion....as both Tyler Perry's and Tarantino films do.

[Edited 12/24/12 16:27pm]

Thanks

I would NOT be a bit surprised if Spike said this simply 2 drive folks who don't like him 2 see the movie. Things aren't as they always appear.

ufoclub said:

Finally saw "Django Unchained"... it's hot. Too much fun. And it's certainly not trying to be realistic. But it is trying to show a childlike b-film perspective on the b-movie version of a slave underdog finally getting the b-movie version of glory, complete with horse tricks.

There was one part of the movie that actually felt just like a Spike Lee movie, the way it used a song and was cutting back and forth between two events happening simultaneously.

I've been missing a lot of Spike Lee's movies... but I'm curious to see his last one. It hasn't opened has it?

Red Hook Summer was released to very limited screens across the U.S. through 2012. Spike opted to distribute it independently (and, frankly, may have had difficulty closing a broader distribution deal). It was released for home rental just before Christmas.

Lammastide said:

ufoclub said:

Finally saw "Django Unchained"... it's hot. Too much fun. And it's certainly not trying to be realistic. But it is trying to show a childlike b-film perspective on the b-movie version of a slave underdog finally getting the b-movie version of glory, complete with horse tricks.

There was one part of the movie that actually felt just like a Spike Lee movie, the way it used a song and was cutting back and forth between two events happening simultaneously.

I've been missing a lot of Spike Lee's movies... but I'm curious to see his last one. It hasn't opened has it?

Red Hook Summer was released to very limited screens across the U.S. through 2012. Spike opted to distribute it independently (and, frankly, may have had difficulty closing a broader distribution deal). It was released for home rental just before Christmas.

Damn, already!!!???

missfee said:

Spinlight said:

Django was an exceptional movie. Not only was the cinematography and editing spot-on, but the story was interesting and compelling. Of course, it's a Tarantino film so the ending is never straightforward and can sometimes be a little too editorial, but overall this is absolutely my favorite Tarantino work behind Kill Bill 1 & 2 (with Reservoir Dogs coming in after Django).

The movie is acted superbly well. Leonardo DiCaprio's performance deserves an Oscar, quite frankly. He is vicious, cruel, disarming, charming, and covered in Mississippi swampjuice. He fits the role impeccably. Jamie Foxx's performance is subtle and virile; he captures the essence of his character effortlessly and is, thankfully, paired up with a brilliant cohort. Christoph Waltz's performance is the standout here. His character is intriguing, amusing, and gripping and, in the end, you really don't suffer from too much character development. It's brisk, but it feels right. While I think Christoph's performance is the standout, you walk away from the movie knowing much more about who Django is and what motivates him than any other character. Score.

Tarantino happens to be my favorite living director (behind the late Kubrick). X was the only movie I ever even dug by Spike.

Spike Lee is a joke. A played out has-been, longing for the days of New Jack Swing and rat-tails. Bye, bitch, bye.

[Edited 12/29/12 2:56am]

I have to say so myself. But Leonardo is an exceptional actor anyway and has been for many years now. He's one (along with Johnny Depp) that has been long overdue for an Oscar.

I also have to say that Samuel L. Jackson's performance as the "uncle Tom" house servant was a great performance as well. I say that because (even though he made you hate his guts), we have heard about the difference between the "house negroes vs. field negroes" discussion...there really hasn't been an accurate depiction of how calculating and manipulative the house servants were back in those times and how deceptive they were to their own people....until now. As Malcolm X said "the house negro loved his master more than himself"...I immediately thought of this line when Sam's character ran to Leo's side after he was shot and killed.

Anyway, I like the movie very much and it's something that I don't mind seeing over and over again. There were a few scenes that were comical, but not in a way that I feel "disrespected the history of my ancestors". I didn't walk away feeling funny about anything and the way it was depicted.

Being that you guys have actually seen the movie. I'd like to add my voice to the chorus and say that it was a great movie. Very entertaining. By the end of it everyone applauded with tickled delight.

"Whatsamatta massa, we sick?" I thought of the same damn thing too

Has there ever been a better portrayal of an "Uncle Tom" in American cinema?

As far as Tarantino is concerned. I never had a problem with him. I get his style and influences. I always love his dialog in his films. So conversational and witty. Spike is entitled to his opinion but I think in the long run, he's hurting himself. And we wonder why his joints aren't fully supported by the major studios. If he's not careful he'll be left with the independent producers who may not have the budget as the big boys. I'm all for artistic integrity but you also want to ensure that as many people as possible see your shit too

We need more directors (regardless of color) who think outside the box and is able to deliver that vision.

