If you want to explode in anger because of what you perceive as the America-hating part about invading Wales, feel free.
But I insist that you also pay attention to this: "Wales is next to England, a country you pretend to treat as an equal." To me that's clearly a compliment to America. He's obviously saying that even though England has fallen far from her glory days, America has the decency to act as if it hadn't noticed.
Do you not know what the word "pretend" means? It's an insult, not a compliment.
shareTo Shwatime,
I did not see this thread until just now. Very sneaky of you! lol
I believe your interpretation of that sentence ("Wales is next to England...") is far off from what the author intended, and I'd like to echo the sentiment shared by 'howtragic': it was not complimentary in any way, it was insulting. It's aim was to bash us for being pretentious, as we have somewhat of a reputation for being pretentious/materialistic/shallow/egotistical/etc, especially in comparison to England. Believe me - if the author meant it in such a noble and flattering way, he would have delivered it in such a way. If you read that one sentence in context of the rest of the intro, you'd see that it was definitely a bash, not a compliment. There was absolutely NOTHING "nice" or flattering in the entire introduction.
That being said, can you please post the entirety of the intro text? It would be greatly appreciated.
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I think it might also be a bash at England as well. Not just that England is clearly not an equal and fallen from her glory days, but that England doesn't even bother with pretending Wales is in turn, its equal. It seems pretty subversive of all countries concerned.
shareStill waiting on the full text of the intro, my good man. I know you have it. I would post it if I had it, but I would never rent this film again.
The fact that you won't post it - or posted it and then took it down - is a testament to my argument.
I don't recall seeing it, at least on the UK rental.
It doesn't SOUND very complimentary to Americans, but then jealousy always attracts haters.
"The dead do not suffer the living to pass"
"You will suffer me"
then go cry about it johnny boy... or heres a novel idea: you have the internet, YOUTUBE IT, or DOWNLOAD IT, WOOOooooOOOOOW! See johnny... up here in bass-ackwards Canaderp, thats called "THINKIN"
Ahh, the sweet sound of the ignore list.
I refuse to download this film - unlike you, I have respect for intellectual copyrights.
You keep telling that I'm on your ignore list, yet you keep directly addressing me. There's no need to be afraid of my words, little man. I'll take it easy on you, especially considering the fact that you are a wastoid pothead who resides in a mobile home.
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politically incorrect? you mean -racist-. yes it was, is, and you are. oh yeah bring my name up again cuz that makes all the difference in the world... ignore the fact that i said it was in reference to a tv show again... another example of you choosing to stay ignorant.
so im going to bring up again your racist comment:
--Sounds just like America. Here we are being inundated by uneducated, criminalistic heathens from latin America, mainly Mexico. They come here illegally, have no respect for our laws or our culture, they have many more children than they can afford, and our generally very undesirable people. They also leach off all of our social welfare programs. In my mind they are the biggest threat to our national security, our economic health and our way of life.--
Wait wait... in retrospect, upon reviewing your comments... yup youre still a racist.
anyone who accepts handouts are weak losers? Handouts? What are you talking about? we pay TAXES, YOU also pay taxes. Your public services, police, fire department, roads, parks... those are all handouts? and anyone who enjoys ROADS, POLICE, FIRE DEPARTMENT and PARKS are weak losers in your opinion?
as for handouts and losers, your attitude proves to me that your parents did quite the job spoiling you as a child and im guessing helped pay for that university/college you so graciously are attending working on your engineering degree... did you recieve anything this christmas? that be a handout and by your own rules you are a weak loser yourself...
hows your masters degree in being a racist moron? i give you an A+.
Man people like you really give me no faith in the rest of humanity. call me a little child some more... if that makes you feel better big guy.
Ahh, the sweet sound of the ignore list.
So how did this all start?
shareAll I said is that I was deeply offended by the preamble of this movie (the American release version). IThe preamble was downright hostile, and was basically the equivalent of spitting in our faces.
Have you seen the American version? What was your take on it?
You say that people who accept things like HEALTHCARE are "WEAK LOSERS" for accepting handouts.
I guess your family has helped feed, clothe, and educate you. Also as a proud American im sure you celebrate Christmas, and im sure you received SOMETHING this year. In your over-priveliged life youve enjoyed ROADS, PARKS, CITY BUSSES, POLICE, and other socially funded benifits at one time or another.
Doing so you are a handout accepting HYPOCRITE!!!
You are offended at a few words at the introduction of a movie, yet in another board, you publicly slander latin americans saying:
"Sounds just like America. Here we are being inundated by uneducated, criminalistic heathens from latin America, mainly Mexico. They come here illegally, have no respect for our laws or our culture, they have many more children than they can afford, and our generally very undesirable people. They also leach off all of our social welfare programs. In my mind they are the biggest threat to our national security, our economic health and our way of life."
You Are A Racist HYPOCRITE. Do you not see this?
Youre offended and you have no right to be. So good for you moron. It's a good thing your opinion changes nothing, as it would be scary if someone like you actually gets into a position of any power.
Suck it up pretty-boy. Hows that for staying on topic.
Ahh, the sweet sound of the ignore list.
I don't see what the hell the big deal is about the "America bashing". Oh wow, somebody (Possibly, I haven't seen the movie but I want to) bashed your country. Big whoop. If some of you Americans (Some, not all) have such goddamn faith in your country that you can't take a joke maybe you should jam an american flag in your head so everybody knows you have a part of america in you, and we can take pride (Not me, I'm Canadian.) in the fact you have such faith in your country. Also, since I see you get so annoyed about jokes about your "perfect country" if there even is such a term. you should probably know we Canadians make fun of you Americans nearly non stop, especially when we see people being stupid. Just face it, no country is perfect. Get over it.
shareOh, yeah, 'cause no films from the United States have ever insulted other cultures...
share--Sounds just like America. Here we are being inundated by uneducated, criminalistic heathens from latin America, mainly Mexico. They come here illegally, have no respect for our laws or our culture, they have many more children than they can afford, and our generally very undesirable people. They also leach off all of our social welfare programs. In my mind they are the biggest threat to our national security, our economic health and our way of life.--
You wouldn't have seen it in the UK, presumably because it's a (imho unprecedented) opening letter to viewers (pre-opening credits) addressed to:
My Dear Americans,
The film you are about to see is a biopic of my life. The events take place (not so long ago) in a proud land called Wales. Wales is next to England, a country you pretend to treat as an equal. My homeland has produced Catherine Zeta-Jones, Tom Jones and some other people. You have not yet invaded my country and for this I thank you.
Submarine is an important film. Watch it with respect.
Fond regards from your protagonist,
Oliver Tate
Personally, as an American, I found this wry and fresh and, especially in retrospect, "spot on" ... It is exactly in the style of the Oliver we come to know in the film and his 'cheeky' typed letters to his mother (on his father's unsolicited behalf), including about her "sweet spot" and giving her marital advice etc ... Plus the political commentary here is also accurate. What country in the world do stereotypical Americans or the standard-issue version of American Presidents truly treat as equals (e.g., "Do unto others ... etc.)?
To the OP, I do not believe it is meant as complimentary, as you do, however, i also think it is told from a pov of cheeky candor that is meant to be also part of the film's humor (which doesn't mean something isn't also true).
cetaylor3 wrote:
i also think it is told from a pov of cheeky candor that is meant to be also part of the film's humor (which doesn't mean something isn't also true).That is the best statement of that point that I have run across, including my own fumbling efforts.
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