The Purge: Urban Violence

This movie was crucified by the critics. I agree that the premise of the movie is sort of stupid and far fetched, but movies can actually do that. It is fiction and fantasy. Taking this into consideration, I really liked the direction, thrills and frights. This is a segment for adults only.

I. Read the short description of the context of the movie below. Then pair up with a partner and explain it, using your own words.

The Purge is based on the premise that every year a 12 hour period is allocated as a kind of law free day in which all crime (unless it is directed toward the government) is permitted. The stated purpose is to allow common people to purge themselves of violent feelings so that they won't be moved to act on them during the rest of the 364 and a half days. The real reason for the Purge is that it is an easy way to get rid of the poor and the homeless, which the government and population consider undesirable. The rich are able to protect themselves in their homes and ride out the Purge, closing their eyes to the violence taking place around them.

II. Watch the movie segment and discuss the questions that follow.

I. Describe the scene.

2. What's your opinion about  the American government of establishing "the purge"? What are the possible consequences to the society we live in if it became true.

3. How can the purge reduce or escalate crime rates?

4. In your opinion, what is the cause of urban violence? How should governments address this issue, if it is the case?

5. How violent is the place you live in? How do you compare urban violence in your city now and 15 years ago?

6. Do American movies show an accurate portrait  of urban violence in the USA or is it an exaggerated picture of reality? Explain it.

7. Do you agree that we should get rid of the poor/homeless/criminals by creating something like the purge? Why (not)?

8. Do you think that the purge is a modern view of the Nazi's behavior during the Holocaust? What are the similarities and the differences between both ideas.

9. In Brazil, there are the "armed militias" that fight against crimes in slums, filling a vacuum of authority by promising residents security in exchange for payments and the chance to take over many illegal businesses — including controlling the supply of water and natural gas, gambling machines, pirating cable television connections, and of course, the drug trade. They gain sympathy from residents because they battle Rio’s “barbaric” drug dealers. Do you think the militias are replacing one form of criminality with another? What is worse, to have or not to have militias?

10. Are you optimistic or pessimistic about the reduction of crime rates where you live? Why?

MOVIE SEGMENT DOWNLOAD - THE PURGE