Reviews

This film is interesting because not only does it pursue an emotional story during an infamous moment in history, but it also analyzes the values and justifications of religion. I felt this film did a good job in portraying the Aztecs in a manner that does not influence one to believe they are savage or uncivilized, as they are often associated as being. Rather, it focuses on the beauty of preserving one's culture and the savagery behind those trying to strip others of it. It is interesting to note that stereo typically, Native American tribes and Native Americans themselves are often presented to seem weak and malleable. However, The Other Conquest does a good job in defying this stereotype with the strong and relentless main character. Additionally, this film demonstrates the concept that history can never be set in stone. It is open to interpretation, and what we reflect on from the past will only be as accurate as what is recorded.

This film will not match your stereotypical idea of a samurai movie. While there are fight scenes, there is a complex and well developed plot and the action scenes aid in portraying the themes of this plot. For example, a scene is shown where a samurai's top knot is sliced off. This is one of the most dishonoring consequences that can happen to a Samurai, and according to tradition, seppuku should be committed. However, this does not occur and this demonstrates the hypocrisy of powerful individuals in said culture. Additionally, in the end when Hanshiro is fighting off the other samurais, this battle comes to an end as they bring out guns and gun power, ending his life that way. This also reveals the hypocrisy in this culture because Hanshiro would have one the fight without the aid of firearms.

To me, The Phantom of Liberty seems to heavily focus on the ideas and themes of the chance and mystery of everyday life. This notion is portrayed throughout the film through the use of film technique and Banuel's apparent criticism against established social standards. For example, it is noted that there are many moments with a lack of sound or music. However, this lack of sound aids in conveying to the viewer a sense of authenticity. The idea of authenticity is important because in all the episodes, the plot seems to focus on a taboo character or situation that may be hard for most viewers to apply and relate to their actual lives; therefore, the authenticity the lack of music score demonstrates, helps to convey Banuel's point of view. Additionally, in the episode where there are guests staying in a hotel, The Hatter and his assistant invite the nephew, the monks, and a nurse into their room for what seems like a friendly get together and drinks. However, this suddenly takes a dramatic turn when The Hatter and his assistant began to perform dominatrix type acts right in front of their guests. This is an example of Banuel portraying a sexual taboo, however, in a manner that is not demeaning, but rather examining the mystery, authenticity, and actually very common action of defying social norms.