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*******THE AMERICAN PRESIDENT*********
The movie is such a very good one…not just because i love watching romantic comedy movies and because i’m a pol.sci.stud. but because right now i’m reading a book of Henry and Richard Blackaby..the title of it is SPIRITUAL LEADERSHIP..
i was just strucked by the story of President Andrew Shepherd(Michael Douglas) and Sydney Ellen Wade(Annette Bening) which is about a lovestory between the most influential and powerful person in the United States and a lobbyist..They experienced a lot of threat in their relationship because of the stature of both of them..His struggles multiply when his romance with lobbyist Sydney becomes fodder for both the press and a rival Senator Bob Rudson—precipitating a rapid drop in the polls.
..but the important part is that they both survived in the game caled love..
Aside from that is because it talks about Leaderhip..The right type of leader and kind of leadership..There is a certain point in the movie where Pres.Andy spoke to the people about leadership..Truly Leadership is about CHARACTER…It is also written in the book i mentioned above the importance of it to a leader..We are now in a world where most leadership experts agree that character,or integrity,is foundational to leadership success..Leaders should pay attention to their attitudes because these serves as the barometers to the condition of their hearts..In previous generations,the public was not generally aware of their leader’s personal life,and so leader’s personal failures were not usually considered when evaluating their job performance..but today it was so different..because the fate f a leader relies on the polls being answered by the people…
Another one is the fact that he takes ownership of his position..i love it when Pres.Sheperd ended is speech with this word:My name is Andrew Shepherd, and I AM the President..it clearly speaks of ownership and authority..a leader is entitled to own its position because you can never be a leader if you are just following what other people wants you to do..you are entitled to LEAD..how would your people follow you if you dont have your stand?..Ownership for me is very important..
Lastly,i was so touched when he spoke of the two women in her life..He is so passionate to tell the poeple how much he loves Sydney to the extent that he humbled himself down although he is the most powerful person in the U.S…Having the courage and guts to lower than your pride and to humble down is the sweetest thing a man could do for his love..
This movie speaks of true identity of a leader..One who is worthy of the trust of his people…
Love it..truly..^_^
jhonna nova j. sebuc
BPS IR 3-2
By: Jhonna Nova J. Sebuc on December 9, 2006
at 11:40 am
..The movie directed by Rob Reiner was really good, good enough to be recommended to the leaders of this country because it talks on the character that a leader should have.
..It is good that the story offered not just a typical serious movie about politics but instead, it showed how human a leader is. It showed that a leader is not a robot at all.
..It’s crazy because if you were to imagine, a president of a country, (the most powerful country by the way) and at the same time a single father of a young and only daughter, being inlove to a woman who’s work is to convince other politicians to support her proposal and not the president’s proposal. A very complicated love story that is. And to add up, in the hype of their relationship, someone will destroy it in order to win a position through questioning the president and Miss Sydney’s character.
..The movie made us realized that we could over come our differences if we really love a certain person and if we know what we want. Like Pres. Andrew Shepherd and Ms. Sydney Ellen Wade who have opposing ideas, and even battling in the field of politics, were able to reconcile their differences by just prioritizing on what is really important for the American people. It became possible because they love each other. In our country today, we our politically divided and our leaders is really fond of fighting with each other, but then, I still have hope that in the near future these people in the position will realized that fighting is not the answer and will reconcile to fix everything up for our country.
..I was also stunned by Mr. President’s speech in the last part of the movie, so stunned that I also want to give him an applause. He really stressed good points in his speech. It’s not only for an aspiring leaders of a country but for evrybody. I belive that he was trying to point out that we should stop being a hypocrite, trying hard to criticize other person’s character while our own personality is not admirable as well. Honestly, we should all admit that it’s really hard to avoid giving comment about other people, but the thing is we should think first before saying anything. We should be sensitive enough to know that, first, that person have feelings and second he/she also have a reputation to protect to, just like you. You can mock other people because of small things but the when people talk behind your back they will say that your someone who is fond of destroying other people’s character, which is far worst than what you commented.
..For aspiring leaders like us, speech showed that if we are to run in a certain position, we should just lay our platforms and brag about our OWN good character and should not talk trash about the other party. I think that, that’s one point that other politicians lack. They keep on mocking about their rival but then not showing want he got. A leader is not someone who is expert in digging failures of his rival but someone who have plans for the development of his nation.
..The funny side of the story is that it shows how hard it is being the most person of the state. He had advisers that he wants to treat him as a friend and not a boss. He also had a hard time in ordering flowers. It was funny because, a president can make big things for his country but simple things like buying flowers, courting someone and falling inlove seems to be the hardest for him. That only shows that even a president do have some petty troubles. It is like he is the biggest celebrity in the whole country.
..It’s funny because a president losing his popularity because the fact that he fell inlove, I think is way to much but then I belive that it is really possible. That is why I think being a president is the hardest job at all, becuase you can’t just do what you want to do becuase evry single move you make, other people will make it big. To be the president you have to breath an live with it. You should consult your people but in the end you should be decisive. A leader should know what is important and what is feasible for a country. And I think watching that movie, even if it was just a fiction, we should all learn that we should understand our leader becuase there is a possibility that his/her intention was good after all. Or he/she is still taking his/her time to decide over matters.
..I really love the movie.*
By: Kristine Agarao on December 10, 2006
at 3:04 am
This romantic comedy has more in it than meets the eye. It’s not your typical mushy type of movie wherein all the viewers think of is sighing because of the mushy-ness factor. Try imagining that one of the most powerful man in the world is in love with you and then you are lobbying for the support of the American Congress for a policy that concerns the environment.
The story as I mentioned a while ago is about the president of the United States falling in love to a lobbyist in the midst of a tough election year, facing a conservative senator who knows nothing but put a critic on the incumbent’s present love life. The president (Andrew Shepherd played by Michael Douglas) cares the least for as he puts it, his personal life is no body else’s business, but for then reality bites. Being the president is not at all the power and the glamour- you are under the public’s scrutinizing eyes. It all started when the President overheard a striking critique of a woman who is having a talk to the Chief of Staff who happens to the President’s best friend saying that the President care less about this and that. The schedule of the latter was 4 minutes ahead so he decided to visit his good friend when he accidentally overheard the conversation. He decided to pull out the young miss (Sydney Ellen Wade played by Annette Bening) being mesmerized by her. He made a deal with her that if she can get 24 votes on the State of the Union Address he can propose to the Congress that GDC gets a 10% hike on the next budget. Then the “Sidney Problem” occurs. This movie is entertaining enough, fills in enough political insider stuff, has a nice romantic storyline and one of Michael J. Fox’s best acting jobs. Martin Sheen does some prep for his “West Wing” turn as chief of staff very handily. Michael Douglas handles the President/single parent role competently. The real star is, of course, Annette Benning, who steals just about every scene. Richard Dreyfuss really hams it up as the loyal opposition candidate. The plot follows young, handsome, charismatic President Andrew Shepherd as he wines and dines lovely lobbyist Sidney Ellen Wade, while trying to run the country, improve his popularity and electability, navigate political minefields and raise his teenage daughter. The film is well directed by Rob Reiner, who always seems to get that extra something out of his actors. My wife liked it a lot more than I did, but it’s still an entertaining, if fluffy political/romantic comedy/drama. He then face the dilemma: Will the people, his staff and the press allow him to be the president of the United States- the most powerful country in the world and just be a simple adult man?
This reminds me of the animated motion The Lion King 2: Simba’s Pride wherein Simba’s daughter struggles to find her identity not as a princess but someone else. The president even if he is a president is still human having the same rights as everyone. He has the right to choose whom he loves and what to do, even if he is indeed the president. The same goes for everyone I guess. No matter what roles we are playing in our everyday life, that is not simply the only role that we are playing, We can be anyone who we want to be but still be the same person we are. We may gain titles and riches and hold power but that doesn’t change the fact that we are still humans, and nothing can change that. Despite everything, all humans are all the same by theory, they seek love and affection- no matter what is your status and all.
It also gave me the impression that elections may be gruesome and some people may do everything even foul things just to grab power. Maybe being the president of the United States may be such a high stature but I don’t get the logic of destroying people to get to the position you want to. The more people you destroy to get to the top, the more empty you will feel inside. The fact that you have stepped into other people to get to the top is bad enough but tarnishing the dignity of the people for something that are not that bad and sensationalizing it for your benefit is the worse. Maybe you can call it the bad face of politics. Maybe even if we sort out politics as something good and beneficial, we can’t hide the double edge sword of politics. All humans can do is utilize it and try to manipulate the bad side as much as they could.
All in all, the movie is good. Full of surprises and all. The movie is highly recommended not only for movie buffs who are into romance and comedy but also to the serious minded people who wants to watch decent films once in a while. Not that I am saying that most films today are not that sensical too watchbut what I am trying to say is that the storylines seems too cliché. But this movie has an out of the box storyline that can make you glue in to your seats. Politics and romance with a pinch of humor, that is the main recipe of this film.
By: Cariss MAgallones 3-2 on December 10, 2006
at 6:55 am
THE AMERICAN PRESIDENT
“When You dont know what you want, you often end up where you dont want to be…..”
The quote above relates to the movie we have watched which is all about the true meaning of LEADERSHIP.
“The American President” which stars Michael Douglas as the president of the United States, Andrew Shepherd, and Anette Benning who portrayed the lobbyist, Sydney Ellen Wade, whom the president fell inlove with, is a very good movie since it is not a typical film that would relate to leadership, as its theme.
It showcased the world of politics with a different story, a comedy romance
that made it more interesting to be viewed especially by the youth of this generation .The love story between the most influential man in the country, the president and a simple woman who works as a lobbyist concerning to environmental potection.
The movie build a good image of a politician as it tackled what a leader must possess– his/her CHARACTER.
First, a leader must be RESPONSIBLE in everything he does. In the film, the president Andrew Shepherd faced his complicated situation, having a relationship to a lobbyist during an election time that made many issues to the public because of the press and his oponents, specifically Senator Rob Rumson.Despite the problems he met, he handled it smoothly for he knew his responsibilities at the first place. This responsibility leads him to every decisions he make. He didnt forgot his obligation to the country as the president as well as to his love one, Sydney.
Second, a leader must be OPEN MINDED. As the situation goes, the president became open to many suggestions and criticisms that made his decisions stronger.Though sometimes, he’s in bad tempered, he didnt let the situation eat him. A good leader is someone who take critisms to evaluate himself that would help him to become a better person.
And lastly, a leader must know how to LOVE. I believe that love is the reason of all the good things we do. Here, the president showed many kind of love. First,the love for his work. As the president, he showed dedication for his people. That nothing can hinder his responsibility for the people though the people themselves were those who brings him down, because he do love the people of his country. Another is the love for a certain person,Sydney Wade. A president is also like every human being who fell in love in the same manner as an ordinary person do, and can fall in love to an ordinary person too. Here,love did built bridge to their differences.
“When you dont know what you want, you often end up where you dont want to be…”
The president, Andrew Shepherd did knew what he wanted in life–To lead his country through the right path.The reason why he regained his people’s trust and respect and of course, a happy ending with the woman he loved, Sydney Wade.
By: DJ Beran on December 10, 2006
at 8:33 am
THE AMERICAN PRESIDENT
“When You dont know what you want, you often end up where you dont want to be…..”
