TEACHER: “…With all the social and medical advancements we can bring to the independents, why would they fight so hard against us?”
RIVER: “We meddle… People don’t like to be meddled with. We tell them what to do, what to think, don’t run, don’t walk… We’re in their homes and in their heads and we haven’t the right. We’re meddlesome.”
This is taken from the beginning of one of the most incredible films I have ever seen, Serenity. The story basically takes place after the end of a massive Civil War where the Independents fought the totalitarian Alliance to be free from wretched governmental control. Unfortunately, the Independents (aka, The Brown Coats) lost the war, but they still continue to fight in small ways as they can. The concept is very reminiscent of America’s Civil War between the States. The story reveals a crew aboard a ship called Serenity. They find work by transporting cargo for pay, but along the way obtain a new passenger named River, who has been rescued by her brother, the ship’s doctor. They hide River from the Alliance, which seeks to get her back since she is a product of confidential government information. The crew also discovers critical data that if exposed, could radically change the Universe. I’d love to say more about this fantastic film, but it’s difficult to discuss much without giving anything away. The story has been written very well and features a great plot. It’s loaded with incredible character depth, excellent imagery, graphics, great action, and moments of humor. It’s also very unique and original in it’s approach and styling. It’s futuristic Science Fiction, much like Star Wars or Star Trek, but at times acts and looks a bit like a Western/Cowboy movie instead. The political aspects of this film lay right in line with other great films that seek out to warn us of impending statist and fascist threats brought on by the government and those in power. We must embrace our own personal freedom and fight to preserve it in hopes that everyone may be free to live as they see fit for themselves. Long live the Brown Coats!
I also highly recommend watching the TV series that provides the framework for this movie called, Firefly. More time is spent on the development of the characters, story, and philosophy behind Serenity.