Jamie offered a good, subtle performance. Subtlety isn't always easy either. Christoph and Leonardo may end up battling each other for Best Supporting Actor if there's a weak field of choices to choose from.

Lammastide said:

ufoclub said:

Finally saw "Django Unchained"... it's hot. Too much fun. And it's certainly not trying to be realistic. But it is trying to show a childlike b-film perspective on the b-movie version of a slave underdog finally getting the b-movie version of glory, complete with horse tricks.

There was one part of the movie that actually felt just like a Spike Lee movie, the way it used a song and was cutting back and forth between two events happening simultaneously.

I've been missing a lot of Spike Lee's movies... but I'm curious to see his last one. It hasn't opened has it?

Red Hook Summer was released to very limited screens across the U.S. through 2012. Spike opted to distribute it independently (and, frankly, may have had difficulty closing a broader distribution deal). It was released for home rental just before Christmas.

Maybe. Kevin Smith did the same thing with 'Red State' by choice. He could have done a wider, art house release, which I'm sure Spike could manage quite easily, as well. But by keeping the films that they wrote, directed (and in Spike's case, produced) fully under their control, they don't owe anybody else one red cent. The size of their budgets were likely small enough to make a profit from home rentals and sales, anyway.

Shyra said:

shorttrini said:

Well if he wasn't the "right guy", Sheldon should have gotten off his ass, and done something about it. Spike is the father of "Missed Opportunity". If he wants to tell our story, then tell it...(again, I said, he should have been the one to direct, "Red Tails"). What's with this "passive aggressive" shit...He's always flapping his gums about, "Nobody knows our story and plight, better than us and we should be the one's to tell it"; Then when the opportunity comes along for him to do so, not only is he is too lazy to get his azz out of his courtside seat to direct it, he's the first one to complain when somebody else takes advantage of telling a story that HE should have been the one to tell!! Spike has become too complacent because of a few gems, and should sit his, "Jimoney Cricket" ass, down.... As my mother always say, "You can't be, wrong and strong, at the same time"

You ain right, Trini!

between this and Chancellor being ready to step on Spike's glasses I'm dying over here

I agree with Spike Lee 100 percent regarding this film and I wont be paying my money to go see it either. that RACIST FILM.....

outsideofthebox said:

I agree with Spike Lee 100 percent regarding this film and I wont be paying my money to go see it either. that RACIST FILM.....

Spike didn't say the film was racist.

And clearly you didn't read anything that all the people who have actually SEEN IT said in this thread.

no, I said that the film was racist with the excession use of the n word....and you didnt clearly read that I actually said it. I never said that Spike Lee made that statement and I can see what he means django being disrespectful to our ancestors.

Cerebus said:

outsideofthebox said:

I agree with Spike Lee 100 percent regarding this film and I wont be paying my money to go see it either. that RACIST FILM.....

Spike didn't say the film was racist.

And clearly you didn't read anything that all the people who have actually SEEN IT said in this thread.

[Edited 1/5/13 16:44pm]

outsideofthebox said:

no, I said that the film was racist with the excession use of the n word....and you didnt clearly read that I actually said it. I never said that Spike Lee made that statement and I can see what he means django being disrespectful to our ancestors.

Cerebus said:

Spike didn't say the film was racist.

And clearly you didn't read anything that all the people who have actually SEEN IT said in this thread.

[Edited 1/5/13 16:44pm]

Unless you see the movie, you have no idea if it was racist or not. And I hate to break it to you, but much like to today, back then, some people used the n word quite a lot.

well...today if you use the n word in the wrong place at the wrong time or with the wrong person and you take a good chance of getting your arse beat down. different than it was back then.

Stymie said:

outsideofthebox said:

no, I said that the film was racist with the excession use of the n word....and you didnt clearly read that I actually said it. I never said that Spike Lee made that statement and I can see what he means django being disrespectful to our ancestors.

[Edited 1/5/13 16:44pm]

Unless you see the movie, you have no idea if it was racist or not. And I hate to break it to you, but much like to today, back then, some people used the n word quite a lot.

[Edited 1/5/13 17:06pm]

actually, tarantino just stereotyped all of the blacks that live in Compton, Inglewood, and Carson with that being how they talk.