The quote above relates to the movie we have watched which is all about the true meaning of LEADERSHIP.
“The American President” which stars Michael Douglas as the president of the United States, Andrew Shepherd, and Anette Benning who portrayed the lobbyist, Sydney Ellen Wade, whom the president fell inlove with, is a very good movie since it is not a typical film that would relate to leadership, as its theme.
It showcased the world of politics with a different story, a comedy romance
that made it more interesting to be viewed especially by the youth of this generation .The love story between the most influential man in the country, the president and a simple woman who works as a lobbyist concerning to environmental potection.
The movie build a good image of a politician as it tackled what a leader must possess– his/her CHARACTER.
First, a leader must be RESPONSIBLE in everything he does. In the film, the president Andrew Shepherd faced his complicated situation, having a relationship to a lobbyist during an election time that made many issues to the public because of the press and his oponents, specifically Senator Rob Rumson.Despite the problems he met, he handled it smoothly for he knew his responsibilities at the first place. This responsibility leads him to every decisions he make. He didnt forgot his obligation to the country as the president as well as to his love one, Sydney.
Second, a leader must be OPEN MINDED. As the situation goes, the president became open to many suggestions and criticisms that made his decisions stronger.Though sometimes, he’s in bad tempered, he didnt let the situation eat him. A good leader is someone who take critisms to evaluate himself that would help him to become a better person.
And lastly, a leader must know how to LOVE. I believe that love is the reason of all the good things we do. Here, the president showed many kind of love. First,the love for his work. As the president, he showed dedication for his people. That nothing can hinder his responsibility for the people though the people themselves were those who brings him down, because he do love the people of his country. Another is the love for a certain person,Sydney Wade. A president is also like every human being who fell in love in the same manner as an ordinary person do, and can fall in love to an ordinary person too. Here,love did built bridge to their differences.
“When you dont know what you want, you often end up where you dont want to be…”
The president, Andrew Shepherd did knew what he wanted in life–To lead his country through the right path.The reason why he regained his people’s trust and respect and of course, a happy ending with the woman he loved, Sydney Wade.
The film inspired me that as the future leader of this country, this is what we really must possess.
By: DJ Beran on December 10, 2006
at 8:38 am
My Review of ‘The American President’
This earnest, intelligent, and well-written romantic comedy is enjoyable and optimistic in classic Hollywood style, even if its idealism doesn’t seem quite so credible against the cynical political backdrop of the Nineties. President Andrew Shepherd (Michael Douglas), an unabashedly liberal Democrat, is just gearing up for re-election when he meets an attractive and sharp environmental lobbyist named Sydney Wade (Annette Bening). The two fall in love and the President must soon deal with the political repercussions (Sydney is trying to get legislation through Congress), as well as the cynical machinations of Republican opponent Senator Bob Rumson ,who attempts to paint Sydney as a radical and use “family values” rhetoric to smear Shepherd. With the attacks affecting his standings in the all-important polls, and his love’s legislation causing him headaches in the Capitol, Shepherd must decide whether he can risk continuing his relationship. A rich supporting cast, solid characterizations by Douglas and Bening, and an articulate approach make this an appealing, if not particularly weighty, study of the tensions between public and private life.
In my opinion, this movie has no slow points. I absolutely love it. The characters are all so real. And, as in real life, nothing is perfect. Michael Douglas does a wonderful job portraying all sides of Andrew Shepherd, and Annette Bening is stunningly perfect in the roll of Sydney Ellen Wade. Together, there is so much of a connection between the two, it seems almost magical. Martin Sheen portrays the character of A.J. MacInnerny, and it appears that he is the character, and has been so all his life. Michael J. Fox is perfect as the cynical Lewis Rothschild. And we can’t forget Samantha Mathis, who is Janey, Shepherd’s personal secretary.
I think this movie portrayed the presidency in a wonderful way. All the pressure on this one man, the lack of privacy, the weight of knowing he gave the order to kill. Everything was made simple enough for everyone to understand, yet it still appeared completely natural.
I love the romance between the president and Sydney. It starts off in a priceless way, and just evolves. There is humor, and like all good relationships, it is far from perfect. I love how they deal with their lack of privacy, and how they try to make it seem normal, even though it is almost as far from normal as they can get.
I remember that at the end of the movie, I kept wishing that there was more. We want to know what happened to Sydney and Andy. Did he get re-elected? What happened in their relationship? Since there are no plans for a sequal, I guess we’ll never know.
By: JEZZ dahan => on December 10, 2006
at 8:56 am
“The American President”
The American President was one of the movies that I never get tired to see most of the time. In fact, everytime I see it in HBO I couldnt help but watch it. Aside from the politics nature of the movie i could say that i was captivated by the romance between the Most Powerful Person in the United States (Pres. Andy Shepherd) which was played by Michael Douglas and a lobbyist (Sydney Ellen Wade) played by Annette Bening.
How does the widowed leader of the free world balance his many obligations to his country with the ordinary demands and everyday rites of courtship? When President Andrew Shepherd, quite unexpectedly, falls in love with Sydney Wade, an environmental lobbyist, he must overcome obstacles not faced by average citizens; he must worry that the public’s right to know will collide with the desire for personal privacy. I remember the part where Pres. Shepherd tried to call the florist to order flowers for Sydney and when He personally dropped by the flower shop to personally order flowers for Sydney. These are simple things that could be done by one of his staff upon his orders but He did them on his own which I guess made the movie more appealing to the viewers. But being the Most Powerful Man in the World and Sydney’s Lover at the same time made things quite difficult for both of them. He must contend with approval ratings, an inquiring press and an aggressive political opponent just to go on a date. Sen Bob Rudson took advantage of the situation by criticizing Pres. Shepherd as he hopes to destroy his image to defeat him in the incoming election. The President’s advisors, chief of staff, domestic policy advisor, White House pollster and press secretary help him get through his busy schedule, deal with demands of congress and quell any global predicaments. Their love for one another indeed faced many challenges and yet in the end, they were able to make it.
Pres. Andrew Shepherd had proven that you can be the President of the most powerful nation and at the same time a man who is entitled to enjoy the blessings of life and one of it is to love, without compromising his position as the leader of his country. But political crises are different than personal ones and somehow the American President alone must find a way to balance his love for his country with his love for an incredible woman.
The movie was great! I guess the actors fit the roles very well like for example Michael Douglas looked like a real president and Annette Bening brought also a great performance as she always does. While watching the film I even imagined myself replacing Sydney. The film featured the realities of politics and consequences of the acts the politicians. Like for example, the struggles, Pres. Shepherd faced in the hands of the press and his opponents who were always standing by watching him and waiting for him to fail. I guess the film also raised the question; was there still privacy on the private life of public officials? Because people could’nt get enough of him when they’ve heard about the President and the lobbyist love affair.
Overall I believed that the film is worth watching and the director and the producer really did a great job in delivering a great movie such as this. Every movie maker should consider making a film with such an impact to our society and to the consciousness of the public on politics as well.
By: Rose Caparic on December 10, 2006
at 9:07 am
$ THE AMERICAN PRESIDENT$
The American President was all about the daily affairs of a president’s business for his country. It shows how difficult it was to handle a huge country and the issues that lies in every decision a president conveys whether it is state business or his personal life.
A story on how a president survives both the trust of the people and the one he loves. For me, no person can stick to one the same outine in life. We must counter balance everything although prejudice would always be our strangest enemy. A quality of being a political person is not being measured by how he handles his personal life and what that life would become. But it is how he make difference toward his constituents.
here in the Philippines, we choose and look a political person’s personal background before we put them to positions, but of course that’s one of the factors since most of the filipinos were conservatives. However, personal decisions in life or how and what kind family he has must not be the basis to affect a person’s capability to run a state affair, that is, a matter of how his job of being a political person must not be affected to his internal affairs of his personal life to his performance of running a country specially in decision-making.
A dirty politicking wears the purest white dress that others tend to believes what is true, will not succeed.We keep on throwing stains and nuisance business to the government, yet we never know hoe these people are trying to save to have a government we deserve. of course there were failures and that’s natural but that doesn’t mean in every failures they commit deserves to be paid back by revolutions or wothdrawing support to the government. More often, because of these, we are in the wrong track towards progress,positive to more conflicts.
we must not let the government shoulder every burden, instead as part of the government, we must not be part of the burden..in our little own ways we must help to eliminate the problems to have a government we are looking for.
The movie was great conveying different situations which is usual but unsual to others. this must be shared not only to youth but to everybody. A great impact in every aspect in life…
By: joe ann Loren on December 10, 2006
at 10:34 am
“My name is Andrew Shepherd, and I am the president.”
That is the most powerful line that i have heard in the movie the American president. The story is about Shepherd (played by Micheal Douglas), a funny and popular president from the state of Wisconsin who is preparing to run for a re-election. The President and his staffs are trying to pass a crime control bill but they get a weak support of the bill. The President’s attention soon focuses on Sydney Ellen Wade (played by Annete Bening), who is a lobbyist for an environmental lobby group which is attempting to persuade the President to pass a legislation to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Their fist meeting was very funny when Sydney talks about the president not knowing that Shepherd was behind her, it was a very funny scene although it is a typical scene for a movie but the thing is that the person Sydney was backstabbing happens to be the president of U.S.A. Shepherd made a deal with Wade that if she can get a certain number of votes for the environmental bill, the president and the administration will support the bill. The couple fall in love. The relationship somehow results in the decline of the president’s popularity. The decline is aggravated by the attacks of Bob Rumson. Rumson focus on Wade’s activist past, Shepherd’s family values, and the President’s silent respond to Republican attacks. Shepherd’s situation is aggravated by the impending failure of their crime bill. Wade managed to get enough votes for the environmental bill. Shepherd was offered a deal that if he will not support the environmental bill, the crime bill will pass. Shepherd agreed so Sydney broke up with him.
“Then my most favorite part of the film……..
Shepherd appeared in the White House press room to counter attack the Republican criticisms on his values and character, sends the environmental bill to Congress, and he also said that he will write a stronger crime bill. Shepherd’s defense of what he believes made the press room and his staff in silence.”
Then Wade came back to him. The movie ends with Shepherd entering the House, welcomed by heavy applauses.
The story is one of kind since it is focused on humorous love story between the president of the most influential country in the world and an environmental lobbyist. The only problem I see is that the movie ended on a hang since it did not tell if the two will marry each other, if Shepherd will be elected or re run and etc…. but maybe that’s style of the story writer, to leave the viewers with open mouth or to leave the viewers in the state of “pagkabitin”….. it shows the difficulty of providing the barrier of personal life and public accountable life of a government or public official.
About the sounds, lights and other technical things, i gave the movie a nine star rating ( 10 as the highest) since the movie was produced by a commercialized company.
I like the characters because they are all humorous and it makes the film very cool. My favorite character was ofcourse Andrew Shepherd because he has his funny, tolerable and self controlling attitudes towards his enemy……but what i like most of his character is when he showed the republican Rumson that he is the authority with the powerful line……..”My name is Andrew Shepherd, and I am the president.” That would really make Rumson bite his hands…hehehe
My favorite part is when he delivered a speech before the press because it delivered the press, his staff and my classmates in a state of silence……. his speech was very good and powerful……
The funniest part is when the president called to order a flower but the flower shop worker didn’t believe him when he said he’s the American president……..
