taste of U.K. vs. taste of U.S.

        I visited United Kingdom during spring break. Since we will talk about whiteness and taste for the coming week, I think it would be a great idea to compare the difference between Britain and America in terms of culture and movies.

        Personally I believe that movies always represent and reflect a nation's culture. If anything impressed me the most between the two countries' contrast, I would say it is the value differences revealed by these two countries' films. Hollywood films are quite famous for the tag-- big budget films. For almost every hot hit film that produced by Hollywood studios, one of their publicity tool is to announce how much they've spent on the film. Take Cinderella as an example. All they are trying to sell is that how much they spent on the dress--270 yards of fabric, dotted with butterflies and more than 10,000 Swarovski crystals... But no one's mentioning the film content. According to the feedback from those who have watched the film, the most frequently quotes I've heard about are "there's nothing in the film besides the fancy clothes!"

        However, comparing to another recent hot hit film that is on view right now. Kingsman: the secret service. There is no big production budget, but it just gained universal good reputation. The story is funny, the development is unpredictable, and above all, who doesn't love British accent?

        During this trip, I had a chance to have a little discussion with some of my peers who study films in Britain  We all agree that American films are fancier on the outside looking. But we won't compliment the value being filtered through Hollywood films-- expensive cars, gorgeous women, men with power... They all too artificial. However, on the other side, although British films are in general can't compete with Hollywood films' big production budget, but their stories have the depth to remind audiences of something else. Bridget Jones reminds us to be patient for the coming of true love; Love Actually reminds us the warmness of gathering together with families and friends and the people you love at Christmas; Kingsman reminds us to be a decent and honest person... British films are always promoting positive values, while Hollywood films are more and more preferring the value of judging people based on their fortune. 

        While I have to admit this Hollywood films' taste about judging people's success based on their ability to earn money is not totally wrong, since it does encourage people to work hard. But personally I would still prefer  British films' spirit-- an encouraging and warming atmosphere.