PRIDE (2007) : a movie review

PRIDE

Pride (2007)

1)     At first, what differences that Jim Ellis suffer during his college days as a swimmer?

In the first part of the movie, Jim Ellis suffered from racial discrimination during his college days as a swimmer. It was depicted the common scenario Black American experiences in succeeding in any event because it is largely dominated by white people. Aside from that he can hardly find a job and always stumbles into teaching mostly because the color of his skin prevents him from finding a job that puts his mathematics degree to use. He is treated less favorably because of his race as a Black American. He is being discriminated due to his black skin.

2)     What was the motive of Jim why he insisted the boys and girl to be his swim team?

After converting an abandoned recreational pool hall in Philadelphia, city officials mark the new Philadelphia Department of Recreation for demolition, Jim fights back--by starting the city’s first African-American swim team. As he had seen the potential of the group of black teens, after having thrown off the basketball court in the center’s yard, he also wanted to restore the paths of these kids and help them out to use their talents and mold them to become prideful of being what they are in spite of being black in color.

3)     What does his team stands when the Barracudas Team walkout from their house?

They stand for PDR, their house. They stand against racial discrimination and for their rights to be respected also by the white people. It is not because they are black that they must not be treated fairly.

4)     What does coach Jim inspiring words before they left PDR for a competition?

After putting himself into suspension as the PDR’s coach for the competition, he left his swimmers this inspiring words for them to ponder upon with, “You got each other, ‘cause in the end, that’s all you really have. And you got you’re captain, Andre. You see, we’ve been chasing dreams for so many, many years. But tomorrow, you’ll all get an opportunity to fulfill some of those dreams. YOU and the LETTERS that stand for this place. You stand for PDR. But what does it mean to us? Pride, determination and resilience. That's what's brought all these people together. You've given them something to believe in. Because this is our community. This is our house. And it's built on pride, determination and resilience. Just pride, determination and resilience.”

5)     What was the team’s courage in order for them to catch the championship?

The team’s courage is their realization that achieving success is not based on the color of the skin, but on PDR (pride, determination and resilience). Aside from that I also believe that it is their honor, willpower and spirit to win. Just like what Andre said, “The anchor's got to have the biggest heart.” you must have put you heart on the game, be serious about it and most especially, you most love what you are doing. It is their Pride, Determination and Resilience that brings them to the top and brings home the bacon for the pride of all people with black skin.

6)     Relate to yourself the statement of Coach Jim Ellis the meaning of PDR:

Pride     

            

-           This is about my own dignity to be protected with. This is thing that my highest sense of personal’s status and ego leading me to judgments of my personality and molds my own character. This should be protected by me because this is what my self-reflection leads me to.

Determination  

–          Just like the black teens, I must have the determination to win even if it is against all odds. As popularly quoted, “overcome the obstacles before they overcome before you”, if I wanted to achieve something better for my self, for the people around me and for God, I should not be afraid to go on and that I should hold on to grip my self up because it is only me who can help myself in determining my own failures and success.

Resilience         

–          I should have the ability to tolerate disturbances without me collapsing or should I say without any hesitation in my back. Even after a fall, I must have the willpower and spirit to rebuild my self and no to rebuke myself for the things that I haven’t done or the things that I didn’t succeed to, instead, just like Coach Jim and the swimmers did, I also have to improve myself as possible and look at the horizon as a new chance for me. I should not give up. I should have the courage, toughness and strength to move on and become a better person as I learned my lessons from every experience I have.