The most touching part is when he delivered his speech and the ending where Shepherd was welcomed by a massive applause by the house………
i also like the character of the secretary Janey hehehe…….she’s very pretty.. i like her simple 4 eyed character….why ? Hahaha secret………
my favorite lines are………..
“My name is Andrew Shepherd, and I am the president.”…………
“somewhere in Libya right now, a janitor’s working the night shift at Libyan Intelligence headquarters. He’s going about doing his job… because he has no idea, in about an hour he’s going to die in a massive explosion. He’s just going about his job, because he has no idea that about an hour ago I gave an order to have him killed. You’ve just seen me do the least presidential thing I do. “ ………..i like this line because eventhough he ordered an attack against Libya….he still realized the situation of a janitor who is working in the Libyan Intelligence office who is not aware that he would be killed because of an aerial attack………it somehow touched me because my parents are working as janitors in an establishment here in the Philippines……..
“We’ve got serious problems, and we need serious people “…….i like this line because it tells that we should know who should be in charge with every problems…with the most serious problems, the problems in the government, we should know that the people we should trust are the people who are specialized in it……why would we listen to sociologists? To economists? To mediamen?..they know nothing about it ..they might know something but they are not the authority in it,,,, the political scientists are the authority in government and political fields…..(to all political scientists and pub administrators) we should start to switch on our time in taking in charge of poltical fileds in our school and in the government as well..(this idea was inspired by my two professors…..Prof. Monares and Prof. Claudio) “oras na sa tamang pagkamulat”
the film is good, very nice………it shows how difficult is it to be a public official……doing everything you can for the country while others are attacking your personal life…ssssssssaaaaaaaaaaaaasssssshhh..
By: Jonnel...A.M. on December 10, 2006
at 10:53 am
I appreciated the whole production. Enough to be recommended to my friends who are fond of movies with romantic comedy as a theme. Having as well Michael Douglas and Annette Bening as lead actors gave a good persona to each character…
Since the story has already been told to us by our Professor before seeing the film, I thought I was a classic one. A film of the 70’s or 80’s that could be lined with the trilogy of the God Father or that of the Sound of Music. However, it was revealed that it is released on 1995. Actually this is one of those types that I’ve been looking in a nice film, with an X-factor that touches the viewers.
Personally, the story is but a typical scenario. The dilemma of a person in love, only that the one having a dilemma here is the most powerful person in the globe. Having to choose over power, dreamt by everyone, and a love, to keep him alive. President Andrew Shepherd could be considered a strong leader. Someone who’s ready to accept his lapses and remain standing amidst every speculation even in his character and morale as an individual. I believe he is brave enough pursue his love to Sydney Wade. It is courage when he took the challenges of being a President of the United States and at the same time fulfills the role of a lover. A duty that an ordinary individual cannot by himself does. His advisers admires his unfathomable love for his country although he got quite distracted to Sydney, it is just normal to someone who is inlove, given that he is a widower. On such rare occasions should every political colleagues and advisers shall meddle on their leaders. It wouldn’t create any better situation when the people you expect to be there for you and slap you to reality will just let you stumble. Lewis’s courage to tell the president his concerns is very inspiring. With scene that he was provoked to shout to his lungs what he wanted the President to realize; with the unexceptional line that he is telling things as a citizen to his own President. Sydney as well did every many valiant acts when she chose to follow her heart in spite of the fact that he is to be subjected to the public’s eye.
Indeed the President need not to choose over his political position or his love affair, but there is a call for him to balance his life. For he is not an ordinary figure, he holds a position that could condemn other nation, promote war and is a leader to the world. Does a public figure cannot enjoy a life of an ordinary citizen? I concede to the fact that the public’s eye shall always be keen to every figure. However not the entire public are prejudice. Given that these are the people who would put a President in the position, shouldn’t it be the proper time to teach our citizen in determining what is morale from not. With a responsible media, authorities and citizen, allow everyone to be a rational being. Someone who would consider that even the highest ranking official of the most powerful state of the world is just human, who falls in love and has a his own private life. And the greatest lesson of all is that one cannot measure another’s character with only one mistake. And if you would spill all his mistakes doesn’t make you a better person.
By: chrisane caliliw on December 10, 2006
at 11:21 am
Movie Review on the American President
By: Alexander C. Sevilla
We can actually make an analysis on this movie on two aspects: First, when we consider the movie as a love story between a President and a lobbyist: Second we view this movie as a story that highlights the leadership and skills of an American President in spite of his personal problems.
As a love story, it is fair to say that this movie possesses humor and indeed succeeded in making us laugh and fall in love. This is very true when the president tried very hard to appear as a common citizen of America, courting a woman in an American way. Yet as we all know this idea failed because even how hard he tries to be, he is still the president of U.S and his influence will always be a paramount consideration.
And there’s the moment that all good romances work toward but that few do so well, in which his eyes and hers meet and stop dissembling. Ostensibly, the film is about honor that can grow out of love; regardless of whether they end up together, Shepherd becomes a better president and Wade a better woman.
The movie is of course not realistic and will likely fall as another Cinderella story. Sad to say, the movie is very common and did not have that much appeal to the audience (at least for me). Why? There are other movies out there that could cause your heart to throb in pain and make you smile with a twist. When we compare this movie with the “Roman Holiday (starring Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn)” or perhaps to the movie “Jackie, Ethel, Joan:Women’s of Camelot”, there’s much space for emotion and more time to fall in love than with this movie.
While it is true that the president is a widowed man and needs love from a woman, it is also true that he has to prioritize his country. After all, he commits his self for his country in sacrifice of his personal life.
There also exists a problem with the stars. Since the movie has Hollywood big stars, the tendency is that they had to got more lines than what is appropriate for there character. Though the movie focus on this two lover, the movie lack in the so called “KILIG” factor. The two are lying to each other while spending each day and blissful night touring White House.
My guess is that seeing The American President so long after the fact clouds my perspective with a common movie lover’s disease called Misplaced Importance Syndrome (MIS). Sometimes a movie intends for certain strands of its narrative to seize the spotlight, pushed there by marketing and the era of its release. Seen from the distance of time, those same strands hang limp and dull.
On the basis of the leadership skills that the lead actors possess, as well as his character, well for sure he has the looks and the sex appeal. Yet this President though had done a major decision to engaged itself to attack a country posing threat to their security, had actually failed to show strong leadership. Let as be reminded that one of his staff has to raise his voice and argue with him in order for this president to realize that making his silent comment about his girl friend issue wouldn’t help for his career. I mean you must remember that you are the president of the most powerful country in the world and you must be decisive with strong conviction and you must show dynamism in every particular issue.
Next I think it’s very bogus to think that with just one speech you can actually clean the mess that was made under your administration. Though yes, he had a strong and emotional speech at the last part, but that speech is not tantamount to resolve the problem. Remember that he wins his re-election.
But in this movie we also learn how mass media had again played its role. Remember that Andrew Shepherd is dating Sydney Wade which of course helped Shepherd to boost his image (like what happened to John F. Kennedy). Despite her privileged background, Sydney initially feels like a fish out of water in this burgeoning President.
Perhaps the affair that he engaged in helped him win another term and not the speech on the last part of the movie.
I will be unfair if I won’t say that Shepherd has a high moral character especially when he decided to bomb Libya (knowing that he choose to attack at night where there is few civilians—to avoid more casualties). Yet it’s quite absurd to think that after bombing Libya, there is no dire consequences? And remember after the scene we hear nothing about this anymore which for me lacking. This had a strong impact on his governance.
The American President though has an outstanding cast, yet it has a typical story and plot. Indeed this movie is another story that tells about love, found in an unusual place and unusual time.
Anyway, this movie is a refreshing change from serial killing and drug dealing, from car chases and gunshots, all the trends that make movie-lovers long for the old days. This is a movie about a man who sends flowers when he has to break a date. Well that something we gentlemen should learn to embrace.
By: Alexander C. Sevilla on December 10, 2006
at 11:37 am
President Shepherd gave us an illustration of a political figure who values family aside from career as a very powerful man. The mere fact that he is ready to compromise his position to be with Sydney Wade,is a good example. He even illustrated that aside from politics, man like him needs a family to cherished, not simply to lust power and values nothing.
Sydney aside from being a beautiful and intelligent woman has something that influenced a very powerful man and make him fall for her. That their love affair had caused so much to question the President’s character and family views.
The President had advisers such as Lewis and A.J who were very loyal and who boosted all the strength left to him.Friends who shall understand all your crumps and ready to be with you at your downfall.
Bob Rumson are like those opportunists that in the extent of winning and be popular is ready tocrush one’s character. Such is what we do not need, rather someone who shall keep us united and firm.
What is very remarkable in this movie, was the President’s speech in a press conference on Bob Rumson. His words dramatically moved all the listeners of his good and strong qualities as a leader. To defend the woman you love and the position with outmost courage and good rhetoric are enough to trust a President like him.
By: wennie estrell on December 10, 2006
at 11:49 am
In my opinion this movie has no slow points. I absolutly love it The characters are all so real. And, as in the real life, nothing is perfect. Michael Douglas does a wonderful job portraying all sides of Andrew Shepherd, and Annette Bening is stunning perfect in the roll Sydney Ellen Wade. Together, there is so much of a connection between the two, it seems almost magical. Martin Sheen portrays the character of A>J Macinnerny, and it appears that he is the character, and has been so all his life.
Now, I may not be in politics, but I think this movie portrayed the presidency is a wonderful way. All the pressure on this man , the lack of privacy like with his personal life, most especially in his lovelife. He cannot enjoy his feelings by himself without knowing by the public. Every single action that he had made was monitored by the media and his colleauges. But I like the way he did he just be himself and enjoy his vacant time to be an ordinary lover and setting aside his life as a president.second the weight of knowing he gave the order to kill. Everything was made simple enough for everyone to understand, yet it still appeared completely natural.
I love the romance between the President and Sydney. Its llike a fairytale,can you imagine that a simple woman was become the President’s love interest eventhough theres alot of ladies in the world that obiously more beautiful, talented and espeacially most acceptable by the people, but then he choosen the lady that was simple and full of enrgies and ideas and that is Sydney. It starts off in a priceless way, and just evolves. There is humor, and like all good relationships, it is far from perfect. I love how they deal with their lack of privacy, and how they try to make it seem normal, even though it is almost as far from normal as they can get.
I was so impressed about the speech of Andrew, in a way that he fight his love and his possition against his enemies. When he discussed about the charater and values. I dont really think that he would do such things without any hesitations because his a president.
And I think the people should understand that no such things in this world that are perfect. Even you are the most powerful man in the land there’s alwyas a way to loved and to be loved. The capability of a person to govern is not measured in the bad controversies that have or a woman that he admired it is the real character that he have and that is following what his heart and mind desire for the good of all.
I must admit that this story was really touched my heart, Like in our present situation, maybe we dont know that some of our politician right now are facing a difficulties within there decision making because they should consider two things first thier possition and second there family. Many of them are not giving their attention to the most important things in thier life, that’s why we should not judges or condemn them to their action, like what I’ve said nobody is perfect.
