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Saturday, April 18, 2009

Australia

My sister and I watched the movie Australia tonight. I was a little thrown when the opening credits began with the following:

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers should exercise caution when watching this film as it may contain images and voices of deceased persons.

My first thought was, What the hell? Then the more I thought about it, the more I am interested in learning about their culture and the meaning behind the warning. Did they film in sacred areas where they believe that they would be able to hear or see the deceased? Is it everywhere in Australia? Was it things they referenced in the movie? Gonna need to find out more about this.

The other comment that both myself and my sister had during the second part of the movie was that I don't remember ever knowing that Australia was involved in WWII. Are we so focused on our own history in school that it never got brought up? Were there just other events surrounding WWII that were deemed more important, and not enough time to talk about everything that happened? I'm curious.

It's seeing things like that, that make me want to go back to school. But not really because I don't want to take tests or do homework based on what someone else thinks is important for me to learn. Because obviously our school system didn't think it was important for me to learn about Australia's involvement in WWII.

Maybe I just need to read more. That would help. Although I like the classroom environment when it includes discussion and insights that you otherwise wouldn't get just from reading a book by yourself. Maybe I need to start my own school for adults where you just get together and learn about what ever you want to learn about and take turns deciding what the subject matter would be. Or is that called a book club? Either way, sounds like work, so probably never gonna happen. Maybe someone else could get on that.

And thank you Maiken for mastering the universal remote so that after four months I no longer have to see the time counter display thingy on screen every time I watch a movie.

11 comments:

Maiken said...

I'll be doing research regarding that disclaimer and I'll report back to you. Meanwhile you get to research why they are koalas and not koala bears.

You are welcome for the remote programming skillz. ;)

Kari said...

Well miss smarty pants, according to wiki, the scientific name Phascolarctos means "pouch" "bear". And "Although taxonomically incorrect, the name Koala bear is still in use today". So there.

Maiken said...

"Film Australia gives the now standard (in Australia this is a common practice) Warning: Warning - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers should exercise caution when watching this program as it may contain images of deceased persons.

Another Australian site wrote:

Note: This section may contain the names and images of deceased people. The ABC strives to treat Indigenous culture and beliefs with respect. We acknowledge that to some communities, it is distressing and offensive to show images of people who have died.

It seems that there is an aboriginal belief about not looking at people who have died on film/photography..."

Maiken said...

Taxonomically incorrect...so, you are saying you aren't going to follow the rules on this one? ;)

Wade The Rascal said...

I barely survive the evening--my anxiety over what you're going to think about B.O.D.--and, instead you watch "Australia?" Great. I hope I can sleep tonight.

So, was Australia good to watch? Would you recommend it? I've heard that it's quite good but it's not even on my top 5 movies to watch.

Anyway, yeah, maybe you should start a movie/book club. Or something like the "intellectuals club." Or the "Let's get philosophical club." Let me know when you get one of those organized. I'll be there with bells on.

Kari said...

Actually Wade, we watched Australia on Friday night. It was my stand in since I wasn't able to connect with this certain person who was going to let me watch B.O.D. I would recommend it. It wasn't really on my top list, but my sister rented it and I wasn't disappointed. It was a pretty long movie, but I never felt like I was waiting for it to end, and that's always a good thing.

Just so you know I watched B.O.D. as soon as I got back to my parents house with it. And I did like it. I didn't really feel like I had enough feelings about it though to do a whole post, so I just put it on Facebook.

Shellianne said...

I also watched Australia this weekend and somehow missed that warning completely.

Joe and Savanna said...

I thought the same thing about the WWII thing. I had absolutely no idea that they were invaded. I thought the movie was pretty good although a bit long...

Sue said...

So, was the movie worth the watch?

Kari said...

I would recommend the movie, as long as you don't mind long movies. Cause it was long, but I thought it was good.

Kristen said...

Aaron and I have recently gotten hooked on the History Channel, Travel Channel, Discovery Channel, to name a few. Last night we learned a little about the Swiss sport Schwingen on Dhani Travels the Globe. Funny guy and very interesting show. That is probably as close as I will come to an intellectual evening. But, you do learn some cool facts from some of those shows.