MovieChat Forums > Lilies (2007) Discussion > An explanation of Dada Moss' actions, 23...

An explanation of Dada Moss' actions, 23/02/07

posted 18 years ago by Formal_Trousers
5 replies | jump to latest

In those days to keep a pregnant child in the house when no father was forthcoming would be an admission of incest. Therefore 99.999% of the time people would throw their kids out, even if it wasn't their fault. What Dada did was actually an act of incredible compassion, by ejecting himself from his own house he maintained the family honour whilst putting himself into terrible hardship and looking after his daughter at the same time.

His actions may appear harsh by our values, but they're actually incredibly compassionate.

[–] IridescentTranquility 18 years ago

I didn't expect him to leave. Dramatically, I thought it would have been more interesting had he stayed and I can only presume that he didn't because he knew his children could support themselves financially.

"If we go on like this, you're going to turn into an Alsatian again."

[–] theknightbus 18 years ago

You're right, it would have been seen as disgraceful. But it was the Miss Bird thing on top of that that drove him to react so violently...I'm guessing. Because there's harsh, yes, and then there's viciously beating three of your daughters, one of which is pregnant. I think that was just the last straw.

[–] Formal_Trousers 18 years ago

Funny thing is, by those days standards, even the beating he meshed out
(unacceptable by our terms, naturally), could be viewed as "restrained". When someone used the belt on their kids in those days, it was a lot less vicious than laying in with the fists. Like I say it's not justifiable by OUR standards, but I really love this show for being authentic and yet non judgemental at the same time.

I really think that this show is the most authentic and innovative assessment of that period of history that I've ever seen. It is bordering on genius.

[–] garboventures 18 years ago

Yes, I agree. The show is so 'even-handed' and non-judgemental. Every character is treated both critically and sympathetically. The quality of the writing is simply superb.

http://screenstories.blogspot.com

[–] theknightbus 18 years ago

Yes, the writing and acting is flawless.