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

[aubade-saudade.livejournal.com]

i think there's this misunderstanding by some brand spankin' new feministas that girls who are sexy or who dress sexy do so to perform for the male gaze, like men are the only ones interested in female sexuality/beauty? there's also a misunderstanding by the mainstream that women who wear heels and short skirts are rejected by feminists.

that bull sure can shit.

i like girls in short skirts, i like women who show a little skin, i like to look at pretty chicas in pigtails. i also like women who cover up, who leave stuff to the imagination. it all depends on whether you carry it well and what yr intentions are. i refuse to consider this film antifeminist just because the characters daisy duke it ...i also refuse to consider a film feminist just because it pays superficial homage to yougirlism and Ellen Page is in it wearing baggy clothes and dorky glasses. it's all about context...besides, Black Swan --to me-- had a lot more problematic shit going on than Sucker Punch even if Sucker Punch works better as a metaphor than as a narrative. in fact, i'd say BS and Inception both work better as metaphors than narratives. (plus some of the dialogue in Inception--which i love-- is kind of cringe-worthy.)


just sayin'...

sry for mult'edits xP

[rogueslayer452.livejournal.com]

There's loads of confusion and weight with the entire word of "feminism" these days, and it's rather interesting how careful you have to define yourself if you consider yourself a feminist. It's interesting to see both sides of the feminist side making a "correct" definition of feminism. It gets tiring and annoying watching it unfold, really. Just reading some reviews in regards to this film for example was stressful enough since it was obvious they are wanting to draw attention to something that really isn't there in the first place.

It's kind of remarkable the things people will look for to nitpick and rant upon if they don't like it. And ITA with you, it really is about context and some really need to understand that. Just because what you see on the surface isn't always what it appears to be beneath that surface.

[aubade-saudade.livejournal.com]

to me, being a feminist is about knowing i'm not a second class human being because i was born with a vagina, since i'm not a second class human being i deserve the same rights. crystal clear. i love men, i love women, i like to fix my nails, fix my hair, and though i mostly go for comfort in my everyday clothes, when i go out i like to wear my little heels and my little skirt and girl it up and that's nobody's business but mine.

i think that a lot of people use their movements to wallow and air out their personal dramas disguising it as deconstruction and meta and whatnot. misdirected anger. it's like when daddy gets cut off in traffic and then snaps at mommy and mommy snaps at Billy and Billy kicks the pet. except these people have blogs. =/

[rogueslayer452.livejournal.com]

Word to everything about the definition of feminism. I share the same views, as well. ♥ I really dislike how people shape and mold things to fit into their own personal agenda on what they think feminism should be and that it's the one and only true way to be, and everyone has to agree to those views otherwise you are giving into patriarchal society. What sense that does make?

It really is misdirected anger, I agree.