NOLA Movie Reviews and Plans

There are two movies that we were required to watch before leaving on the trip-American Experience: New Orleans and When the Levees Broke. 

I first watched American Experience. This film presented the history of the city and its people and focused much of its attention on the culture of the city. There were some things that I'm sure that are missing, but it covered a lot of material in two hours. There were a lot of things that were new and interesting to me-like the history of Mardi Gras and the development of the music scene. 

I followed this up with When the Levees Broke. There's not much that I can really say about this that probably hasn't already been said. I was horrified, disgusted, and ashamed. What happened and how it was handled on all government levels was shameful and ridiculous. I was reading about the film online and people were debating whether or not the film was objective enough or that there were things missing. I don't think that that kind of debate is really necessary nor is it going to diminish the truth that is included in the film. It's a testament to the strength of the people of New Orleans that they came back and are rebuilding the city. 

As for what I'm hoping for in New Orleans, I'm really not sure. There are certainly things I want to experience and see. I think I just want to see the spirit of the people and the city.