I'm just posting to get that 'Horrible' post away from the top of the board...
how anyone could think this wonderful film was "horrible" still astounds me. I have seen all too many films that truly are horrible. Funnily enough, they always seem to do well! Ah well, that's life I guess...
Sadly, there are too many people out there that think if a movie doesn't show someone on the toilet having explosive diarrhea, or someone having their head chopped off, then it's not good cinema.
"You can't tell me nothin' if you ain't had an 8-track." -Sinbad
I was disturbed by the alcoholism/profanity from Kelly and the thought of how can a woman stay in such a dysfunctional relationship, but there were many in the last sixty years that did the same thing. Either it was the status quo or they didn’t know they had alternatives.
I was disturbed by the pastor that advised Mrs. Ryan to do better and that it was her responsibility.
Despite the disturbing parts, I loved the movie. Most excellent performance by Julianne Moore! I was inspired. No matter how many challenges were put before this woman, she kept her faith. She also kept her family together depite terrible financial odds. She didn’t wallow in her situation, she picked herself up and entered more contests. She was ingenious and had a real flair for words and prose, which were clearly visually and verbally appealing to have won so often. It appears she won one of every four contests she entered! She also inspired her children to do for themselves, and lead them into the world as good strong citizens. It was heartwarming at the end of the movie to see the real Ryan kids all grown up and read the synopsis of what life choices they have made. No one in jail, all productive folks, raising the next generation of Ryans.
If you haven't read the book, I'd really reccommend it. I think that "Tuff" did a good job in explaining the prevalent attitudes and mindset of people and wives in the 40s and 50s. You just didn't leave. 99% of the time, it wasn't considered a viable option. Sad, but true. Not to mention the economic issues.
What's....this....ruckus?
If anything, it was solely up to the wife to handle her husband. It was up to the wife to "give him arms to cling to 'cuz nights are cold and lonely." Even in the '90's, my father would tell me problems he had with my husband so I could work my womanly ways on my husband I learned quickly to tell dear old Dad to speak to my husband directly.
"Two more swords and I'll be Queen of the Monkey People." Roseanne
And do not forget the power religion had on marriage and divorce. Divorce was only for people in Hollywood. A person (read - woman) had to SUE for divorce claiming injustices. And even if she was beaten to an inch of her life, SHE was the bad "sinner" for going against the misogynistic empire. A whole heck of a lot of folks simply didn't even consider the option, and everyone suffered.