El baño del Papa

El Baño del Papa, is a Uruguayan film, that deals with two smugglers from Melo, Uruguay (Beto and his friend "Negro") who decide to build a bathroom in Beto's backyard, so he can charge Brazilian attendees of the Pope's visit to the town. He gets funds from smuggling and from his wife.

The movie shows Uruguay's strong connection to Catholicism. This history comes from the Spanish conquest of the region. The Guarani people were forced to obey the religious demands of the Spaniards. Consequently, it is the reason why Catholicism is the dominant religion.

The theme of poverty in the film, is something foreign to me. I have never had the misfortune of being impoverished. The theme of Catholicism in the film, is a familiar aspect that has been present in my life. My family adheres to Catholicism so I can relate.

Tsotsi

Tsotsi, is a 2005 film from South Africa. It follows a young delinquent and highlights some of the various robbing sprees he goes on. Additionally, it is clearly a critical analysis of South African crime culture. Tsotsi, the main character decides to keep the baby he found in the Mercedes Benz he stole, the baby whose mother Tsotsi shot.

South Africa is hosting the 2010 Fifa World Cup, the world's largest and most significant sports event. Unfortunately Ireland, was eliminated by France. But, now back to South Africa, which is ridden with crime and violence, prompted by the extreme poverty they live in.

The similarities between, US and South African cultures is limited. The crime culture of each is somewhat similar, as they both involve similar structures, based upon the various cultures of each. Also, I don't relate much to the movie, because I do not belong to a gang. Furthermore, I live above the poverty line.