Two Movies: From “2012” to “Forever”

In this materialized, modern society, most people seem to forget about history and ignore prophecies. The film “2012,” like a heavy blow, presented the Mayan prophecy about 2012 to everyone: politicians, scientists, strategists, educators, artists, business owners, and the general public. When catastrophe comes, as described in the film, everyone is helpless.

Directed by Roland Emmerich, a famous director in the disaster genre, “2012” was a major Hollywood blockbuster that came to theatres in November. With massive special effects, fantastic stunts, and a thrilling setting, he connected people together from all over the world. The large scale calamity presented in the film shocked audiences worldwide. What truly made them nervous, however, was not the terrifying stunts but the issues confronting humanity that were raised in the film. Since the film did not provide a plausible solution, it is up to the audience to ponder this problem and find a way out.

A dilemma was seen in the film. First, we saw a sarcastic scene of the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) rescue efforts using aircraft, where animals were transferred for preservation but people in danger were abandoned. Although a millionaire was later taken away, several ordinary people were ignored. This happened in a snowy mountainous region and the audience could easily sense the chilly feeling. Positive figures in the film pointed out that people had to stop killing each other before they could be saved. Furthermore, the film clearly indicated that a high moral character is important and it can even determine one’s fate. For example, although the millionaire was well-prepared, he did not survive the catastrophe. In the end, a family of four that met basic moral standards was able to make it and wait for the new era. However, one thing the director could not explain was why the ultimate hope to rescue mankind came from China, a place depicted in the film as excessively cruel. Even with the moral standards described in the film, it was difficult to explain why that place could bring hope to mankind.

Perhaps the director intentionally left room for the audience to ponder this, or maybe he could not answer it for himself and this puzzlement remained. In any case, with such a big topic, rather than demanding a satisfactory solution from the director, we should be thankful that such as serious issue was raised for people to think about.

For these questions, we may not find an easy answer in a short time, but at least we can understand more about the current situation in China. Since the solution comes from China, we should be aware of current events there before finding the “Noah's Ark” that saves mankind. This reminds me of “Forever,” a recent film from the Shen Zhou Film Studio. From the viewpoint of a journalist, the current situation in China was presented in that film. A touching story is told which then led to the massive, inevitable momentum of the quitting the CCP movement. The Ark does not come for the isolated and dictatorial ruling CCP, but instead comes for the compassionate individuals who have learned the truth and quit the CCP.

Although the film “2012” ended by waiting for a bright future, the film in fact caused a global wave of anxiety. Through the tragedy in the film, one can gain some new understandings that offer hope, which, perhaps, originated from the conscience deep in people's minds.