Cleverly written and crafted, 'They Live' is political and social commentary adapted for sci-fi unlike just about anything else out there.
Importantly, the themes in this movie cover gross over-consumerism, needy materialism, greed, and a working-class level of society being manipulated and controlled by a power-hungry upper-class (in this case, aliens) with an assist from the unscrupulous, also-greedy scoundrels of humanity that care more for a taste of power themselves than the well-being of their own kind.
To touch on these themes, 'They Live' takes us through the journey of John Nada (Roddy Piper), a dim-witted but well-meaning blue-collar workman. Nada meets and teams up with Frank (Keith David), another blue-collar guy doing what he can to support his family. After finding a pair of glasses that allows the wearer to see the true nature of the advertising abound in every corner of the city, as well as the true nature of some of the upper class, who turn out to be aliens in human disguises, Nada and Frank work to stop the aliens from sending any further signals and exerting even more control over humanity, and to push back against the continued oppression from the upper class.
Witty and fun, 'They Live' is enjoyable from start to finish. It's also thought-invoking, socially relevant, relatable and reflective, and it's messaging stays with you long after you've finished watching. There's also a highly entertaining extended fight scene (~5 or so minutes) in an alley between Nada and Frank.
This one is one of Carpenter's stronger films, in my opinion. 7-8/10, definitely would watch again.
Importantly, the themes in this movie cover gross over-consumerism, needy materialism, greed, and a working-class level of society being manipulated and controlled by a power-hungry upper-class (in this case, aliens) with an assist from the unscrupulous, also-greedy scoundrels of humanity that care more for a taste of power themselves than the well-being of their own kind.
To touch on these themes, 'They Live' takes us through the journey of John Nada (Roddy Piper), a dim-witted but well-meaning blue-collar workman. Nada meets and teams up with Frank (Keith David), another blue-collar guy doing what he can to support his family. After finding a pair of glasses that allows the wearer to see the true nature of the advertising abound in every corner of the city, as well as the true nature of some of the upper class, who turn out to be aliens in human disguises, Nada and Frank work to stop the aliens from sending any further signals and exerting even more control over humanity, and to push back against the continued oppression from the upper class.
Witty and fun, 'They Live' is enjoyable from start to finish. It's also thought-invoking, socially relevant, relatable and reflective, and it's messaging stays with you long after you've finished watching. There's also a highly entertaining extended fight scene (~5 or so minutes) in an alley between Nada and Frank.
This one is one of Carpenter's stronger films, in my opinion. 7-8/10, definitely would watch again.