People are fighting in the streets, shooting at each other in buildings, using blood and fire against their compatriots... This is not happening in the war-torn Middle East or Africa, but in the "near future" of the United States as depicted in the new Hollywood film "The American Civil War."
Although "The Civil War" has caused great controversy in the United States, The New York Times still rated it as one of the best films of the year, and the Associated Press called it one of the "most explosive" films of the year.
In an interview, Alex Garland, the director of "American Civil War", said that this is a political film about polarization, division and populist politics sliding towards extremism, hoping to warn of the dangers of extreme partisanship . Commentators believe that the reason why "American Civil War" makes many American audiences feel uneasy, worried and struggling is precisely because this film reflects reality through "fictional" plots. The phrase "What kind of American are you" in the film touches the audience's heart, and the implied division and opposition emotions, as well as the violent impulse of "fighting at the slightest disagreement", reflects the current state of American society, which is the core of the film's shocking power.
Manohla Darji, chief film critic for The New York Times, said that American Civil War is like an X-ray that clearly reflects the "soul sickness" of a country. Owen Gleiberman, chief film critic for Variety magazine, also pointed out that the film "reflects the anger overflowing from the political, spiritual and ideological cracks in the United States."
This video footage shot on October 22, 2020 in Arlington, Virginia, U.S., shows then-U.S. President Trump (left) and Democratic presidential candidate Biden participating in the final presidential candidate televised debate in Nashville, Tennessee.
Public opinion believes that as the US presidential election approaches, the struggle between the Democratic and Republican parties is becoming increasingly fierce. The significance of this film is to warn people that the current political confrontation and social division in the United States are in a serious situation that has not been seen in decades. Although the film does not mention the specific reasons for the outbreak of the new civil war, nor does it reflect obvious partisan tendencies, many viewers can't help but think of the "Capitol Hill Riots" on January 6, 2021.
The "Capitol Hill riots" are one of the largest political violence incidents in modern American history. A Reuters investigative report in August last year pointed out that after the "Capitol Hill riots", 213 cases of political violence occurred in the United States, of which about two-thirds were initiated by "lone wolf" attackers or occurred between opposing groups at demonstrations and rallies. This proves that the United States is facing the most serious wave of political violence since the 1970s.
Hollywood industry media The Hollywood Reporter pointed out: "We are approaching one of the most controversial election years in American history. The fierce divisions have made the increasingly outdated name of 'the United States' a laughing stock. People are anxious because they are worried that the results of the presidential election will make one side angry and may incite violence. This atmosphere seems to have created an ideal atmosphere for the release of "American Civil War."
Some people believe that as the election approaches, people are beginning to talk about whether another "civil war" that is crucial to the future of the United States has begun to brew. Although armed conflict will not break out immediately in the United States, the public's "exaggerated rebellious sentiment" shows that more and more people realize that the divisions in American society in ideology and political lines are more serious than at any time since 1850. "America's friends and allies need to understand that the 'United States' has become a 'divided country'. There are actually 'two Americas' at war."