By: cletha Magsino on December 10, 2006
at 12:13 pm
ThE AmER!cAn PrEs!dEnt
M!cHaeL Douglas as President Andrew Shepherd who,quite unexpectedly,fall in love with ANNETTE BENING as Sydney Wade,an environmental lobbyist, In “The American President.”.The film offers a rare glimpse at an uncommon romance involving a most powerful man who must overcome obstacles not faced by average citizens.Complicating his desire for personal privacy and his efforts to maintain a relationship are issues President Shepherd must confront:approval ratings,an inquiring press,and an aggressive political opponent.Fortunately,he does have some help.His advisors,Chief of Staff MARTIN SHEEN,Domestic Policy Advisor MICHAEL J. FOX,White House Pollster DAVID PAYMER,White House Press Secretary ANNA DEAVERE SMITH and Personal Aide SAMANTHA MATHIS coordinate his busy schedule,deal with the demands of Congress,and quell any global predicaments,all during an election year.But political crises are different than personal ones.The question arises.Will the media, the public and his advisors allow Andrew Shepherd to be the President of the country and a single adult man at the same time? Only this American President can find a way to fulfill the responsibilities of the office as well as the needs of the woman he loves.
When the president does arrange a date with Sydney, her presence at the White House is leaked to the media, and the president’s approval rating fall(I’m not exactly sure why, seeing as how the American public would have to be totally deranged to forbid a widower from dating). The growing scandal is further compounded by opposition leader Senator Bob Rumson (Richard Dreyfuss) who uses the scandal as a launching pad for his own campaign to win the presidency.
The American President is incredibly enjoyable entertainment with quite a few ideas about both romance and the government. Michael Douglas stars as the president, who after three years in office starts thinking about the possibility of dating. When he auspiciously encounters cutthroat environmental lobbyist Sydney Ellen Wade (Annette Bening), sparks begin to crackle and the two begin a tentative but heartfelt romance. Of course, his job gets in the way–their first kiss is interrupted by a Libyan bombing–but darn it if these two kids aren’t going to try and make it work! However, they hadn’t counted on the president’s Republican antagonist (Richard Dreyfuss), who starts carping about family values.The predictable plot Douglas finally goes to bat for his lady and his country is leavened by Sorkin’s wonderful, snappy dialogue and a light touch from the usually subtle as a sledgehammer Reiner.Both manage to create a believable White House-office atmosphere (with a crack staff including Martin Sheen, Michael J. Fox, Anna Deavere Smith, and Samantha Mathis)as well as a plausible and funny dating scenario. The true success of the movie, though, rides squarely on Douglas and Bening;this is unequivocally Douglas’s best comedic performance (ergo his best performance,period)and Bening,usually such a good bad girl,takes a standard career woman role and fleshes it out magnificently.You can see in an instant why Douglas would fall for her.One of the best unsung romantic.
This movie is one of the best movie that I had ever watched. It because I was learn a lot most specially how to handle the relationship and politics.
By: angela alcantara on December 10, 2006
at 12:24 pm
I think i don’t really have to tell the story again because i am ‘pretty’ and sure that almost all of us,3-2 know it especially professor jan who recommended the movie.
Well, the main focus of my discussion here is the impact of the movie to me. As political science student i indeed enjoy the movie. I have seen how power really works and affect each individual whatever stand in life he has.
First, let us discuss the characters portayed in the movie. President Andrew Shephered, a man of power and authority bestowed by he rule of law. Everybody ougth to respect and obey his commands wherein almost everybody wants to be in his position in terms of the pleasures of power. On the other hand, when there is great power, great responsibility is definitely present.this time, we do not like power because we do not want responsibility. The thing that i have appreciated in the movie regarding to the character of president Andrew, was that when you have the power, there is no turning back. All you should do is to enjoy the pleasures of power and face the responsibilities that await…..
How about Sydney?….Sydney is not the typical woman. She knows her position in issues that are coming in her way. In political view, i can say that she is not easily carried away with the circimstances…..a great persuation is needed for her to believe. She knows how to deal with he powerful. How? It is because she is true to herself and to other people that are trying to influence her. This actually new to me because i thougth that a person who is expert in politics should know how to play the game of hypocricy. To be hypocrite is not the only key. But a person who is true enough not just to others but to herself, is a person who has an edge in power. Just like the case of Sydney.
Another side of Sydney appeared in the movie. It was all about the essence of being a woman…..a woman who is capable to love and be loved….well….well….well…i am pretty again and sure that all of us here can relate……..Of course i admire her for being a person who is bold and willing enough to pursue her love even if she has to face tremendous hindrances…..Try to imagine an ordinary woman and a king love affair…it is just the same with what happened to Sydney…no matter what….all she knew was the message “go for it!”. Ohh…how nice to be inlove…..BUT WAIT! There is no such thing as everything is nice…….there are so many barriers that she faced…..First their diferences in term of power or their position in life, the can never be stopped press and the adjustments that they have to face for both of them….However, in the name of love, Sydney became courageous enough to go for it……….Anyways, there was one thing tha i did not like with the choice of Sydney. It was when she gave up her virginity which for me speaks of dignity…..Maybe, not everybody here will agree to me….Yes, dignity is not just all about virginity…but to be pure in an intimate way is indeed great manifestation of woman of dignity…..
Let us proceed with the setting…..Even if i do not know what is inside the white house, i just love the setting. I appreciate the luxury of it…the place speaks for itself, the seriousness and business of the peolple inside are mirrored…..
House of Sydney, her place is really good, you will notice that the person living in it is a busy and an outgoing person. I just like her place!
The flow of the movie-the incidents were in order…….i admire the idea how the two met…we see here that we can never tell what will happen to us, what tomorrow will bring…..of course i enjoyed how president shephered pursued Sydney after seeing her….indeed, you can never ignore the intense feeling that the love offers……..Definitely, before you will get what you really want, trials would just simply come especially in their case…..Ohhh life is full of surprises, it isjust it can be a good or bad one, sometimes, they come simultaneously…..Well, since the plan that the God has for us is to prosper us and not to harm us….so it should end up wonderful. That is why they end up happily! It is against all odds!
Moral Lesson! Life is a struggle itself. It is just like each life has its own struggle to solve. After seeing the movie, my dream to become the president of the Republic of the Philippines was shattered…I realized that i will never be one because i can’t. I have seen how difficult to be a president, it will never be simple….BuT as i was thinking about the movie, something was developing within me….it was the determination that was broken within me….Just like president Shephered, he experienced how to be broken, how to lose hope but he was never crushed…his determination came back. The last minute that he thought he would lose the battle for the two most important things in his life, he did not stop there….Just like how he was able to get in power before, his determination was renewed that he can still make it this time.Well, he did….So maybe, somehow, somewhat, i can!
Another major thing that i have learned is that even if i desire not to love someone and be married, it is not easy to make that happen as much as easy to desire it….because love is absolutely inevitable!!!!!!!l It’s just like love is synonimous with breath….
The last thing is know how to deal with your rivals……It is not just all the time we should be rude to our enemies, we can still be good to them…..It is almost sure that once you have done something good to your enemy, at first i may appear as a tactic but if you will continue it….it would be a good result…But the best weapon i have learned in this movie on how to handle your enemy is never do anything about him or give him what he should get but not necessary bad, just like the way president shephered did. Remember his appearance in media when he displayed his authority? I love that!
Conclusion- THE MOVIE SUITS THE TASTE OF THE POLITICAL SCIENTISTS! To be a political scientist, your life need not to be boring! There are lot of things to be enjoyed……A leader knows how to love too! Everybody has its chance to improve his self.
Power is indeed part of our lives,the concetration of it differs. What really matter is how you would use it…..never be trapped with the enticing effect of power…and so do not let power corrupt the whole you! Try to be a leader or even a simple person who makes use power for the goodness of many. This may sounds idealistic but we can make this happen as much as we want to. It is just like aligning your desires and goals in the pathway of goodness.
Finally, life is beautiful! Do not miss the chance to enjoy and appreciate it…..SO DO NOT FORGET TO LOVE! This makes life interesting….interesting as ever!
By: remylyn garcia on December 10, 2006
at 12:52 pm
The movie “The American President”, although categorized as fiction, is an eye-opener that takes its viewer to the reality that even the considered powerful person in the United States of America is not immune in confronting problems. This movie made me realize that leaders are not those who avoid problems; instead, they are the one who try to solve the problem. Discussing both political issues and love problems, this movie is like no other.
As the story goes on, different issues arise. It is notable that President Andrew Shepherd, a first-term president who seeks for re-election, fell in love with Sydney Wade, an environmentalist who lobby for a certain bill seeking to protect Mother Nature, from the very first time he ever saw her. As the old saying goes that “love conquers all”, President Andrew Shepherd used his resources to know the contact number of Sydney. Now the question is if the act of President Andrew Shepherd is just right or there’s a lapse on his part. For me, it is not right to use a public office such the Federal Bureau of Investigation to gain information for personal purpose since this office is operating at he expense of the tax payers.
Before Sydney asks President Andrew Shepherd to support the environmental bill, there was a bill that was introduced first and that is about crime control. The latter bill is quite weak but it may be supported by Congress if the president will drop the environmental bill, even if Sydney have done her part about their deal, that is, to secure enough support for that bill at a certain period of time. President Andrew Shepherd was convinced to betray Sydney if in return Congress will promote the crime control bill. There are two issues about this particular scene. First is whether to prioritize crime control over environment and the other one is if it is justifiable for President Shepherd to set aside the deal with Sydney for him to earn popularity. In the first issue, it may be obvious that crime control is more urgent than the bill seeking to protect the environment since it is everyday that crimes happen unlike the occasional tragedies resulting from nature. But then, if we fail to protect the environment, not just the life of people to day may be taken away like what crimes do, more so, future generations will suffer. I admire the ways President Andrew Shepherd solve the dilemma of which is to prioritize over the other. At first, he thought it was the weak crime control bill, but then, minutes before the State of the Union Address, he changed his mind and now he wanted to support the bill about environment protection. He had decided to promote crime control bill, which is stronger at other time. Another issue is the betrayal of President Shepherd to Sydney, after the latter gain enough support for the bill she lobby, the former disregarded their deal. It is because President Shepherd is seeking re-election and he needs popularity in order to win and one way of doing that is through supporting the crime control bill. For me, the betrayal done by the President is not right since a man of honor like him must be a man of his words. It is unfair for Sydney and his group that works hard to meet the deadline then suddenly the President wont recognizes their deal anymore. Luckily, he changed his mind by supporting the environmental bill and promised that a stronger crime bill will be promoted soon. And the lesson for Sydney? Rule number two of Robert Greene’s popular book entitled forty-eight Laws and Logic of power.
The entire story is dominated by the issue about the President’s personal life and his role as public official. Can the president perform his duty well at the same time trying to win a woman’s heart? One is affected by the other. President Andrew Shepherd cannot give enough time for Sydney due to busy schedule, likewise, the President is declining in terms of popularity because of attacks about his personal life. There are moments when President Shepherd has to leave Sydney to attend his duty. It is quite difficult for President Shepherd knowing that it was just 3 years since his wife passed away due to cancer. Leaving the girl that may be a key for him to move on after he loss his wife are stolen moments that is lose forever.
Also, there are instances that President Shepherd attends more of his personal life with Sydney, thus, giving him less time for his duty. Well, for me, President Shepherd’s acts was just fine. I know he is not a robot that is immune from having emotions. What he shared with Sydney was just some part of his time and not public funds. Who in this world could claim that during working hours did not do other things aside from doing their job? I think no one could claim one hundred percent purity.
