The business of war

If asked why our country is waging war, most folks will promptly say “for freedom.” But filmmaker Eugene Jarecki takes the question a step further in his thought-provoking and compelling documentary, “Why We Fight.”

The film begins with President Eisenhower’s 1961 farewell speech, in which he warns of the power and danger of the American “military-industrial complex.” How ironic that a president, a Republican and a five-star general who headed the Allied troops in World War II warned us that war has become big business. Indeed, it’s only gotten bigger since 1961.

Jarecki takes his title from a series of military films made by Frank Capra during World War II. It was after that war that the military-industrial complex began, and through archival footage, original material and talking heads we are given varying points of view about how it works.

Although the film is not entirely objective, no president or political party of the past 50 years escapes scrutiny. Even if you do not agree with Jarecki’s point of view, some of the points raised are certainly eye-opening. I did not realize, for instance, that America spends more on defense than on all other parts of the federal budget combined.

From trade shows to air shows, “Why We Fight” reveals a nation that has grown uncomfortably dependent on the war machine to fuel its economy and fervor.

* SUSANNE PEREZ lives in Costa Mesa and is an executive assistant for a financial services company.

‘Glory Road’ beyond feel-good sports flick

“Glory Road” is a rare formula film that takes its audience far beyond the confines of its original blueprint. Outwardly, it’s a rousing sports movie based on a great true story. It has an underdog college basketball team facing a national powerhouse. It has authentic reenactments of the play-by-play action that occurred in the real games. But the director uses a tight screenplay and fine acting to take this common plot to a much higher level.

The underdogs are the unknown Miners of West Texas State in 1966. The legendary Kentucky Wildcats, with Pat Riley as their superstar, are the powerhouse winners of four previous national titles. Kentucky had never placed a black player on any of its teams.

The rookie coach of West Texas dared to start five black players against the highly favored, all-white Kentucky team. This had never been done in the history of the NCAA championship.

This film is really about this tipping point in American culture. Racism and civil rights issues are the nasty potholes in the middle of “Glory Road.” The story follows outcast black players rejected by the big southern universities and recruited from playgrounds and pickup leagues. The film depicts instances of racial discrimination in restaurants and motels without belaboring the point. The tumultuous season that leads to the final game has many striking subplots.

In the end, a real Goliath is beaten by a real David in an uplifting story that had the large audience at my screening cheering in the aisles at several points. As the final credits rolled, interviews with Pat Riley and other real players riveted everyone who stayed. This is a special film that offers a lot more than sports.

* JOHN DEPKO is a Costa Mesa resident and a senior investigator for the Orange County public defender’s office.

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