Leadership Ideas from a Movie: You’ll Never Guess Which One

Peace and Freedom ^ | October 16, 2006 | John E. Carey

[John Carey]

A film that came and went in 2003 deserves another viewing if you saw it then and if you missed it you might pick it up for a family viewing. The film “Master and Commander” with Russell Crowe gives new insight into the at-sea culture of 1805 Britain; and sadly, speaks volumes about the degenerated world we occupy in 21st century America. “Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World” strikes viewers as an old-fashioned sea saga that few thought Hollywood could still produce. This is not just a war movie but a lesson in leadership, teamwork and character.

Most movies today offer us pabulum and fantasy. They don’t encourage us to greater good but instead emphasize the darker side of human conduct. Drug abuse, homosexuality and fantasy often fill the screen. Computer graphics so sophisticated they remove us from reality have enthralled Hollywood and thrilled viewers. Many of our “leading men” are pretty-boy weak sisters who may have a certain appeal to 14-year-old girls but have none of the raw manliness and power of John Wayne. Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt and Keanu Reeves come to mind, but they are not alone.

It seems Hollywood and television producers want us to worship the gay, lighthearted and without-depth in our culture today. Powerful men are largely taboo.

[Marysecretary]

I agree.