Opinion on the Sucker Punch controversy.

[rogueslayer452]

I highly recommend reading this person's views and debunking of the arguments against the film which are perfectly articulated, however I do have some additional commentary and opinions of my own.

Everyone interprets things differently, have different perceptions and we're not always going to agree about everything. Some will like or possibly love a film, others won't. That's totally fine, to each their own and all of that jazz. But the amount of critical accusations against Sucker Punch are getting rather ridiculous, particularly the claims about it being "misogynistic" and "anti-feminist" and "exploitative of women." Throughout the film I never saw anything suggesting that, in fact I saw the exact opposite. While there are darker themes it's a fantastical world which deals with the coping mechanisms of those trapped in an ugly reality, and handling it with the power of their minds. That's it. While there may be some flaws here and there, overall there's nothing anti-women about it from where I stand.

Oh, and I also don't appreciate being accused of "supporting sexism against women" because I enjoyed the film or because don't agree with your stances. If I was entertained or felt empowered by such things, then that is my right. Don't say I'm wrong just because I don't agree with your viewpoints, and don't tell me how to feel because I am a woman and should feel "ashamed" for liking something that you disagree with.

Don't fucking speak for me, or for any other woman out there as a matter of fact.

Sucker Punch is no Black Swan or Inception by any means, but there is a story being told and a message that is being conveyed. At the end of the day, it's a fun action-packed fantastical world where girls are kicking ass. And what's wrong with that? Furthermore, what's wrong with a little campy fun in films without it getting mobbed by critics? Why does everything have to be either extraordinary or godawful to the point where everyone is bashing it all to hell? I don't get it. Why can't we have a happy medium, where something is kickass, visually stunning and fun at the same time?

Bottom line: Don't listen to critics who don't know shit, and don't follow the line of bitter reviewers. Just watch and judge for yourself and make your own opinions based on what you go into the movie for and what you yourself take out from it.

Comments

[allodole.livejournal.com]

I haven't seen it yet, but I.. I have no idea how anyone could see it as ANTI-FEMINIST BOOOO o__- Isn't it more like the exact opposite?

.. Hah, I'll probably like Sucker Punch more than I liked Inception or Black Swan. (Former was awesome but I guess the hype killed part of my enjoyment, latter was kinda meh aside from some interesting/beautiful scenes)

Why does everything have to be either extraordinary or godawful to the point where everyone is bashing it all to hell?
SERIOUSLY. THIS. SO MUCH. It's like you absolutely can't enjoy these sort of "mindless" entertaiment-movies which may not have a ~MINDBLOWING~ plot or well-known Oscar-nominated gorgeous actors but are still fun to watch. It's like everything has to be artsy or have complicated plots to be considered a "good movie." For me, a good movie is something that I enjoy watching and I can say afterwards that (even if and when the movie had flaws) I liked it. Some movies are made to be enjoyed, why does everything have to be deeply analysed etc etc.

IDGI, I can like Kill Bill as much as I like Donnie Darko.

[rogueslayer452.livejournal.com]

I haven't seen it yet, but I.. I have no idea how anyone could see it as ANTI-FEMINIST BOOOO o__- Isn't it more like the exact opposite?

I thought so, even by watching the trailers I knew it was more catering towards girl power and taking control of themselves and overcoming certain obstacles than the claims these people are making. I know people's opinions will clash on things, but I just don't see where the anti-feminism is coming from. Unless people are just looking at the surface rather than understanding the context of what is happening in the movie (which once you watch it will understand it isn't simply black and white.)

It's not a perfect film by any means, but it certainly isn't deserving of the criticism and accusations it's been getting on that kind of level. Like, wha? Where are y'all getting those things from? idgi. :/

For me, a good movie is something that I enjoy watching and I can say afterwards that (even if and when the movie had flaws) I liked it. Some movies are made to be enjoyed, why does everything have to be deeply analysed etc etc.

Exactly! There are plenty of movies I love and enjoy that aren't Oscar-worthy and definitely not exactly the greatest by critic-standards, but I like what I like and that's good enough for me. While this movie has certain question marks hidden within it, especially towards the end, the message is pretty clear and overall I did enjoy it for what is was. Can't that just be enough?

[allodole.livejournal.com]

I think radical feminists and such always see anti-feminism and misogynism pretty much everywhere- even where there's no such things. That's what I feel.

God forbid there be a woman enjoying her sexuality in a movie!

Apparently it's not enough. How dare someone have a different opinion! What's a good movie to Person X is not a good movie to Person Y. I don't understand how that is so difficult to understand at this day and age.

[rogueslayer452.livejournal.com]

That is very true, indeed. :/ Some are even suggesting that girls in scantily clan outfits is anti-feminist since it caters to the male gaze and that's sexism!

....

Sense, these people no make.

I celebrate women taking control of their sexuality, discovering themselves and kicking ass at the same time. And if to them that's wrong, then I definitely don't want to be right

[allodole.livejournal.com]

Perhaps all women should be covered from head to toe then. >__> Grrr.

Yes to all of this.

[rogueslayer452.livejournal.com]

It really astounds me the double standard that occurs. Why is it okay for men to be in movies, like 300 for example, where they are running around shirtless all the time and being just as campy in the kind of stylistic nature of the film itself and be praised and oogled for it -- but when you replace them with women in the exact same situation they are immediately deemed as inappropriate?

That just doesn't make sense to me, especially when these so-called radical feminists claim to be all about women's rights and yet criticism and judge women for what they wear. -__-

[allodole.livejournal.com]

I really have no idea. Fucking world, how do you work?? (I really loved 300 though.)

Lolol exactly. They are the reason why I cringe every time I hear the word feminist lately.

[philstar22.livejournal.com]

What people wear says nothing about how feminist they are. I'm all for girls dressing scantily. It would be nice if men did the same. :)

[allodole.livejournal.com]

Mmm yes to men with less clothing. .. What. Depends on the guy. /shrug

[philstar22.livejournal.com]

I agree. If a particular girl wants to express her sexuality through dressing sexy and wanting to turn on guys, that is awesome. The only problem I ever have is when it is suggested that the sexuality of all girls is just like that. Because mine is nothing like that. But power to women expressing their sexuality however they choose.

[allodole.livejournal.com]

The trouble arises when such a person is taunted- how easily does a scantily clad woman become a slut these days. I don't understand how hard it's to let women express their sexuality the way they want to. If it's the way of dressing in skimpy clothing, why the hell not?

[philstar22.livejournal.com]

Agreed. And also, isn't it kind of sexist to even say that a scantily clad women is just wearing what she does to attract men/express her sexuality? Maybe she just thinks the clothes are pretty. Maybe she just don't see covering her body as important.

[allodole.livejournal.com]

Exactly! It's like women should always cover themselves up so that some prude won't get their precious feelings hurt by showing some bare skin. A woman can do what she wants, especially when it comes to such a life-changing factor as clothing, for fuck's sake.

[rogueslayer452.livejournal.com]

Another thing to add is what empowers the individual. If a woman finds herself more confident wearing sexy clothing and exploring and being comfortable in her sexuality, that's perfectly fine. If a woman finds herself feeling more confident just wearing baggy pants, a t-shirt and her hair in a messy ponytail, that's also perfectly okay as well. There is no "right way" or "wrong way" when it comes to what someone finds empowering. Some might not agree with someone's choices, but they aren't that person. Only they have the right to determine what they like or dislike, what makes them feel confident and or empowered.

And there's nothing wrong with that, at all. The double standard in judgmental calls by these so-called feminists is rather disturbing.

[allodole.livejournal.com]

Yes to all of this.