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Nelson Mandela and his leadership in the wake apartheid in South Africa, considered through a story about the 1995 Rugby World Cup, where the Springboks of South Africa prevailed against fierce international competition in addition to intense and complex domestic pressures. Invictus (2009) starring Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon, directed by Clint Eastwood, written for the screen by Anthony Peckham, based on John Carlin's book "Playing the Enemy: Nelson Mandela and the Game that Made a Nation". Nelson Mandela, in his first term as president of South Africa, initiates a unique venture to unite the Apartheid-torn land: enlist the national rugby team on a mission to win the 1995 Rugby World Cup. (IMDB) Featured in this episode of PopViolence are two podcast hosts from the organization PeacePlayers. Their podcast debuts July 12, and is called Play it Forward; "Through the lens of activism in sports presented by PeacePlayers International, Play it Forward will feature conversations with youth leaders, community organizers, industry experts and those using sport as a tool for positive change around the world." This episode confronts the themes of the film, like forgiveness and reconciliation, and how they are desirable outcomes that may not have been depicted in a way that deeply considers how such progress can be made in the wake of intense and overt oppressive regime change (or in any context of systemic violence really). While the meaning of the film takes the foreground, the conversation is deeply connected to issues around racial justice and and equity. "I have walked that long road to freedom. I have tried not to falter; I have made missteps along the way. But I have discovered the secret that after climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb. I have taken a moment here to rest, to steal a view of the glorious vista that surrounds me, to look back on the distance I have come. But I can only rest for a moment, for with freedom comes responsibilities, and I dare not linger, for my long walk is not ended." -Nelson Mandela "Poverty is not an accident. Like slavery and apartheid, it is man-made and can be removed by the actions of human beings. -Nelson Mandela "Freedom is indivisible; the chains on any one of my people were the chains on all of them, the chains on all of my people were the chains on me." -Nelson Mandela See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Daniel Plainview against Eli Sunday. A tale about the violent unfolding of human history played through the visceral rivalry between an oilman and a pastor. There Will Be Blood (2007) starring Daniel Day-Lewis and Paul Dano, written and directed by Paul Thomas Anderson and based on the novel Oil! by Upton Sinclair. "A story of family, religion, hatred, oil and madness, focusing on a turn-of-the-century prospector in the early days of the business." (IMDB) This episode of PopViolence features a guest review from Angie Tolomei, a writer, director, and actor from Bridgewater College who presents both a deep passion for and incredibly well-researched analysis on There Will Be Blood. Under Angie's lead, the podcast moves through contemplation on the deep thematic and social implications of the film, and enthusiastic discussion about everything from the acting, score, writing, and dialogue to individual memorable shots and single moments. Sources: Gregory Alan Phipps "Making Milk into a Milkshake: Adapting Upton Sinclair's 'Oil!' into PT Anderson's 'There Will Be Blood'" George Toles "Paul Thomas Anderson (Contemporary Film Directors)" Adam Nayman "Paul Thomas Anderson Masterworks" Follow PopViolence on Instagram: @pop.violence Molly Lambert: "Why not tell several different stories with loose threads? Why limit yourself to one great performance in a movie when you can get 20? Why pick on genre when you can pull from everything and make movies that push the whole idea of a genre to it's city limits?" See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

On this podcast Tim welcomes a guest, Bill Goldberg, onto PopViolence to talk about the 90s sci-fi film, Gattaca. Gattaca, starring Ethan Hawke, Jude Law, and Uma Thurman, is a sci-fi story, placed in a dystopian "not-so-distant future", where eugenics and genetic engineering have brought about new stratifications in human society, where an "in-valid" of the lower class breaks through the status quo and upsets the norms in order to follow his dreams. We talk in-depth about some of the meanings, themes, and philosophies that accompany this futuristic tale.  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/tim-rasmussen/message See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This week, PopViolence welcomes Emily (IG: @they.themily) for a conversation about Raya, a Disney Pixar movie that we both enjoyed, despite acknowledging some harmful depictions in the story.  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/tim-rasmussen/message See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This is an in-depth analysis of the hit movie, Black Panther, where with the help of Amplify RJ founder David, we explore how restorative justice relates to the thrilling struggles between T'Challa and Erik Killmonger. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/tim-rasmussen/message See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In an intimate and personal exploration of the film Mary Magdalene (2018), Tim and a transcendent guest, Bailee, uncover new ways of understanding humanness and divinity, whilst diving into religion & Christianity's deep and complicated relationship with violence and oppression. For those wishing to engage with Bailee about their own faith journeys, find her on Instagram @bailee.rasmussen   --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/tim-rasmussen/message See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In a crossover with Sabacc Talk (Star Wars talk for the average fan) comes an interview with peacebuilding professor and international mediator Chad Ford about the intricacies of Star Wars and how Luke was able to follow the Jedi Path.  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/tim-rasmussen/message See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In a difficult but relevant conversation about the film's main topic, the death penalty, Patience Kamau and Tim take on the concept of justice.   --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/tim-rasmussen/message See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Does the epic musical have a happy ending? Who is the "bad guy"? What does a story from another age have to say about 21st Century violence and oppression? An in depth look at Les Mis reveals that the beloved musical should not only be cherished, but sourced from for critical awareness and inspiration.  --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/tim-rasmussen/message See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The 1969 American epic, Easy Rider, pretty much makes you question everything. And that's what we do in this episode of PopViolence, as America itself falls under the microscope. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/tim-rasmussen/message See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

With a dear friend Reka, Tim discusses how Jojo Rabbit distinctly depicts dynamics of violence and oppression through a comedic story, centered on a 10 year-old Nazi. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/tim-rasmussen/message See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Tim and his sister Jacqueline analyze and unpack one of the 90s’ most unique, misunderstood, and underrated (maybe?) films. What can we learn about violence from the story of Truman Burbank, TV’s greatest star who doesn’t know it. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/tim-rasmussen/message See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.