In the Name of the Father is a film based on a true story, released in the United States in 1993. The film tells the story of a rebellious teenager, Gary Conlon, who offended the local government for theft. He then fled to the UK but was framed by police as a rioter and sentenced to life in prison. His father, Giuseppe Conlon, was also imprisoned to save him.
Much of the film describes his time in prison with his father. One of the things that struck me the most was the first time Gary and his father met in prison. At the police station, through beatings, scolding and mental stimulation, Gary did not sign the confession that did not belong to him at all, until a policeman threatened to kill his father Giuseppe if he did not sign. Gary is in great pain, but the last line of defense is broken, and he ends up in jail on a false charge. On the other hand, Giuseppe feared for his safety and was also imprisoned.
The two father and son meet in prison, but the scene is not harmonious. As soon as Gary saw Giuseppe, he began to blame him for never caring about himself, always clinging to his own shortcomings. Blame him for stealing and doing bad things all because of Giuseppe. He dismissed Giuseppe as worthless or even abusive. Many people see this and think that Gary is a hopelessly bad boy who deserves to be in jail. But I don't think so. I think the blame for all this is actually more of Gary's "self-blame". He hated himself for not accomplishing anything, and hated the fact that he had killed his father in prison. He was using sharp words to try to make his father hate him and get forgiveness. And Giuseppe understood, and Giuseppe just waited for him to finish and told him it wasn't your fault and it would all be fine. Gary couldn't help crying while hugging Giuseppe.
I think this is fatherly love. Even if you are duplicitous, the father can see your distress signal, and there will always be there to protect you, support you and give you strength. Giuseppe is such a person. Gary's grievance against Giuseppe will only see his shortcomings, but Giuseppe is the one who always believes in him and is willing to find the light in him.
Later, Giuseppe died in prison due to illness. Fifteen years before his death, Giuseppe has been working hard. This film has aroused my deep thinking about the need for continuous improvement of the law. The law cannot be used as a political weapon for false stability, and the law should be given to everyone with fairness and respect. At the same time, I was also shocked by the greatness of a father and the perseverance of a father. For me this is a movie worth watching again and again.
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