Week 12

“Camila”

“Camila” was a very interesting movie about a young girl from Argentina who was raised in upper class society. Camila was very bright, passionate, and outspoken and knew she wanted more in life than to marry a rich man who she didn’t love. She wanted to be proud of her husband, to desire him, and experience pleasure with him. Camila was instructed to abolish her dirty thoughts and was seeking the guidance of the church to help her overcome her sins. A new priest named Ladislao started at her church and he soon was assisting her in her confessions. Through being completely honest and comfortable with Ladislao, they both began to fall for each other even though they knew it was wrong. They went through the torture of doing what they could to be together, then getting too close and feeling too wrong that they pushed each other away.

Eventually Ladislao and Camila ran away together so that they could be happy and love one another. They started a school, raised animals, and shared in intensely passionate moments that only two people truly in love could share. In the meantime, Camila’s family and Ladislao’s church back home were furious and embarrassed by what the two had done. Shame had been brought on to their loved ones and a warrant was issued to find Camila and Ladislao and return them for punishment. Eventually Ladislao was recognized by another priest and the government was informed. Ladislao and Camila were given the opportunity to escape by one of their new friends, but they chose to surrender. They were brought back to their village where they received no trial and no family or friends came to their rescue. Quickly, the two were propped up and blindfolded in a firing range and they were executed for their treason.

The lack of justice in this situation was sad and disheartening. People do what they’re told when they are unable to stand up to what they know to be wrong.

Classmates

1. Alexandra said that "Love in the Time of Cholera" perfectly illustrates the oppression that Freire stood so boldly against.

2. Annacy said that "Love in the Time of Cholera" transcends many borders.

3. Bryanna said that the story that transcends borders in that the desire for love to conquer all and be eternal is in all cultures around the world.

4. Francisco said that the story demonstrates Freire’s theory, “liberation is thus childbirth, and a painful one.”

5. Jennifer thinks the movie is all about forbidden love.

6. Jessica says the story transcends borders mostly because it can make almost anyone anywhere relate.

7. Mandi says the story brings to light Freire's idea of oppression.

8. Paul says the story has universal messages and archetypes.

9. Ramona loved the setting in Cartegena, Columbia.

10. Sara said Freire believed it was wrong to divide people by status and class.