Of Love and Might (Part 3)
Altamirano came into realization at a time when irreversible damage had been made and so many innocent lives paid the price for his decision. He then expressed his regret, almost in tears, which is shown in the final few minutes of the movie. At least, he regretted. One of the other men, a major influencer of the decision, seemed to be heartless and egoistic beyond description and even held Altamirano wholly accountable for the decision. Their own words picture that moment best:
Altamirano: [to Cabeza and Hontar] And you have the effrontery to tell me that this slaughter was necessary?
Hontar: We must work in the world, your eminence. The world is thus.
Altamirano: No, Señor Hontar. Thus have we made the world... thus have I made it.
[Last Lines] Altamirano: So, your Holiness, now your priests are dead, and I am left alive. But in truth it is I who am dead, and they who live. For as always, your Holiness, the spirit of the dead will survive in the memory of the living.
Even though the setting of the movie is one of those from the past, nevertheless the truths in that situation sting as real and painful today. Many people in power still use “the will of God” to make decisions that leave them as comfortable as possible; to make decisions that benefit them the most regardless of the cost to others. To say that ‘the world is thus’ is one of the easiest ways to shirk all responsibilities for actions. The love towards others is missing. It is saddening to see that people can be so hard-hearted towards the suffering they impose upon fellow human beings while enjoying their comfort without remorse of their decisions and actions. Some live in denial and say that they did not have a choice or pretend that they do not see the consequences. Sadly, many only realize the grave consequences of their selfishness and mistakes when it is too late to make amends. Even worse is that some do not even have a conscience when they see wickedness all around.
Altamirano: [to Cabeza and Hontar] And you have the effrontery to tell me that this slaughter was necessary?
Hontar: We must work in the world, your eminence. The world is thus.
Altamirano: No, Señor Hontar. Thus have we made the world... thus have I made it.
[Last Lines] Altamirano: So, your Holiness, now your priests are dead, and I am left alive. But in truth it is I who am dead, and they who live. For as always, your Holiness, the spirit of the dead will survive in the memory of the living.
Even though the setting of the movie is one of those from the past, nevertheless the truths in that situation sting as real and painful today. Many people in power still use “the will of God” to make decisions that leave them as comfortable as possible; to make decisions that benefit them the most regardless of the cost to others. To say that ‘the world is thus’ is one of the easiest ways to shirk all responsibilities for actions. The love towards others is missing. It is saddening to see that people can be so hard-hearted towards the suffering they impose upon fellow human beings while enjoying their comfort without remorse of their decisions and actions. Some live in denial and say that they did not have a choice or pretend that they do not see the consequences. Sadly, many only realize the grave consequences of their selfishness and mistakes when it is too late to make amends. Even worse is that some do not even have a conscience when they see wickedness all around.
posted by JJ at 8:48 PM
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