''As a writer, I demand the right to write any character in the world that I want to write. I demand the right to be them, I demand the right to think them and I demand the right to tell the truth as I see they are, all right? And to say that I can't do that because I'm white, but the Hughes brothers can do that because they're black, that is racist. That is the heart of racism, all right. And I do not accept that ... That is how a segment of the black community that lives in Compton, lives in Inglewood, where Jackie Brown takes place, that lives in Carson, that is how they talk. I'm telling the truth. It would not be questioned if I was black, and I resent the question because I'm white. I have the right to tell the truth. I do not have the right to lie''

outsideofthebox said:

actually, tarantino just stereotyped all of the blacks that live in Compton, Inglewood, and Carson with that being how they talk.

''As a writer, I demand the right to write any character in the world that I want to write. I demand the right to be them, I demand the right to think them and I demand the right to tell the truth as I see they are, all right? And to say that I can't do that because I'm white, but the Hughes brothers can do that because they're black, that is racist. That is the heart of racism, all right. And I do not accept that ... That is how a segment of the black community that lives in Compton, lives in Inglewood, where Jackie Brown takes place, that lives in Carson, that is how they talk. I'm telling the truth. It would not be questioned if I was black, and I resent the question because I'm white. I have the right to tell the truth. I do not have the right to lie''

He said a segment.

My fishing license is expired...

well, saying a segment is just a way to try to sugarcoat it.

Stymie said:

outsideofthebox said:

actually, tarantino just stereotyped all of the blacks that live in Compton, Inglewood, and Carson with that being how they talk.

''As a writer, I demand the right to write any character in the world that I want to write. I demand the right to be them, I demand the right to think them and I demand the right to tell the truth as I see they are, all right? And to say that I can't do that because I'm white, but the Hughes brothers can do that because they're black, that is racist. That is the heart of racism, all right. And I do not accept that ... That is how a segment of the black community that lives in Compton, lives in Inglewood, where Jackie Brown takes place, that lives in Carson, that is how they talk. I'm telling the truth. It would not be questioned if I was black, and I resent the question because I'm white. I have the right to tell the truth. I do not have the right to lie''

He said a segment.

I finally got a chance to check out Django and i must say i enjoyed it. More importantly, i wasn't offended by Quentin's portrayal of blacks in the movie. There wasn't really anything in the movie that made me think Quentin was trying to make light of slavery or portray blacks in a negative light. Take Django and his wife for instance.

Django was portrayed as an intelligent, self assured and thoughtful man and his wife, she spoke German for Christ sakes !

As for some of the other black characters.

Samuel Jackson's portrayal of a self hating, sellout, house negro was disturbing but the fact is there was probably a lot of house negroes (and field negroes)that thought and acted the way his character did. Being enslaved, mistreated, broken and thought of as being only one fifth human most definitely produced a lot self hate amongst blacks back then. I looked at Samuel's portrayal as being authentic.

Also the slave owners and some of the other white racists were accurately portrayed as being the dogs and evil bastards they were. Also he made the hooded fools look like idiots.

As far as the excessive use of the word Nigger in the movie.

Me personally i don't use the word and i get uncomfortable when people do but fuck it. Some of us African Americans use it like its going outta style so what should we expect ?

I understand the whole racist use of the word vs the term of endearment use of the word argument but i don't buy it. My feelings about using the word to excess in the movie... Whatever.

In closing. I agree that slavery is nothing to make light of but i think Spike Lee should see the movie before he decides to get all high and mighty.

P.S

Now that i know the movie isn't a pile of crap i can now do the right thing and pay full price to watch it at the theater in addition to watching it in the comfort of my . Theres some excellent of the movie floating around the net.

[Edited 1/7/13 2:59am]

master yoda send me my freedom django won't unchain me!

some say we looks alike

Just kidding but truthfully i see a resemblance here.

JoeyC said:

As far as the excessive use of the word Nigger in the movie.

Me personally i don't use the word and i get uncomfortable when people do but fuck it. Some of us African Americans use it like its going outta style so what should we expect ?

I understand the whole racist use of the word vs the term of endearment use of the word argument but i don't buy it. My feelings about using the word to excess in the movie... Whatever.

I don't have a problem with it for the same reason I don't have a problem with it in books like "Huckleberry Finn" and "Roots". It's how folks talk, ugly as it is.

