Another good movie this week!
The interaction between Gonzalo and Pedro developed into a normal boy friendship. This could have been about two American boys in school together during their school hours. They struggled with the bullies of the school and stood up for each other. Gonzalo helped Pedro on his test when he saw that his friend clearly did not know the answers. Pedro spent the night with Gonzalo. Gonzalo sold flags with Pedro and his 'family'.
Outside of school it was obvious their lives were very different. Their social classes were obviously very different. Gonzalo went to the demonstration with Pedro and sold flags with his family, but he did so because he was having fun. For Pedro this was a way of life, it was how they earned an income. Gonzalo took Pedro home on his bike, and at first Pedro did not want him to see where he lived because he was embarresed or afraid Gonzalo would no longer be his friend. While Pedro was at Gonzalo's house he could not believe all of the clothes in the closet were Pedro's and when he was able to wear his Adidas shoes he was very happy. The rich and the poor in Chile are very similar to the wealthy and poor of the US. They live very differently.
The message I took from this movie is how nice it would be if our lives were lived as simple and innocent children. Looking past our social status, ignoring it even, and having the courage to choose your friend for the qualities of that person.
I felt the film was well done. It told the story of the time and culture and showed how innocent childhood friendship can be.
I agree with what you said about the innocence of children, I used to say that I did not think that kids could see color, there were many times in my middle sons life that he would be the only "white" boy at the party, he did not even notice but I guess I did because I am writing about it now. I think at the age these boys were that their innocence was already lost. The parental views were starting to show through. We seen this through the bullies and how the new students were not accepted because they were poor, on their first day they had Machucha in the school yard beating him up and then trying to get Gonzalo to participate. The new students were also made fun of at the pool because they did not have swim suits. Unfortunatly kids learn social class at an early age even in the United States.
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