Word: blamed
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Dates: during 1990-1999
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...Washington found themselves staring missile to battleship in the Taiwan Straits in mid-1995, in the most unequivocal U.S. show of support for Taiwan in recent memory, Jiang realized that the confrontation was perilous, and though he technically approved the missile launches, he was able to lay public blame on hard-line generals for a serious overreaction. Jiang launched a forceful anticorruption drive, pleasing a populace that bitterly resented the cheating. Perhaps not coincidentally, one of the campaign's first victims was Beijing Party Secretary Chen Xitong, who had amassed a fortune under questionable circumstances--and whose clout Jiang...
...film are not limited to stylistic issues: McGregor and Diaz display about as much chemistry as a pile of salt and, well, another pile of salt. It is difficult to tell whether or not the two actors really have no connection at all or if the script is to blame; either way, something has gone terribly wrong somewhere in the creative process...
...attempts to justify the more disreputable behavior among the Branch Davidians. Waco contains almost too much sympathy for the Branch Davidians. When dealing with the sexual abuse of children that may have occurred at the compound, the documentary adopts a specious argument based on parental consent, then places blame on the ATF for using this abuse--an area for which the agency has no jurisdiction--as a basis for involvement. The film, like the ATF itself, shifts blame through technicalities...
However, the major flaw of Waco: The Rules of Engagement is its failure to extend its blame past the ATF. The film concentrates on the ATF to the almost complete exclusion of any other influences. There are few glimpses or references to Attorney General Janet Reno, and even fewer to President Clinton. What role, positive or negative, did these figures have in the conflict? The film fails to provide an adequate answer...
...sensitive direction allows the film both to indict and to forgive these characters at the same time. The presence of sin is unmistakable--even the name of the town, New Canaan, has Biblical implications--but no one really bears the blame. Many of the characters' actions seem harmless enough until they're in too deep to turn around. Ben and Janey's affair is so casual and matter-of-fact that it's easy to forget the pain they are causing others, and even themselves...