Going to the lighter side, let me share with you the scenes that I like form this movie. I like the scenes that are funny like when Sydney got mad at the President when the latter stop her from entering a door while she taught it was the exit, when President called up Sydney, when President tried to order flowers for Sydney but after he told the person on the other line that he was the President, it talked no more, and finally when the President stop by a flower shop to order a flower and after the saleslady saw him, the latter was really shocked. How can I forget when the President said, “My name is Andrew Shepherd and I AM THE PRESIDENT”. I believe I would not get bored watching that particular scene over and over again since at that point, President Shepherd portrays a strong leadership and integrity that despite the critique of another presidential-hopeful Bob Rumson, he would not give up because the electorate cast their vote for him and he should prove to them that he cannot be driven by influences, instead, his decision will come from his brilliant mind and clear conscience in serving the public that puts him in the highest position in the land, that is, being “The American President”
If I were to add a title in the list of my favorite movie, certainly, I would be proud to write “The American President” in it.
By: Gerald Corton on December 10, 2006
at 1:21 pm
The American President: Revisited
Looking at the charcater, I saw how tough and respected an American President is. The way Andrew Sheperd walked and approached those people arond the whitehouse was all clothed with an ura of power and diligence.
Looking in the reality, i was wondering how can this president still concentrate on his love affair despite of the burden that was laid before him. After watching, i must sau that the highlight of the stories was more of romance than politics.
To make this review much more straight and systematic, i would rather take my approach inyo an enumeration rather tha the usual, continous paragraphing.
1. American Presidency. Andrew shperd was not only the most powerful man in us but the most powerful man of the world as well. As we were seeing the start of the movie, I felt and realizes how much was the effect of the american culture into our munds.
There was the pictures of the past presidents whom we used to know for the contribution and the signifance og these people was engraved in the pages of our history books that we may be able to recall them. In fact, me and my classmates was truing to name those faces as they flashed into the screen.
Then there is tha American constitution– in whgich our very own phil constitution was patterned. both the principles and government structured embodied therein was almost entirely american. may be if it was not becaude of president william mckinley, the phil. archipelago would not have been sold to the americans by the spaniards in the year 1900s. it was this period and because of thgis man that the philippines has been in control of the americans in the past, present and future.
the american flag was a symbol recognized by all. it was this lag that stands “taller” even all the flsags of the world arranged. the american president was the us symbol of the flag himself. when he takes a state visit. everybody knows the meaning of the stars and stripes.
finally there was the seal of the united states of america. — the symbol of american presidency. when tha world was avle to see this eagle holding leaf sand arrows, it reminds us the military strenght of america, and its commander in chief, the american president. the philippines itself who had been a worshipper of this eagle seal even changed the national bird that was originally “maya” to the so called “haribon” or monkey-aeatng eagle. the seal suggest that the american can wage war, the arrows or offer peace, the leaf at the same time. also, the latin phrase “e pluribus unum” one out of many, sends a hypnotizing power, and in fact the favorite latin word of our section in this previous political science society week.
these symbols and icons reminds us how big the american president is. as they say “when the american president speaks, the world listens.”
2. the art of seduction. the andrew-sidney relationship reminded me of the book by robert greene. our dear priofessor told us how powwrful this art really is and its effect both in the personal and political life of an individual.
as we have mentioned earlier, the movie had been a romance rather than a poltical one. the environmental lobbyist sidney was no more than an ordinary woman. andrew sheperd was attracted to her for the lady showed a different character distinct from any other ladies in the whitehouse. everybody in the whitehouse respects and obeys the president but this woman was different. while everybody in the meeting was talking about the diligence and support for the president, sidney raised her voice criticizing the leader and the negativities of the bill they were supposed to support not knowing the president was behing her.
sidney’s arrogance emitted an aura of interest to andrew. her action made her stand out and noticed by him. sidney planted an effect into andrew’s mind. never knowing the real motives of andrew sheperd, sidney slowly became a vicrtim of the bait of love and seduction preapared by him. and so the law says: “from a friend to a lover”
3. Images of politcs. four images of politcs came out of the movie. chex, con, media, and x-men politics. each played a rle in the progress of the film.
chex politics. of course, the american president as the amin character, there is no obvious that the movie falls under this category. here we see how a one man leader runs tha affairs of the state. the president was the center of attraction of the people, calls the meeting of its cabinet for decision making in the internal and external affairs of the state or even winning in the next election, also welcoming the leaders of various laeaders such as when the french leader visited the whitehiouse. Also, the movie featured the ilness of chex politics hasty decision making brought about by mens irrational behaviour. This was seen when the president decided to atack libya despite of a time when his mind was burdened into thinking sidney.
con politcs. the importance of congress in the survival of sheperds presidency. andrew sheperd must gain enough vote and support before the coming state of the union adress and more critically the coming presidential election to no other institiuion but the congress.
media politics. the media had been a major instrument for the publicity of andrew-sidney realtionship. in fact, media almost shattered the president’s reputation and public trust. adding the insults of senator rumson who appeared on the television everytime. media poltics had proven how it can manipulate and change the minds of even the most loyal supporters of the president in the movie.
x-men politics. this would refer to the lobbyists like sidney who tries to convince the congress for support of the president in winning the elections. lobbyists are never known or popular but they work behind the shadows of every men and women in power. the man who gave sen. rumson the picture of the burning flag that created sensation can also be considered the x-men in the movie.
4. the laws of power. there had been three laws which in my humble opinion was the highlight of the film:
law 5: so much depends on reputation: guard it with your life. sen. rumson tried to increase his reputation as the only man who can solve the problems of the american people by throwing dirt and mud in the reputation of pres. sheperd. he tried to make himself clean by putting mess against his opponent. At first it workedbut as time goes, the strategy proved wrong. this law requires no reversal. once a good reputation was obtained, it will create a mind set to the people. sheperd was able to bring back his good leadership when he made a speech that made every people realize that he was still the best man to handle the [position and the value of character against all odds.
law 22. use the surrender tactic: transform weakness into power. the president has wanes his popularity. everybody just listened to rumson but he did not allow the senator’s mouth to fool the people. he had waited for the right time. a time when the people needed his voice. instead of thinking that the issue j=killed his fame, he turned that issue into something the people must learn to understand. just like waht he sais to his friend and personnel: people do not drink sand because they are thirsty, they drink sand instead of water because they do not know the difference.he taught the difference of personal life from his political responsibility.
law 43: work on the hearts and minds of others. this law would apply to sidney when she finally falls in love with andrew. the seduction suceeded because sheperd worked into her both emotionally and psychologically. also he had worked into the hearts and minds of the people when he proved in his speech that what they were all thnking was wrong and left his people in deep shock of admiration ans realization.
To end, i was really inspired by the movie and that the value of intercative education is a very important tool that the students enjoy and learn at the same time. I would also thank our professor for letting us watch this movie instead because of the section had a hard time to find the first movie that we are supposed to see.
By: Rodolf D. Gadingan on December 10, 2006
at 1:28 pm
(sniff..sniff…)
The American President….
…If i am not mistaken…S’jan’s aim was for us to be familiar with the ways a lobbyist do his stuff…but as the movie progrerss….it was just 30% of the lobbying thing and 70% was “what it takes tobe an american president”…(for obvious reasons…).See janis…kinda hard to be a lobbyist huh…hehehe…
“i dont want to be a lobbyist!”
Lobbying refers to efforts to influence government public policy decision-making towards favored policy outcomes on subjects deemed relevant to those directing or funding the lobbying effort. Those who engage in lobbying as a profession are known as “lobbyists” or as “public affairs professionals.”
..it was hard to be a lobbyist…you have the burden of convincing people from the legislature of “hey!our bill was a nice and a beneficial one!”..Insist to everyone that it is urgent for them to pass your bill…you have to be that persasive like Sydney Wade,an environmental lobbyist in the film.Be that patient and hopeful that the legislature would pay attention to your advocacy,to your bill…see it takes a lot of energy,convincing power,patience and public-relations to be a lobbyist..
“the practice of lobbying”
Lobbying was tantamount to seeking influence in legislation,and a useful tool towards a passage of a petition or a bill if it is properly practiced.Just like in the film..Sydney Wade’s organization used lobbying as their way of pushing their bill to the United States Senate.And they’ve just got lucky..having the required number of votes from the legislature,their environmentally concerned bill was passed.But in the Philippines,the practiced of lobbying was not that popular.And sometimes pressure groups /organizations practiced lobbying for politicking.
“I am monitored 24/7…because i am the American President”
Public office is a public trust…Does it mean that public figures are of public property???i dont think soo…
If papparazzis go gaga over celebrities…same with public figures.Chasing public figures was a thing they enjoy the most.Especially those in the national level.The media prey on controversies related to public figures.That sometimes media sensationalsim takes place.The Philippine government was already infiltrated with shobiz personalities which I think was one factor why there is political turmoil in our country.
In the film, American President Andrew Shepherd was the most powerful person in the land,facing a lot of obstacles:
approval ratings, an inquiring press, and an aggressive political opponent.So maintaining a private life was one of his failures.I juust hope that one day people would realize that public officials at some point of their lives wanted privacy.
The American President gave us a good amount of laughs,American culture,american politics,and idea towards lobbying.
By: betchoi on December 10, 2006
at 3:20 pm
—The American President—
This movie is a romantic-comedy movie..Well, I really dont like romantic movies..But this one was really entertaining..It made me laugh and actually I was amazed to the “President” on how he handle his political career and his personal life..
The movie is about a president who lost his wife because of cancer but he still have his daughter who was stilla teen..His daughter is a typical girl, it seems to me that he is not a daughter of the president of the United states of America..But I like her character in the story,,because she is very understanding, she allows her father to go to a date or whatever..The character of the “president” in the story is for me one of a kind politician..Because,,after all the issues about his career and about his personal life, he just kept quiet..Because,, for me if that happens to a filipino politician, for sure there’s a lot of fight or “sagutan” between those issues..Well, maybe it really depends on the personality of a person and maybe it is really true that Phillipine politics is really different to the politics of other countries..
Sydney,,I really like her character in the story..Because she is true and she is funny..She keep on supporting the “president”..And her love was pure and it is intimate..It’s like that she loves the president because she loves him, and not because he is the president of America..
All in all, the movie was fun and inspiring as well..
It’s a unique movie for me…politics and love at the same time…and the president handled the situation reaaly well..He knows when to speak and what to do at a given situation,,even if it is about politics or about his love life..
And I have realized that a politician is really different when he is a politician and he is also different when he is a lover..
siguro nga may mga weaknesses talaga ang mga guys pagdating sa mga girls..even if he is the most powerful man in the nation, when it comes to his personal life, nababaligtad na..
yun lang po….it’s really a nice movie for me…naentertain ako eh…
and nainspired din ako..
sir jan,,thank’s po for allowing us or letting us to watch this movie…
god bless po….
By: aBby abeleda on December 10, 2006
at 3:20 pm
gnun tlga un…behind a man’s success was a wonderfuul woman db????!!!
By: betchoi on December 10, 2006
at 3:23 pm
“Why can’t the most powerful man in the world have the one thing he wants most?”
Because all eyes are on him, every move he makes matters to everyone and every decision he will make affects everyone… that is what an American President is… and the movie showed that exactly.
The move is not your typical love story, and why is that? because the plot of the movie got a completely different twist add in is not what you usually expect from a love story.
