The Michigan Daily - michigandaily.com Monday, November 5, 2012 The Michigan Daily - michigandailycom Monday, November 5, 2012 FILM REVIEW Empathy foi Palestinian-Israeli Palestinian from the West Bank. In an ironic instance of unity conflict captured in between the two factions, these boys were mistakenly switched switched-at-birth tale at birth during a hospital evacu- ation. Seventeen years later, their By NATALIE GADBOIS parents make this life-altering Daily Arts Writer discovery while sitting side-by- side in the hospital where it all The Arab-Israeli conflict began, the fathers both shocked brings a volatile and jumbled and stoic, the mothers bonding mix of emotions, identities over the emotional significance and assump- of it all. tions, and is **** This is the defining moment often - difficult of the film - these mothers sit- to compre- The Other ting together, silently unified in hend. Thank- their mirrored losses and gains. fully, you don't The film is never bogged down have to fully At the by political or racial opposition, understand Michigan but instead finds its cohesive the conflict to . strength in how Orith Silberg be emotion- Cohen Media (Emmanuelle Devos, "Bachelor ally invested Group Days are Over") and Leila Al in "The Other Bezaaz (Areen Omari, "Laila's Son," a moving French film by Birthday") handle the heavy director Lorraine Levy ("Un issues at hand. Their sons have divorce de chien"). The film is not just lost their place within really about the bonds of fam- their own families, but within ily, the crushing confusion that their religion, their ethnicity and comes with identity loss and the their social standing. length to which unconditional Dehbi and Sitruk deftly por- love stretches. It's thoughtful tray this identity crisis between. and universally heart-wrench- two of the most conflicted identi- ing, no matter your political ties in the world with grace and standing. believability. In a heartbreaking At the heart of "The Other scene, Joseph asks his mother Son" are two young men who live with frantic tears in his eyes if he just miles apart but in entirely is still Jewish. Yacine valiantly different worlds - Joseph Silberg struggles to stay connected to his (the luminous Jules Sitruk, "Mon older brother, an ardent Palestin- pere est femme de menage") is ian who can't justify his brother's a 17-year-old sheltered musi- newly discovered place in their cian living with his upper-class divisive society. Jewish family in Tel Aviv, while While the movie does not focus Yacine Al Bezaaz (Mehdi Dehbi, on political debate, it's always "Le sac de farine") is an ambitious present and on point. Joseph r the 'Other' "... Yeah, I'm not really looking forward to the Bris." and his. family are wealthy and privileged, and he spends his time much like an American teen would - by listening to Bob Dylan on the beach with his friends. They are the fortunate ones, while the Al Bazaaz fam- ily lives under a constant state of mild oppression. Yacine and his family have never known this privilege and freedom, and this angers and isolates his brother and father, who both oppose meeting Joseph at all. These groups have been con- ditioned to fear and hate each other, and overcoming that and recognizing their similarities is the film's basis. The nearly silent interactions between these fami- lies are poignant because they make you realize once again how great the tension is, how little they really have to talk about and yet how hard they try to over- come this. The film doesn't reduce the conflict to Israeli vs. Palestinian or Jewish vs. Muslim. Yes, those are key identities, but the focus is other identities these characters share - Joseph and his biologi- cal father are both musicians, the two younger sisters love the same dolls, Yacine and Joseph bond over girls 'and joints. At times it almost seems too easy how quickly the characters bond and forgive, but the conflict is always an undercurrent even as they are singing "Kumbaya" around the campfire. The acting makes up for this flaw, because each actor both embodies their character and shows the deep inner tur- moil they feel with this unfath- omable change, and the script has a cohesive, realistic flow that makes their situation so much more relatable. "The Other Son" is a stunning portrayal of family life when it is tested to its breaking point, and at the same time a thought-pro- voking look at what really defines who we are. FILM NOTEBOOK, Bittersweet legacy of Disney films By NATALIE GADBOIS Daily Arts Writer At age eight, I spent three hours locked in my bathroom attempting to dye my hair red with Kool-Aid so I could be just like Ariel. I admittedly couldn't rock the seashell bra (what eight- year-old -can?) and my Singing voice was less than impressive. But I thought that if I at least had' the hair, I would be able to swim swiftly through the ocean, save my family from evil sea witch- es and marry my own dashing Prince Eric. If only life were so simple. Twenty years ago, budding millennials only a few years older than myself were introduced to a whole new world with the release of "Aladdin." We were ushered in the golden age of Disney that lasted throughout the '90s, just as our impressions of the world were slowly coalescing. In Disney mov- ies like "Beauty and the Beast," "The Lion King" and, of course, "The Little Mermaid," good defeats evil, hard work usually pays off, the bad guys are univer- sally