Documentary footage of the watts riot
Falling Down, Menace II Society, Rush Hour
1. “Falling Down”: With whom do you identify in the movie “Falling Down”? The Shopkeeper or D-Fens? Or neither? Or both?
2. With whom do you identify with or empathize with in “Menace II Society”?
3. Why does “Menace II Society” frame its story with documentary footage of the Watts Riot of 1965?
4. Do you think movies such as “Falling Down” and “Menace II Society” and a song such as “Black Korea” enflame race relations in Los Angeles, adding more fuel to the fire, or by representing them contribute to our understanding of the problems of Los Angeles and help to address them?
5. How and why does “Rush Hour” serve as a consolation fantasy to the conflicts at the heart of the 1992 LA riot?
6. What are some of the symbolic ways in which the characters played by Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker overcome their differences?
7. Is there an interracial kiss in “Rush Hour”? If so, what is its significance?
8. Can you give empathy to LAPD officers or are they just the enemy? Who identifies with LAPD? Who has empathy for LAPD? What do you think of the Chris Tucker character in “Rush Hour” rejecting an offer to join the FBI in order to remain with the LAPD?