What made the movie different from others is the involvement of politics. that’s right, politics. imagine how politics affected the life of two persons who are in a the opposite sides of a pole, one is an environmental lobbyist while the other is president of the united states
They met in a very awkward manner as Sydney Ellen Wade, the environmental lobbyist, was in the white house and was trying to persuade the president’s chief of staff to let her introduce the environmental bill to the president, and while she was making some very compromising remarks to the president, Andrew Shepherd, the president, walked into the room and Wade was oblivious of the fact that the president is hearing the things she said about him, then the president invited her into his office and made a deal on the bill of wade, and being attracted to her in the process.
Then eventually both find themselves attracted to each other, the president even asked for Wade to accompany him to a state dinner because his cousin got ill and intrigues started there.
Bob Rumson, a presidential aspirant, was present in the state dinner and started to stir things up at the press, he tried to complicate the president’s love life as well as the president’s chance at the next election. Rumson digged up dirts from the past of both Wade and Shepherd.
The president as much as possible, tried to ignore character attacks by Rumson so that a character debate can be avoided, but Rumson was relentless in his attacks at the president, and even accused Wade of doing sexual favors in order to persuade her motives. eventually Wade tried to tell the president that he should answer Rumson’s attacks.
Eventually the president realized that by trying to keep things intact, he’s starting to lose everything, so he decided to answer Rumson’s attack on a White House press conference and with that, drama stirs =) Wade came back to him and then he went to the Big Hall and then the movie ends.
A real explanation of how a simple thing like falling in love became more complicated when politics is involved, as the most powerful man in the US fell in love with a lobbyist but things got complicated when a presidential aspirant tried to complicate things up. the movie also shows that being the head of a country doesn’t mean that you cant relax or take a rest every now and then and in my point of view that movie just shown both sides of politics
By: Dwayne Cryss on December 10, 2006
at 11:04 pm
THE AMERICAN PRESIDENT
By: Janis Surio on December 11, 2006
at 2:44 am
THE AMERICAN PRESIDENT
The movie was superb. It is very educational for us pol sci students. A president and a lobbyist in love, that is a very unexpected pair. Well, that is one thing I love about movies which have romantic comedy themes.
The plot of the story is very uncommon for it evolves in both worlds of the president, his political and personal life. he is torn between the two: doing his obligations to his people who have elected him or his obligations to his heart. We saw in the movie that even a presiodent has his own life out of his office. We saw that he too has his obligations to himself and that he is too is a human. That he too feels and breathes the air we are in. That he too experiences hardships like most people do. That he too has a life of its own.
Another thing, the movie also shown the difficulties of passing a bill. The obstacles the lobbyists need to overcome to pass the bill to law. Their dedication to their beliefs that makes the bill into realization.
Overall, the film was great. We can learn so much from it. The film showed that politics and love can be mixed but balancing the two needs tremendous effort and support of your partner. The happiness that one wishes depends and lies in their own hands. It is not fate that determines your life but your decisions do. As they say, Love conquers all.
By: Janis Surio on December 11, 2006
at 3:09 am
The American President
The movie which is entitled…The American President…is such a very good one.this movie directed by one of the most energetic director Robin Reiner was really good because it gives inspiration and different expression to the viewers.
The president of a country being in love to a woman which is the mission of a girl is to convince other politicians to support her proposal and not the proposal of president of a country. The story of President Andrew Shepherd (Michael Douglas) and Sydney Ellen Wade (Annette Bening) which is about the most influencial and most prominent person in the united States.
The movie conveys both political and romantic side of the characteristics. It exemplifies to adversities of a love between two different political perspective. But the bottomline, the movie wanted to say that despite the odds and individual differences, love still can conquer all. It shows in the movie that they may opposed each other ideas in their political out work but they have been seen through. The other side of their personalities and they fall in love with each.It only shows that love can move in mysterious way will did to Andrew Shepherd and Sydney Ellen Wade.
On the technical part of the movie, screenplay is excellent, musical scoring and lines were clear and exact for the amount. Director and cast or characters were excellent and play they role well in the movie.
I think that the movie is complicated love story and it should be a romantic comedy, and i was really inspired by the movie because i was really amazed to the President on how he handle his political career.
Merry x’mas and hapi new year to all!!!
By: ojohn villas on December 11, 2006
at 3:12 am
Movie review:
AMERICAN PRESIDENT
In this movie, I must say that i learned two things, 1.) that the presidency is not just a battle of popularity, nor intelligence and tactics… 2.) love arises in those time not convenient to both the persons involved.
The presidency is not just a battle of popularity, nor intelligence and tactics.
In the movie, the most awaited feature of the president is its character, character which the Rival of the president, Rumson’s stressed out that the president is no longer performing his job as the leader of the AMERICA… and that made the president wonder, should the character of the president really differ from most of the people. In some instances, yes… because the president is an icon looked up by many,especially that he is the presiodent of the United States of America and the power, influence and given-respect for the America lies on the President, meaning a single untoward act or mistake made by a respected icon is really a no-no, this is a make or break thing for them. But yes, the president is still a simple human being like most of us, make mistake, fall in love, sometimes feel shattered and all the things that most of us do. So as I see it, Rumsons judgment on the character of the president is also a big slap on his personality, because the they are of difference to one another with regsrds to perception on personalities.
The president commits mistake too in decision making, he may think that what he has done maybe the best thing he has ever done for the country but other persons may think otherwise. It is indeed a hard part for the president that all bad happenings are blamed him… this makes their life frustrating… and degrading… Whenever they do, on the other hand, good things the account was not not given to him, but this challenges them.
Therefore, the presidency is not just a battle of popularity, nor intelligence and tactics but a battle of hearts, mind and decision making. and the american president in that movie portay all of that. He still performs well as a president at the same time he still listens to what his heart desire though, mistakenly the public views his “emotionality” as something that is immortal.
Love arises in those time not convenient to both the persons involved.
Both of the protagonists didnot expect that they will fall in love with one another. They have clashing views with regards to priorities. but then it does not hinder to what their hearts really feel… it is unconvenient since the president is an icon and the lobbyist feel that it is the least thing that she will do. But then again it does not hinder them.
American president is a typical love story, i’ve seen movies like this, the other one is a powerful personality and the other is not… I must say, this movie no longer touched me… Hehehe
By: antonetteTUDcomia on December 11, 2006
at 3:15 am
—THE AMERICAN PRESIDENT—
…..from the title itself, you cannot imagine this film is all about a comedy love story..it seems so boring and you wouldnt know its magic if you just rely in its title…….. the film was great!!…its really an recommended film to be watched specially to those people involved in politics..its unsual to have a great film like this….which features the distinction between love and politics,and how they are intertwined….at first, i cannot think of any idea how would the president of the United states of America would be engaged in this kind of love story…we all know how this person can dominate the whole world…the most powerful man in the world fell in love to an ordinary lady…which we can conclude that women can really influenced how the president controlled our enntire world.
…….they said that behind man’s failure is the beauty of a woman….once a man fell in love and have been dominated by his partner…all his works and decisions would just depend what would his woman would dictate to him….i know it still depend how would a man handle this situatuion..if he just let himself be controlled by the person he loves..or he would still stick to his own convictions…just like what had happen tp our pevious political era….during the time of our pres. Marcos….we have been witness how Ms. Imelda marcos use his charm and beauty to influnced Ferdinand Marcos”s way of governing our country….and it has really a big effect in our history….it only shows that even how Pres. marcos is really an intelligent intellectual,…behind the downfall of his presidency is his great love and trust to the woman he loves..
Love and politics….these are two competing factors….and there are really inevitable with one another….any political figure is just an ordinary individual who also wants to love and to be loved…it s a mere fact that you cannot eliminate love in politics…its just like you are choosing between love and power…what would you select…to gain power or to be happy with the one you loves???…. the conflict here is that woman can make a differnce….i mean a woman’s kiss to a powerful entity could change our world in just a second….could you imagine how powerful the woman is???
The movie really made us realize how the world of politics is really complicated….but the movie explained to us that it still depend on how a man woluld balance everything for the woman he really treasures and for people’s sake…i mean..Michael Douglas the Pres. did not only think of how he would deal with his compromise with the girl she loves…but he still think of how he woould make a good leadership for the benefit of the people…He has been courage enough to fight for the one he loves but still he did not let himself to be influnced by that woman in making his decisions for his country…
I really enjoyed the movie…having a sort of “kilig moments”………even though i did not focus on its insight about politics….im just really been inspire of the love store that has been manifested..Being in love is the most happiest moment in our lives….regardless of your positon and status in the society…..you still wants to find your destiny and spend your lifetime with the one you really loves!!….truly . LOVE conquers all!!!
By: Kristine Marie Santillan on December 11, 2006
at 3:25 am
*the president*
looking at the movie, i realized that even the most powerful man has his own weakness.. all the while i thought that the powerful personalities hav no time to love nor to hav such kind of special feelings for someone else..but anyway, they are stilll human who has also the need to be loved and to be inlove.
i thought that politics is just politics itself..but when i watched the movie..politics cant be just the mere kind of politics that i know..it involvs all the other kinds of emotions that exists in human mind and HEART..
the first thing that comes in my mind before i was able to watch the movie is that i wouldnt b interested on watching it, but as the movie goes on, i got hooked up and realize many things about the great powers that exist in world politics..
i was really amazed of the president who has the courage to show his feelings and be humble to the one he love inspite of his authority and power to rule and govern the country..he was really determined to win the heart of the woman he loves in his own way..not being the president of america or united states but being himself as he was before he became the president of united states..knowing that he’s the president of the united states, he could just sit back and ask somebody else to do the courting,well anyway, who would not want to be married to a man who has tha power and authority over united states..or he could perhaps ask one of his staff to order a woman for him to marry..but he didn’t do that because i guess, he doesn’t want to abuse his power being the president of united states and to show his sincerity to the people and the one he loves..
since all the eyes of the people are unto him…he still remains to be himself although his political opponents are trying to devastate his leadreship, i dont even see that he was being influenced by his emotions over his job being the president..all the world leaders should be like him…decisions are very professional and not influen ced by anybody else…i guess that character is really important in politics..but character being a professional worker or being the united states president and being a father to a daughter and a lover to a woman should hav a separate identity..although politics is still present in suchh relationship, but there’s a different kind of ruling in different kinds of relationship,its like love which has only one kind but of different thousands kind of versions..
being a president is such a tough kind of business..but since it talks of character that shouldn’t be influenced by anybody else, there would be no problem on showing yourself to the people specially if you are sincere with your intention of serving the people and to the people you love..
***wow si sir,pabarcelona barcelona na lang..maganda po ba jan? anyway..dapat pala dito na lang ako ngplug ng concert ng church namin..hehehe..nga pala guyz.. NAMEET KO SI JOSE MARI CHAN IN PERSON..NAHAWAKAN KO PA YUNG KAMAY…HE’S SUCH A NICE GUY LIKE THE AMERICAN PRESIDENT..HE HAS THE GRACE OF A MAN..GENTLEMAN DIN SIYA..HAY SA WAKAS NAKITA KO NA RIN SIYA***
By: marisol barbacena on December 11, 2006
at 3:52 am
The movie teaches us how politics work, how influence is important to gain one’s desire. Also it talks about how love intervenes to the most powerful man in the world. The movie in a whole is making the right decisions and fighting for what you feel is right rather to what you think is right.