I love this movie. People need to get the stick out of their behinds and go see it.

free2bfreeda said:

master yoda send me my freedom django won't unchain me!

some say we looks alike

Just kidding but truthfully i see a resemblance here.

Yep but also that reminds me a little bit of alphonso from the color purple.

uPtoWnNY said:

JoeyC said:

As far as the excessive use of the word Nigger in the movie.

Me personally i don't use the word and i get uncomfortable when people do but fuck it. Some of us African Americans use it like its going outta style so what should we expect ?

I understand the whole racist use of the word vs the term of endearment use of the word argument but i don't buy it. My feelings about using the word to excess in the movie... Whatever.

I don't have a problem with it for the same reason I don't have a problem with it in books like "Huckleberry Finn" and "Roots". It's how folks talk, ugly as it is.

And in Django Unchained, everyone who uses the word casually is definitely being portrayed as ugly. When Shultz uses it he's clearly uncomfortable, and when Django says it he's angry. Personally, I thought they did a very good job in that regard. It's not like it's another 'gangsta' movie where every character is saying it in every sentence for no reason.

In related news, slave action figures are now on sale for kids and collectors alike....wtf are the accesories? Whips and chains?

http://www.thedailybeast....gures.html

shorttrini said:

Gunsnhalen said:

Spike does.. and while he has made some great serious movies...

He also did cheesy like She Hate Me & Girl 6

I always wonder what he was thinkign with those 2.

Girl 6, wasn't so bad. The soundtrack, wasn't bad either.

Excuse me, but Girl 6 was Spike's first f*** up as a filmmaker. The soundtrack by Prince was THE only reason why I was able to watch that film in its entirely.

babynoz said:

In related news, slave action figures are now on sale for kids and collectors alike....wtf are the accesories? Whips and chains?

http://www.thedailybeast....gures.html

No. Because none of those characters used a whip. Other than Django, which he used to brutalize a white man.

Only Django and Broomhilda were slaves. Both of them are freed in the movie (Django is a free, freethinking, freewilled character for nearly all of the movie), and their masters killed.

Collectible action figures like these are done for a majority of genre movies these days, but they never make the news. Are these appropriate? I don't know. I have to say, for me, they're not something I would want. But I don't find them offensive, either. Just kind of odd.

Cerebus said:

babynoz said:

In related news, slave action figures are now on sale for kids and collectors alike....wtf are the accesories? Whips and chains?

http://www.thedailybeast....gures.html

No. Because none of those characters used a whip. Other than Django, which he used to brutalize a white man.

Only Django and Broomhilda were slaves. Both of them are freed in the movie (Django is a free, freethinking, freewilled character for nearly all of the movie), and their masters killed.

Collectible action figures like these are done for a majority of genre movies these days, but they never make the news. Are these appropriate? I don't know. I have to say, for me, they're not something I would want. But I don't find them offensive, either. Just kind of odd.

Um...yeah, the whip and chain line was a wisecrack but I thought that was obvious.

I find it odd too and I realize that movie related action figures are quite common.

Sam Jackson's character wasn't a slave in the movie?

babynoz said:

Cerebus said:

No. Because none of those characters used a whip. Other than Django, which he used to brutalize a white man.

Only Django and Broomhilda were slaves. Both of them are freed in the movie (Django is a free, freethinking, freewilled character for nearly all of the movie), and their masters killed.

Collectible action figures like these are done for a majority of genre movies these days, but they never make the news. Are these appropriate? I don't know. I have to say, for me, they're not something I would want. But I don't find them offensive, either. Just kind of odd.

Um...yeah, the whip and chain line was a wisecrack but I thought that was obvious.

I find it odd too and I realize that movie related action figures are quite common.

Sam Jackson's character wasn't a slave in the movie?

Yeah, I know. But I'm like, Mr. Literal, so I thought about who used what weapon in the movie and commented.

Actually, good call. He was. But if you (or anybody else) hasn't seen the movie I don't want to say anymore. He actually played the character that was the most conflicting and uncomfortable for me as a viewer.

Edit: Stupid spelling.

[Edited 1/7/13 21:54pm]

TonyVanDam said:

shorttrini said:

Girl 6, wasn't so bad. The soundtrack, wasn't bad either.

Excuse me, but Girl 6 was Spike's first f*** up as a filmmaker. The soundtrack by Prince was THE only reason why I was able to watch that film in its entirely.

Same here!