ugly and the heroes always have great hair. The world of Disney is black and white - uniform in its sim- plicity - and much of our gen- eration grew up revering these one-dimensional storylines and characters.While children's mov- ies are rarely applicable to real life, as children of the modern Disney era we were inundated with these ideas of simplicity that are no longer compatible with an increasingly complex world. We live in a world of instant gratification, in which informa- tion, skills and distractions are constantly available. Disney char- acters were always single-minded in their goals - and that's why they achieved them (that and a dose of magic, of course). We can't work like that because success now links to multitasking, effi- ciency and trying desperately to beat the competition. Rarely are accomplishments as simple and gratifying as winning over Pride Rock or overcoming a witch's curse. Our generation faces some great hardships, and the lessons we learned from Disney have never been less applicable. Hard work does not necessarily guar- antee success - and definitely doesn't guarantee happiness. It's impossible to classify people into groups of "good" and "bad," and people are never uniform in their actions. To my surprise, relation- ships don't occur with a swoon and a binding kiss, but require patience and compromise. Growing up in this Disney dreamland, I was utterly unpre- F fered i You we it by n the pai too-so cellatie a fresh series. It's thingI been d with si "Freak Geeks, it's son contin will be which the wo Fan know e about. ciallyd cal dra attenti annou that su prepar show a avoidi used te tations have b Thr series hers - USA's - and should ing a t the sh w And matter shocki with s much t televis "Pol during politic Before Wing," star Ga politic just in have p of polit eyes of The zany H follow, Meyer her dy "Scand starrin Olivia ington 'and th HBO a aboutt preside heavil incarn Ente which woman that Si1 Barris Clinto altered Clinto lady, E inghus loses h becom Sounds But1 than a Secret a sedue explore of emo Barris anyone are am TV/NEW MEDIA COLUMN A eulogy or Animals' riends: It is with great ed presence as Washington's sadness that I inform you powerhouse. of a terrible casualty suf- It's almost like a work of politi- n the world of television. cal fan fiction: There's an openly ould think I'd be used to gay U.S. Supreme Court justice ow: . (played fabulously by Vanessa n of a Redgrave) and Elaine's son T.J. is on can- a drug addict who still struggles on for with the tumultuous way in man which he was forced out of the closet asa teenager in the White some- House. Furthermoe, his twin 've brother Dougconstantly blurs ealing KAYLA the line between his family and nce UPADHYAYA professional lives as the right- s and hand man to his mother. "and Outside of being an impres- nething that will forever sive and smart series, "Politi- ue. For network executives cal Animals" is a rarity: It's network executives (by a television show that truly I mean they will always be loves powerful women. Elaine's rst). perspective as a woman and. s of "Political Animals" asmother shapes the show's xactly what I'm talking voice, driving its themes and On Friday, USA offi- developments. It's an addict- Iropped the soapy politi- ing, sexy seriesewith plenty to ma that garnered instant say about current affairs, the on this summer. The American political atmosphere ncement shouldn't be all and modern journalism (fun rprising. After all, USA fact: "Animals" more accurately ed us. They branded the and deftly captures a newsroom s a "limited series event," than Sorkin's "Newsroom"), but ng the more commonly creator Greg Berlanti also has rm "miniseries," so expec- aslot to say about the women of for a second seasonshould Washington - women who are een cautious. sometimes relegated to support- ow into the mix that the ing roles in political dramas. never pulled in big num- Most importantly, it's a show especially compared to that could have all-too-easily more established content pitted its women against each there's really no reason I other. Carla Gugino's Susan Berg have gasped upon receiv- is a spin on Maureen Dowd, 'xt from my friend about who rose to fame by covering w's demise. Bill Clinton's scandals. Susan similarly benefited from writ- ing aboutElaine's ex-husband, eshould j s former President Bud Ham- just mond (whose saltyvulgarity is run USA.. so perfectly delivered by Ciaro Hinds, with the help of a faux Southern accent) and his fre- quent philaidering. yet, gasp I did. Because no Susan isn't Elaine's enemy how expected; it's always though, and Gugino made it clear ng to hear when a show to Berlanti early on that she had o much potential and so no interest in simply portraying o give is ripped away from a woman vs. woman dynamic. ion entirely. While the downright crazy itical Animals" premiered cliffhanger of the last episode is a shift toward female-led probably what has most fans reel- al narratives on television. ing in its immediate aftermath, now, we had "The West the loss of these two incredibly "'The Wire" and "Battle- well-written female characters lactica" as paradigms of and their complex relationship is ally driven dramas. But the worst part about "Animals"'s the past year, new series early exit. opped up that tell the tales But alas, all of my praise and ics and power through the geeking out can't bring the series women. back. The best I