The president as the most influential man should have the discretion to act upon what is right and what is good. Somehow he makes decisions that could be harmful to others and yet could be beneficial to one side. The part of decision of the president attacking Libya just shows how Americans can’t help intervene with other problems. They are promoting peace and harmony in this planet and yet they attacked a small country not capable of fighting back.
In analayzing the movie, it has two sides. A love story and a political story. A love story between a master and his follower. This will really get the attention of the people because it would really be controversial upon knowing that a president who is suppose to be dignified is sleeping with a woman whom he haven’t married yet. But the maturity in the story shows that love can wait and whatever problems arises it will survive. The Love of a president to his country, to his fellowmen and to a woman who inspires him. That in every mans success there is a woman behind it!;) Though somehow it was close to his failure, his love for Sydney overcame all of it.
Politically speaking, the time when the president’s popularity is fading when character debate was being opened. When in media, it was reported that he is breaking character values but in reality the three of them are enjoying each others company. This just shows how his opponent who is “running for president” had been blabbing of an unethical president and kept on telling to the people of America that someone like President Andrew Sheperd doesn’t deserve to be in the office because of his actions. This just shows how power of media can make or break a president. How they give too much influence to the viewers.
Though somehow seeing the movie is just a facing the reality that it will not be a big deal if an ordinary man fell for a lobbyist, and it will make it to the big news if it is the president. Judging others on what they saw and not knowing what is the real story behind.How we are fed by the media too much. and even though conflict arises when politics and love is mix which happened in the movie, it can still compliment each other if love is true and politics is good.
One quotation i love the most was when Leon was actually shouting to the president telling him to talk about the “Sydney Issue”, but then one of the answers of the president is that , “People don’t drink the sand because they’re thirsty. They drink the sand because they don’t know the difference.” This just shows the ignorance of men just letting be indulged by issues and not knowing what the real deal is.That we feast on the what is more immoral rather to what should be given the proper attention. Men tends to be judgemental and expects to many things to fill up their appetites and tends to ignore other things for what they desire. They ignored that they have been drinking the sand because their main goal is to take away the thirstness they feel.
Two thumbs up for the movie for showing the possibilities when it comes to love and when it comes to power.
By: Marianne Grace Felix on December 11, 2006
at 4:00 am
=THE PRESIDENT=
=the president=
Which one would you choose gain power or love???
shoCKs!! well…Andrew shepherd greatly have this both!!
in life there are lot of struggles and fight we have to win…and nobody is exempted to that, not even the PRESidEnt..
This movie made me realized and somehow enlightened me on viewing some part in life. There are things that are already been here and given but were blind and deaf to see and hear it because we’re busy on other things.
The story showed that being in power is not that easy…24 hours in 7 days you are looking by your people, of course, he’s the president. But being the public servant doesn’t mean that all of part of his life will be on the public eye, including the love affairs. Somehow, I sympathized to him. On the part on Leon (his staff) was able to express his stand on what should do by his president—this part marked a great impact on my memory. Wherein, I realized that even though he has no great authority to speak like that to his president but he made used his being a people of that republic to speak well on what his concerns. I admired the character of that president a lot. Moreover, how I wished that our officials and the future leaders could get and developed that king of character—being Humble. Know how and when to speak and to listen.
Well, this movie is really great to recommend for a political science students and for the future leaders of this country.
By: Mary AnNe GloriOso on December 11, 2006
at 4:07 am
THE AMERICAN PRESIDENT
The story of the movie was very controversial knowing that the most high official of the country fell in love with a lobbyish in accident. The first time they met, something going on,that in somehow gives the color of the story.The give time to know each other and the influence of the president leads into the process of dating, delivering ham and many situational sceneries making them closer.The time they get to know, many controversy the encounter knowing that most of the people they deal with knows the romance they felt to each other. There the times that Sydney wants to get their relation be stopped. But knowing the character of the president, he tend to be strong and let the controversy be answered.
Continuing to the story, many officials reacted about the situation happening with their president. They conducted different black propagands that also leads people in the streets. They wants their president to stepped down and be changed by the leader of the opposition. But in the end, the power and the leadership of the president to the people made the biggest decision for them to unite and bring back the trust to the government…
My poin of view to the story was people tend to be judgemental on personal issue that connects to the officials of the government. They intended to play many issue that somehow it does not relates to the governance of an official. IN politics, many people observes how you performed and it tells that the number you are into controversy, it determine the effectivity you are as an official. It also deals with the attitudes being given to every situation like on the process of decision-making, implementation of many policies and so on that tells the reaction of the people within his jurisdiction. Attitudes in realization brings the trust of the people to his government.
Like the president in the story always been mentioning, politics is perception. In everyday living we encounter politics eventhough we are in not the the government. It seen in every decision we made, actions that tends to change something in the way we understand.Sometimes it affects our personal life, but thats politics that tends to see everything… that in everytime we encounter it, it affects..
In life, many characters created to make politics in its dynamicanism, the media, the people within the government as well. They somehow determined the politics we have in our country made sense that we should know how governance plays an important role….
Lastly, i inspired by the courage and leadership that the president shown in the story, that eventhough politics is always their, the attitudes must always there. That we give our responsibility to every decision we made…
By: harly may caballero on December 11, 2006
at 4:29 am
The American President is a romantic, drama, comedy movie made in 1995 directed by Rob Reiner and written by Aaron Sorkin who is alsothe writer of the award winning television series “The West Wing”. The American President is about President Andrew Shepherd portrayed by the versatile actor Michael Douglas happens to be a widower who copes up wih the responsiblitiesof being the president of the United States of America and a single parent to his daughter ,Lucy Shepherd played by Shawna Waldron. Andrew Shepherd is indeed a very popular president preparing to run for re-election. The President and his staff led by his Chief of Staff A.J. MacInerney portray by Martin Sheen who is the president in the TV series the West Wing, attempts to consolidate the administration’s high poll rating by passing a moderate crime bill. The problem is the Conservative and Republicans don’t want the bill while the Liberals and Democrats think the bill was to weak.
The President of France was about to have a state visit in the United States of America, the President need to have a partner in presenting the President of France, unfortunately the wife of President Andrew Shepherd died several years ago, he planned to take his cousin to ne his parner in he presentation of the President of France, but the sad thingis his cousin was sick, so she need to find a person who will fi in the place.
The lobbyist named Sydney Ellen Wade portrayed by Annette Bening who works for an environmental lobby and advocates to pass the bill on reduction of carbon dioxide emmission that destroys the ozone layer. Sydney was talking to A.J. and telling about him not so good things about the president. No knowing the president was behind her back listening to every word she is saying. The president was intrigued with Sydney so she invited her to his office, and Sydney apologized to him, but what the president wants is to invite Sydney to be his date in the State visit of the President of France. Presiden Shepherd made also a deal if sydney manage to secure a ceratin votes for the environmental bill, he will deliver the rest.
Then the president court Sydney with the helpof his Staff, then eventually fall in love to each other because of sucessive dinner dates. The relationship and as well as Shepherd’s politicking down the middle that made his popularity to decline, and because of the instability happening in the popularity and administration of President Andrew Shepherd, the Senator named Bob Rumson portrayed by Richard Dreyfuss take the chance on attacking on Sydney’s activism in the past and an attack on the Shepherd’s family values and other destructive criticisms that will affect the political career of President, but the good thing about this Shepherd didn’t response to such criticism.
Sydney Wade manages to get enough votes to meet the part of the deal. But the president was offered by the congress to disregard the environmental bill of Sydney and they will pass the crime bill. He agrees on the agreement and Sydney breaks up with him. During the State of the Union Address of President Shepherd, he change his mind about the crime bill and let the passage of the environmental bill. He also made a surprise appearance in the White House press room tto rebut about the issues and criticisms that had been attack to him, he promise the congress to make a stronger crime bill, then he movie ended wih President Andrew Shepherd was given a round of applause.
The movie is not the typical romantic-comedy movie,because of 1 aspect that it attache it to politics and who would think that politics can be interwined with a love story, all the actors are ver good in portraying the role, most especially Michael Douglas in portraying the president of USA, I’m not that relax seeing Martin Sheen being the chief of staff, because I always saw him in the tv series the West Wing as the president, but his versatility as an actor was seen on the movie, I can’t forget Sydney Ellen Wade portayed by Annette Bening, she just really fit with the movie.
One of the most unforgettable line in the movie I ever heard is “I’ve loved two women in my life. I lost one to cancer and I lost the other because I was too busy keeping my job to do my job. Well, that ends right now.” It only shows that the president is also a human being that needs to cope up with his feelings, because at some point we think that the president should prioritize first in governing the country, and sacrifice his personal life, what an irony of life isn’t it.. the humor in the movie which we can say a very sensiblehumor, because you gonna think the logical connecion of it in the movie, like the scene in the flower shop were the lady ijn the storedon’t believe that she was talking to the president in the other line, simple yet funny.. it also shows that in everyman’s success theirs a woman behind it, the movie shows the value of a woman in a life of a man. The decision making of a leader was also shown in the movie, because being a leader, your judgement should be precise because a small decisioncan affect really big in the system..
-Richard Joseph Carpio-
BPS – IR 3-2
By: Richard Joseph Carpio on December 11, 2006
at 8:05 am
the american president is inded one of the “feel-good-movie” that hit the mark of any political science student/fellow’s curiosity… it speak about one man’s ambition and one man’s happiness…. I love the thought that in a world of politics, a movie can turn the view point of an viewer to the brighter side of the coin. But on the other side, it really tackle the reality in the highest political position on earth…being a president might be one of the biggest dream a man could hope or wish for … but many didn’t realize the consequences entangled with it in the first place. The love story that is one of the main issue in the movie has add up the realization that anyone in politics has to deal wth the realization that public figure’s private life is for public consumption…. It may be consider a sad note but it’s the reality. It is just good to see that what happen to the main character in the movie is heart warming…. As a whole,the movie is good and worth the time watching….
my favorite quote from the movie:
Lewis: And in this country it is not only permissible to question our leaders it’s our responsibility!
*****************************
Lewis Rothschild: They don’t have a choice! Bob Rumson is the only one doing the talking! People want leadership, Mr. President, and in the absence of genuine leadership, they’ll listen to anyone who steps up to the microphone. They want leadership. They’re so thirsty for it they’ll crawl through the desert toward a mirage, and when they discover there’s no water, they’ll drink the sand.
President Andrew Shepherd: Lewis, we’ve had presidents who were beloved, who couldn’t find a coherent sentence with two hands and a flashlight. People don’t drink the sand because they’re thirsty. They drink the sand because they don’t know the difference.
Fabulous!
By: mia opendo on December 11, 2006
at 10:34 am
THE AMERICAN PRESIDENT
American President is a romantic-comedy movie about a widow US President who fall in loved with a lobbyist named Sydney Ellen Wade
the movie not only talks about leadership and politics but also the personal life of a president, especially how does a president handle his relationship with women
The movie was really good, it is not just entertaining but you will get some lessons from it. There are scenes that makes you laugh and scenes that almost make you cry.
The movie just show reality of what was really happening in the political arena. Everybody was your enemy, every single move you make even it is right people will criticize you. Bob Rumson portray a character who only thinks of his personal interest, of course whether we admit it or not all of us has a desire for power like Bob, we will do everything for us to be assured that we can hold power in our hands. Power is like money it makes the world go round, power has been the root of all conflicts all over the world and it was shown in the movie.
