The Hurricane

I just finished watching the movie based on Rubin Carter's life. Denzel Washington plays it with his usual cool self. Brilliantly.

But what's left me impressed is the character. And its strength. No, its courage. It takes a lot of strength to protect yourself. Even more to fight back. But it takes courage to stay upright and keep your spirit intact against an onslaught of inhumanity.

I cannot imagine what life must be like inside a prison. Let alone being repeatedly humiliated every single day. There is only so much a human being can take before going insane. Or before becoming a cynic. And eventually turning into the walking-dead. All that, in spite of being innocent. I cannot even begin to imagine what kind of courage this individual must possess to control the urge to retaliate with violence. Especially when he possessed the physical capability. What must be the measure of the strength of his mind?

"Rube" seemed somewhat Gandhian to me. But not particularly being a fan of the Gandhian ways, I wouldn't like to continue on that trail of thought.

Besides, there was only so much that "Rube" could achieve individually. It wouldn't have been possible for him to see the end of his unfair imprisonment without the help of "friends". Lesra, Terry, Sam, and Lisa. Four wonderful and equally courageous individuals who stood up for something. And saw it through to the end. All for another person who had spent more than half his lifetime in jail. No normal human being could do that. It requires a certain madness--passion--to feel so strongly about something and work it out in spite of all the unfavorable, even life-threatening situations.

This is what I respect most in individuals--passion. Not to confuse with the "passions" that people proclaim to have on Orkut. I believe 90% or more of them don't know what they're talking about. It all seems so fake! I couldn't stand it any longer. Which is why I deleted my account. I feel so light now.

And a bit shaken, after witnessing The Hurricane.

Sunday, Mar 30, 2008 @ 2:05 am

Addendum:

I google Rubin Carter this morning and here's what I come across. Just when I come to trust in something good, all evidence to the contrary is thrown at me. Sigh!

In any case, whether Rubin Carter was really innocent or not, the character in the movie was portrayed so. And some days I'd rather live with beautiful fantasies that with sadistic reality.