Before you read this blog, I just wanted you to know that this is a collaborative review with Ms. Danielle Nicole Follosco. We used this review as our output in Society, Culture and Politics course to discuss the idea of Capitalism.

 

In this week’s entry, we’re going to be a little child-friendly and analyze a film entitled, “A Bug’s Life” directed by John Lasseter.

I suggested this film because I thought that the film clearly depicts Karl Marx’s explanation of Capitalism particularly, his Theory of Exploitation.

So without further ado, let’s start it off with a complex line by Hopper, the antagonist of the story.

“Those puny little ants outnumber us 100-1, and if they figure it out, there goes our way of life.” – Hopper

Based on this line, Hopper knows that they (the Grasshoppers) are outnumbered by the colony of ants and that’s why they are forcing their opinions to the ants. 

When we were watching the movie, we can’t help but to notice the similarities in real life especially the social class system portrayed in it.

For example, the ants are collecting food for the grasshoppers. This scene can be somehow compared to the middle class workers who are employed in a specific business corporation and still not getting paid sufficiently. With this being said, we can further connect it with their principle of doing the for the sake of having enough money to support their life.

Another one is what we have said a while ago, the social class system. It is also depicted in the movie by showcasing the struggle in life of the circus warriors and Flik’s (the main character) thirst for recognition for their work and effort.

Going back to the thought of capitalism, this film have illustrated the exploitation of labor of the ants to the band of grasshoppers. Since the grasshoppers are continuously degrading the moral of ants, saying that “Ants are lower than dirt.” Ants are forced to believe that thought and just serve them big time because they think that it is their purpose in the circle of life.

In this modern life nowadays, we can somehow compare it to the issue here in our country regarding NUTRIASIA and their workers since the mass has been informed that there is an unfair treatment of the said corporations. To further add some facts, we have researched that the workers are clearly not regularized and still suffer under contractual system. Workers are also the one shouldering the expenses for their uniforms and other equipment that they will use for their work like gears and other stuff. Hence, the unfair treatment.

PHOTO BY: CARLO MANALANSAN

In conclusion, A Bug’s Life is a very informative in disguise movie for kids and teenagers alike. It tackles several societal problems that young adults may have to know in order for them to be aware of how the world works. All in all, we give it a 8/10 rating since the use of philosophy is very well shown and it’s not just a “feel good” movie.

So to end this entry, we’re going to include a part of the movie that gave a massive impact to motivate ourselves.