Being a president was not an easy job. You have to be prepared for all the criticism not directly to you but for the people you loved like what happen to pres. Shepherd. We always think that being a president was a great position not knowing that behind this was a really great responsibility. like what spiderman said “with a great power comes a great responsibility”
“Leadership is not a position it is an action” this was my favorite quote in terms of leadership. Some people forgot the true meaning and essence of leadership, but as i saw the movie thats the time i realized what leadership truly mean. Pres. Andrew Shepherd really portray what should be the characteristic of a leader and like he said Leadership is about character and agree on him for that. i wish all the leaders not only in our country but all over the world is like President Andrew Shepherd. The man of integrity and authority, he knows when is the proper time to talk.
going back to the movie. The scene that I really like is that when the president delivered his State of the Union Address. it is a heart-warming speech, i like the phrase when he say I’ve loved two women in my life. I lost one to cancer, and I lost the other ’cause I was so busy keeping my job I forgot to do my job.
watching the movie I remember the book of Robert Greene “the Art of Seduction” because there are scene that Sydney was trying to seduce Pres. Andrew. Im just curious of what kind of seducer was Sydney wade, is she a siren. a rake or just a natural seducer.
my most favorite line in the whole movie was when Pres. Andrew Shepherd said “My name is Andrew Shepherd, and I *am* the President which only shows that being a leader you should possess an authority.
and lastly we also keep in our minds that presidents are also human they also commit mistake, we should not judge them from their single mistake because we dont realy understand the struggle and sacrifices behind the word “PRESIDENT”
-chemsky
By: cherry mae de asis on December 12, 2006
at 6:16 am
…. the american president….
(aivy, bkit k late mgbgay ng comment????? sorry…) mwah!!!
Question: why did our professor ask us to watch this movie?(dpat kc happy feet un.anyway napanood q na)
—one phrase i cannot forget from this movie is “politics is perception”.Indeed, it is, what people see on a simple/part view is what they perceive as whole picture of the thing
…the boss of Sidney at first keep on asking her what’s with her and the president but she just said it’s just nothing, but outside, media and people around them give it more meaning, especially controversies because presidential election will be coming…
… the controversial picture of sidney in a rally became an issue, even it happened long time…
— politics is perception, its hard to ask the people to be critical thinker if other people give you complete misperception and misrepresentation…
—Opposition… Senator Bob Rumson who keep on attacking the president…. he gave different issues which trigger the good image of the president, some people believe him, but as we can see he didn’t do it because he does the job of a senator, he did it with personal interest, he want to win and became the new president…
–like philippine politics all things have two sides, and both the government and the opposition have different interests,,, time for the people to see, analyze and be critical,,
—Funny side— the american president gives us the view of a public life and a private life of an individual which always have a conflict. the president’s privacy on his personal life is always affected, not only his life but the life also of the people around him… i just wonder do the staff of the American president really don’t knock on the president’s room everytime they must enter??
—Leadership is not an easy thing,,, it’s a good deed but indeed very hard!
it’s not just serving and facing all your constituent with your good plans, its the life also of facing black propagandas and even facing big troubles from your very tiny wrongdoing… in being a public servant you also give your life to the public..
—why The American president and not happy feet?? politics in our life and leadership is the most difficult job… in everything one’s do you are being watch, but of course good decision and sticking to our principle of service is what one’s need…
By: aivy on December 12, 2006
at 8:23 am
The American President
I have really enjoyed watching the romantic political movie, especially with my friends seeing it. Although some of my classmates want to take me out of my front seat because they said I was blocking their views, still I insist there so I couldn’t have myself chat while watching and have myself focus on the movie. It was a two-hour movie; I think that is the reason why some of my classmates went elsewhere to buy some food. At first, I thought it was boring to have that movie because the first scene was about how busy the politician was. Lots of meetings, paper works, negotiations, and even the names of his fellows he doesn’t remember. But as the film rolls by, I begin to feel contented seeing the show.
It was a good movie to play that every politician should see. The movie showed how to have a very long patience but breaking the silence if non political person in politician’s life was being affected even it has nothing to do with it. Just like what happen to Sydney and to the American president (“I can’t remember his name but the scene retain in my memory. For me, it doesn’t really necessary to have their names but the lesson that I have got in the story ^_^”). Going back in the movie, the president remain calm despite of all criticisms that one of his senator made to him (that senator wants to run for presidency that’s why he made some rumor so the state withdraw their trust to their president), but then spoke up for him not to lose Sydney. That scene makes the movie really politically romantic.
The value of a family was also shown in the movie. He doesn’t lose time to see his daughter even he was too busy. He still finds times to make chat with her and consult her on how to win a woman’s heart. Although his wife passed away, they (he and his daughter) still have fun together, playing trombone and reading political books.
Another thing that has been shown in the movie is that in reality, people tend to forget his task because he was busy doing stuff with his new acquaintance. He begins to fail to finish his jobs because he thought his whole world revolves only on his new relationship. He does not succeed to handle it right. Instead to make it his inspiration, it became interruption to his duty, duty that is not only to his office but to his man. Just like what happen to that president, he cancel his meetings just to be with Sydney. He left things undone just to have Sydney by his side. He made decisions that are inaccurate, decisions that he should not ignore because it was not only for his good but for his country.
My favorite scene in the movie was that when he stood up in the middle of the crowd and said that power is all about character and claims his place as the PRESIDENT of AMERICA. That was the decision that made Sydney back in his arms again.
The movie was good to watch. And I really appreciate it.
By: jhobogs 3-2 on December 12, 2006
at 11:14 am
The romantic movie entitled “The American President” is really worth watching. it makes us more aware about life behind politics, how the power is being exercised and how love affects the career of every individual. being a president of a certain country with a power and authority to rule and govern has also a great responsibility and duty that must be done for the progress of the country. there are lot of things that should be remembered from the movie.
President Andrew Shepherd, the US president, fell in love with the girl named Sydney Wade. the latter is an environmentalist who lobby for a bill for the protection of nature. he realized that there is an intense feeling the first time he saw Sydney. he is falling for her. he is definitely inlove with this woman. of course, if we want something, we will do everything and we are ready to face the consequences just to get what we wanted no matter how hard it is. in politics, if a person has a strong determination to be in a position and wants to gain power, he will find his way to get there, and in love it makes no difference. President Shepherd did everything in order to win the heart of Sydney. he gave her flowers, invited her in dinner and he never conceal his feeling and intention towards Sydney. and ALAS! he made it…
being with someone we love makes us happy. we cherish every moment we spent with them, you treasure all the memories you’ve shared and fills our heart with gladness. it is nice to be in love and to be with them most of the time, but because of it , we tend to forget other important things in our life. President Shepherdis a man who works hard for his country. he is busy most of the time. a lot of phone calls, attending meetings, papers and documents to be read, problems to be solved and socializing with other dignitaries. therefore he find it hard to divide his time between Sydney and his duty as a public official.
he cannot give enough time for Sydney due to buse schedule, there are also times that the president attends more of his personal life with Sydney, thus’ giving not too much attention to his work. one is affected by the other. yes, it is not that easy to manage our time for everything but we have to atleast learn how to balance it. his popularity started to decline, different problems and difficulties arised and issues and critiques against them emerged. Some politicians started to destroy him, as what bob rumson did. he keep on saying bad things about the president for his personal interest. but despite of all those things, he remains strong and tough. he never give up and he never loose hope. he never let anyone to destroy his image. he stands firmly to face those trials and difficulties that came up in his life. he is the president who has an authority than influence to again get the trust of the public.
it is hard to be in a position whether it is in government or in any field because politics is everywhere. the people will try to destroy and bring you down untill you give up if you will let them to ruin your life. problems and difficulties are inivitable. it may come simoultaenously any time. all we need is to be ready to face those trials. life is beautiful and full of surprises. nobody knows what will happen to us in our future lives. let us enjoy and continue to discover the beauty of life and the inner strength within us. if we have the power, we must have the authority to be exerted and manipulated in order to realized something that is desired. being a leader is a complicated one. especially if you are a president, yes, there is a power bestowed upon you but tasks are not that easy to perform.. but as long as person has a good intention and strong determanation to give service to the people, he can be a “THE PRESIDENT”.
By: pamela baronia on December 12, 2006
at 12:13 pm
The American President
I’ve seen this movie before way back in the mid-90’s with all my grown up cousins, and to tell the truth I really find it so boring (what can I do?! I was only 9 yrs. Old then!). I didn’t realize the significance of this movie until I watched it again last Thursday (sorry sir kung late po yung movie review ko). The title sounds so political but what the story portrays revolves around romance which makes the plot not so suitable for the movie. But the sweetness of the love affair ultimately outweighs the plot’s defects. We’re also given a sober wake-up call about how a gossip-hungry America looks at the personal lives of its leaders.
The American President has an all-star cast. Michael Douglas, Annette Bening, Michael J. Fox, Samantha Mathis, Martin Sheen, and Richard Dreyfuss. Michael Douglas plays Andrew Shepherd, a widower with a twelve-year-old daughter named Lucy who just happens to be President of the United States. He meets and quickly falls in love with Sydney Ellen Wade (Bening), an Environmental lobbyist. President Shepherd struggles to do his duty to the nation in his office, but his desire to have a serious personal relationship with Sydney outside of the office is equally important. Personal privacy is next to impossible, and his every action is reflected in poll results and approval ratings. The media is especially ruthless to the President.
Andrew Shepherd is a President who values character highly. While some of us may disagree with his political agenda (and I’m one of those some hehehe), they will develop respect for him at the same time. He is open and honest and doesn’t try to give excuses for his behavior. From a Christian perspective, this movie is somewhat offensive. There is some profanity and an implied sexual encounter between Sydney Ellen Wade and President Shepherd. But it is dealt with delicately. Nothing is really shown (except for a shot of Bening wearing a man’s white shirt with no pants) but there are no overt sexual acts in this film. There is no violence in this movie. This movie deals realistically with the pressures and responsibilities that come with being the President of the United States.
What we get to see in this movie is a rare treat: watching “the most powerful man in the world” act totally awkward in his pursuit of Sydney, and seeing ultra-classy Bening become flustered at the President’s advances. Proving himself just an average guy, Andrew flubs his lines on the phone as if he was asking a girl to Homecoming. The result is an excruciatingly realistic romance, but set in the most absurd of plotlines. You see, Sydney is lobbying for a bill to go to the House, and the President has made a deal with her: if she can get 24 votes he’ll send it to the floor. Unfortunately, it soon becomes clear that those votes will come at the expense of votes for the President’s golden child, a not so very pretty crime bill. So Andrew has to choose what’s more important: the country, or Sydney. And if I’m the President, I’d choose Sydney too.
Okay, it isn’t that simple, but it might as well have been. The political drama here is totally corny and makes no statement about anything (except crime is bad and the environment is good). But I also like to commend the fascinating script of the movie; I really fell in love with the lines of the characters especially that of Michael Douglas’s when he tried to defend his girlfriend and his position at the same time after the black propaganda of his political rival Senator Bob Rumson. After seeing this movie I can now truly say that politics exists everywhere, even in romance………… -end-
By: Jacquelyn Y. Morales on December 14, 2006
at 8:40 am