can hope for re was the unapologetic, right now is that the series gets IBO sitcom "Veep," which lots of attention come awards ed Vice President Selina season, something thatwould (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) and have boosted viewership had sfunctional staff; ABC's USA not pulled the plug (I want al," a serialized thriller . USA to regret all of their life :g Kerry Washington as choices, basically). Pope, who runs a Wash- I also hope that other series crisis management firm; - partiularly of a political e Emmy award-winning - nature - learn lessons from "Ani- novie "Game Change" mals" on how to write powerful :he 2008 Republican women and how to challenge or ential ticket that focused complicate the persistent por- y on Julianne Moore's trayal of ambitious women as ation of Sarah Palin. justbitches. The writers nobly rr "Political Animals," attempt to reclaim the label, hinges so critically on the with a line so perfect that it gets sat its center. It's no secret repeated in the pilot: "Never call gourney Weaver's Elaine a bitch a 'bitch.' Us bitches hate h is a stand-in for Hillary that." n, and the show offers an While "Veep" and "Scandal" , made-for-TV take on have female leads, neither is n's story. As a former first more vocal about the intricacies laine leaves her cheat- of beinga woman in Washing- band, runs for president, ton than "Animals." I miss you er party's nomination and already, show. But Susan and es the secretary of state. Elaine, I especially mourn-for. familiar? "You know, I am just sick of it the series is much more all," Elaine tells Doug. "I'm sick cheap dramatization of to death of the bullshit. The egos ary Clinton's journey: It's and the men. Iam sick of the ctive family soap and an men." ation of the intersection Me too, girl. Me too. "What do you mean we forgot the fifth of November?l" paredt ies now ofthe< percep cated face to Ai How entirel have s like, b ful for to hold optimi Disney to be an adult. These mov- the most important quality and uact as a constant reminder perseverance is rewarding, even chasm between my Disney if your goal is ultimately unmet. tion of life and the compli- "Aladdin" proved that money and.dissatisfying world we and status aren't the most signifi- day. cant qualities a person can have. "Beauty and the Beast" showed little girls like myself that it was ninated life OK to be a reader, to be nerdy, to place importance on intellect. lessons. "The Little Mermaid" taught that it's normal to feel different or out of place at times. Yes, if it weren't for Disney; vever, Disney was not I would probably be better pre- y useless. Yes, it may not pared to tackle this competitive hown us what real life is world without unrealistic expla- ut I'm in some ways grate- nations. But as a generation, we that because we were able can still see the magic in every- I on to our innocence and day life - which is probably what sm for a little bit longer. we need more than anything else taught us that kindness is right now. CITY OF ANN ARBUFR PARK MAINTENANCE AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS MILLAGE ,RENEWAL ANN ARBOR CITY CHARTER AMENDMENT AUTHORIZING TAX FOR PARK MAINTENANCE AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS. Shall the Charter be amended to authorize a tax up to 1.10 mills for park maintenance and capital improvements for 2013 through 2018 to replace the previously authorized tax for park maintenance and capital improvements for 2007 through 2012, which will raise in the first year of the levy the estimated total revenue of $5,052,000. tions and politics. The h family has problems like else, but their conflicts plified by their spotlight- Upadhyaya is sick of-men and their egos. To sympathize, e-mail kaylau@umich.edu. o Yes o No On Thursday, Aug. 9, City Council voted unanimously to place on the Tuesday, Nov. 6 ballot a renewal of the city's parks maintenance and capital improvements millage at the rate of 1.1 mills. City council also voted unanimously to reaffirm the current policies for the Administration of the Park Maintenance and Capital Improvements Millage. Between 60% and 80% of the annual millage funds support city park maintenance activities. Park maintenance activities include forestry and horticulture, natural area preservation, park operations, park equipment repairs, and recreation facility maintenance. Between 20% and 40% of the annual millage funds are designated for City park capital improvements in the following areas: active parks; forestry and horticulture; historic preservation; neighborhood parks and urban plazas; pathways, trails, boardwalks, greenways and the Huron River watershed; recreation facilities; and park equipment acquisitions. This millage renewal proposes 1.10 mills and estimates total revenue in the first year of the millage of $5,052,000. The estimated annual cost to a household in the first year of the millage renewal, based on a mean taxable value of $108,600 is expected to be $119.46, or slightly less than $10 per month. The current cost to a household for the expiring millage based on a mean taxable value of $108,600 is $119.13. Please visit http://ww.a2 r/p for additional information, fact sheets, FAQ's, administrative policies; and millage project status tables. Pieks& r Cetio WHAT SHOWS ARE YOU ADDICTED TO? APPLY TO WRITE FOR DAILY ARTS' TV/NEW MEDIA BEAT! Request an application by e-mailing arts@miChigandaily.Com. r /"