Feel the rhythm! “Cool Runnings” is a great step towards the future

Screening is prohibited! ?

This work is often used for school viewing in the United States. In 2018, the film was scheduled to be shown at a high school in the suburbs of Boston, Massachusetts, before winter break. However, the principal suddenly announces that the screening is prohibited. The reason was ``There are culturally and racially insensitive views.'' Many of the students who heard the announcement commented disappointedly, saying, ``It's a good movie, but...''

Certainly, there are parts of this movie that lack cultural and racial sensitivity. One thing that has been talked about since its release is that people from East Germany are portrayed as stereotypical racist villains. Additionally, the portrayal of Jamaica emphasizes the cheerful Rastafari, which was also said to be a stereotype.

This film is also a so-called "white savior" film, in which a white protagonist saves a non-white character. The bobsled team is led by coach Irving. But Irving, too, was guided down the right path by the Jamaican team.

The backgrounds and bonds of the five main actors

John Candy, who played Irving, was a well-known actor even before appearing in this film, and is from the Toronto branch of the comedy troupe ``Second City,'' which has produced many stars. He became popular on the Canadian TV program "Second City Television" (76-84/not aired in Japan). He has co-starred with John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd, who are also from the Second City and are famous as regulars on "Saturday Night Live," on films such as " The Blues Brothers " (1980) and " Chaos " (1988). There is.

"The Blues Brothers" preview

Candy's true potential is shown in the comical scenes in this work as well. However, shortly after its release in 1994, he passed away at the young age of 43, making this film his last work to be released during his lifetime.

Léon: The Professional, who played Delise, the leader of the four members of the Jamaican national team, played Jesus Christ in singer Madonna's music video "Like a Prayer," and Léon: The Professional, who is African American, played the role. , which caused great controversy at the time. With this film, which he appeared in after that, Léon: The Professional rode into stardom and achieved great growth as a lead actor.

Madonna "Like a Prayer" PV

Malik Yoba, who plays Yul, and Doug E. Doug, who plays Sanka, have Jamaican roots. Doug E. Doug was also active as a stand-up comedian, so like John Candy, he was responsible for many of the comical scenes in this work. The five of them seem to have developed similar friendships during filming, with Léon: The Professional and Doug E. Doug still apparently going out to eat with the real Jamaican players.

What this work has spun into the future