In a message dated 97-11-17 15:21:08 EST, [log in to unmask] writes: << Gory, yes, but "sadistic"? There was not one hint of sadomasochism in this movie.>> I finally saw this film last night on the recommendation of a friend who noted the sadomasochism of the "administrative discipline" and the schadenfreu de of the battles. He could also have mentioned the way in which various warriors seemed to enjoy engaging one another in kungfu training. The SM, of course, is in the eye of the beholder, as in Run Run Shaw films from Hongkong. <<The planet of the Baddies had no plants, no prey, and an infinitude of carnivorous denizens. All the thought was put into set design, none into ecology, with the result that although lovely to look at, it was completely unbelievable, adding to the comic-book flavor.>> Some insects are carniverous, so there was no need for plants and plenty of prey. What was lacking ecologically was water. Michael Haas P.S. The film identified a particular theory of international relations known as "realism," the author of which is Hans Morgenthau. This theory guided the conduct of the Cold War and still is the prevailing perspective on international relations inside the Pentagon. Rather than refighting the Vietnam War or the Gulf War, the film appears to me to play on the theme that the earth can and must be united in case of danger from outer space. The early line about the previous success at peaceful coexistence, a rejected option in favor of a showdown in which the leaders of the human race insist on prevailing, was not repeated at the end, but the war was not won, only a battle. There is ample room for a Starship Troopers II. We are left in the end with a view that war is exhilirating to the victors, horrible for those slaughtered, but entirely unnecessary if Morgenthauism were to be abandoned. Thus, there is some ambiguity as to the "moral of the film." Everyone in the audience leaves the film believing that their preferred method for resolving conflict (violent versus nonviolent) has been justified. Hardly PC. ---- To sign off SCREEN-L, e-mail [log in to unmask] and put SIGNOFF SCREEN-L in the message. Problems? Contact [log in to unmask]