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I remember several years back watching one of those AFI "Top 100" shows, this time relating to the top 100 heroes and villains in film history. It was easy to predict that Hannibal Lecter would be the top villain. But as the countdown progressed, I wondered who would be the top hero. My personal film hero has always been Atticus Finch, but as the Superman and Indiana Jones characters were being named in the final few slots, I didn't think the AFI voters would agree with me. I was genuinely surprised, and very, very pleased, that the top film hero named was, indeed, Atticus Finch.
I then started to think why it was I considered this character a hero, because certainly in Atticus Finch's mind, he wasn't doing "heroic" things. He defended Tom Robinson not to be looked upon as saintly or holier than thou, but because he wanted to set a good example for his children -- and, very simply, he thought it was the right thing to do. I think Atticus Finch's quiet devotion to his children, and his belief in doing what was decent and right in his life and profession, made this character a hero in my eyes. As an attorney, I think often of Gregory Peck's summation in the film when I'm preparing for a trial. I always find it inspiring.
This is a film I revisit at least once a year, and it never ceases to move and inspire me. Harper Lee must have been so proud.
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The movie version of To Kill a Mockingbird was cast so well and follows the book closely. I have watched it so many times I can't keep track, but it's like visiting a dear friend again.
I bought the DVD for a young friend of mine who hadn't even heard of the book or film and I was convinced that she would love it, but she didn't. She refuses to watch any movie that's in B&W and even though she watched this one she thought it was predictable and boring. How can that be possible? I consider this film a classic that has aged well through the years but maybe younger audiences aren't interested in character developement and an excellent story. They want action, sex, and/or gratuitous violence which, fortunately, this movie doesn't offer and shouldn't need to. (In all fairness, I wasn't impressed with Citizan Kane and it's considered one of the greatest films of all time!)
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The order was received in a timely manner and I had no problems at all.
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If you have not heard of this movie or book, shame on you!! BOTH are the best of American classics ever!!
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This is a turly classic film that has been universally recognized as one of the greatest films of all time. It is told from the eyes of a young girl named "Scout", the 6 year old daughter of a county lawyer, Atticus Finch. Mary Badham marvelously plays "Scout", a Tom-boy, who with her brother "Jem", and friend "Dill" witness the events that swept them into the eye of the hurricane of racial hatred. While the three children are consumed by the rumors about their mysterious neighbor, "Boo" Radley, Scout's father, Atticus Finch, prepares to defend the black man, Tom Robinson, who has been accused of raping a white girl. Gregory Peck is absolutley fabulous as Atticus Finch. Peck nails the character of Atticus the lawyer who defends the wrongfully accused black man of raping a white woman in the deep racial South in 1935. The outcome of the trial was a given, guilty; yet, Atticus courageously stands up to the prejudicial all-white jury and angrilly demands them to find the courage to stand up for the truth and set free an innocent man. Yet, the social rules of the time demanded a guilty verdict and it was brought. Robinson despairs and breaks away during a transfer and is shot and killed. All seems lost, and Atticus and his children despair. But the end is not yet. Bob Euell, the father of the girl who claimed rape has a hatred of Atticus that cannot be quenched even by the death of Robinson. He blindly hates Atticus for daring to take the opinion of a black man over a white man. Since he does not have the courage to face Atticus, he instead goes after Scout and Jem. Suddenly and unexpectedly, the children are rescued by their mysterious reclusive neighbor Arthur "Boo" Radley, who was the children's protector, despite his mental retardation.
The movie ends in a touching scene where Scout slowly walks Boo back to his house holding his pale hand in hers. She then returns to the secure and comforting lap of her father Atticus, who is dutifully watching over injured Jem. In the background is a picture of Atticus' deceased wife on the mantle, (the first view we have of her). The love of this father for his children is clearly evident in his tenderness and decency.
Oh how this world could so richly benefit from more honorable and courageous men like Atticus Finch.
Buy this movie and watch it once a year with your children. As your children age, they will see the deeper social message which is the heart of the movie.
Jim Koenig
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