See notes below for further information
Watch Rubin "Hurricane" Carter: 1/21 on PBS. See more from Tavis Smiley.
In your perspective, what was the key moment in “The Hurricane” dealing with internal struggles and relationships, and what strategies did Rubin Carter use to overcome the obstacles in his life. Put yourself in Carter’s shoes. Would you be able to physically and mentally survive if you were put in prison for almost 20 years for a crime that you did not commit? (25 points) See notes below for further information Watch Rubin "Hurricane" Carter: 1/21 on PBS. See more from Tavis Smiley.
102 Comments
Nicole Perfetto
1/16/2013 07:28:36 am
I can truly say that I probably might not have been able to endure 20 years of being locked in a jail cell, knowng I didn't commmit the crime, I was convicted of. It would kill me to know that there is a world beyond that jail cell, that continues to go on, and that my own life was wrongfully taken from me. Also, because one of the main reasons Rubin was in jail in the first place was because of race, I would have felt trapped, if an appeal would have come my way, just because of the racial issue, he faced. It really was touching to see the judge rule in his favor and set him free from jail. It seemed that Rubin's life meant so much more to him, when he was set free. One quote from the movie that really moved me was when he was in jail waiting to hear the outcome of his trial, and he said "hate put me in jail, love will get me out." That quote really summarizes Rubin's outlook on life, even when he was in jail. he wouldn't let anyone take away his freedom to live.
Anna Martin
1/17/2013 10:22:56 am
In my opinion, I would say that the key moment in "The Hurricane" dealing with internal struggles and relationships is when Rubin Hurricane Carter realized he had developed a relationship with Lesra Martin and the three Canadians. I believe this is the key moment because before the formation of this companionship, Carter's strategy of surviving in prison was shutting everyone out. He tried to shut out Lesra, but when he received Lesra's graduation diploma and the picture of him and his girlfriend, Rubin came to terms with the fact that he was very fond of Lesra and loved him like a son. Carter had to deal with his internal struggle of whether or not to trust the white people with Lesra, and whether or not to try and keep this new relationship with Lesra. Rubin knew if he allowed these people into his life, it would be very difficult to survive in prison. That is why I say this is the key moment of the film.
Kyle Kruse
1/19/2013 12:31:14 am
A Key moment in The Hurricane that dealt with internal struggles and relationships in my opinion was after Lesra visited for the first time. On his way to exit, Rubin was asked if he would like a photograph with his “son.” Not bothering to explain that Lesra was not of his own blood, he turned to Lesra for affirmation. The picture was a keepsake for Rubin that helped him continue his fight for exoneration. At a time when he felt that knowledge and solitude were his only companions, the entrance of Lesra into his life sparked a new responsibility and sense of hope.
Emily Butler
1/19/2013 11:59:25 am
While in prison, Rubin Carter spent his time thinking of different strategies to stay alive. The way he was treated was completely unfair and racist, which should never be aloud. I don't know how he could bare it. I believe that when Rubin's wife visited for the last time was a key moment in "The Hurricane." When talking to his wife through the glass and over the phone, Rubin thought and accepted the fact that he was never going to be released from prison and he would die in this place. During this time Rubin was dealing with many internal struggles and his relationship with this wife, he felt like he was a burden to her. Due to the fact that Rubin thought he would be locked up forever, he came to the decision to divorce his wife while still in prison. He thought it was the best thing he could do for her at this time, even though it was extremely hard for his mind and heart to agree that it was the right decision.
Kaitlin O'Connell
1/20/2013 01:30:12 am
In my opinion, the key moment in “The Hurricane” was when Lesra Martin received Mr. Carter’s letter telling him not to write anymore. Mr. Carter felt like he was wasting Lesra’s time, which is the same way he felt with his wife when he knew the rest of his life would be spent behind bars. Little did Rubin know that the relationships he made with these people couldn't be erased that easily. After receiving Lesra’s diploma Rubin was so proud of Lesra and the things he accomplished, which couldn't have been possible without the Canadians help. Personally I feel like this realization that receiving help isn't always a bad thing turned Rubin’s whole life around. When it came to this situation specifically Rubin knew he couldn't do it alone anymore, and he was ready to put the rest of his time and energy into regaining his freedom which was stolen.
marina dolinar
1/20/2013 02:13:18 am
In my perspective the key moment in the hurricane dealing with internal struggles was when Rubin Carter came to the point in his life when he was wrongfully incarcerated for the second time ifor the murders of two men. During this period rubin creates mechanisms to deal with his time in prison such as refusing to eat the prison’s food, wear a prison uniform, and become involved in prison work programs. but in this time rubin becomes untrusting of white people and self contained which takes a toll on his psyche. He loses hope and a sense of human compaship and righteousness. What pulls him out of this is his relationship with Lezra and the unconditional support from the Canadians through their gifts, visits, assistance with his case, and their care and concern with Lezra’s education that exemplifies the benevolence of humanity, especially between blacks and whites.Also in my opinion i would not be able to endure the mental and physical challenges of prison, especially if i knew in my heart that i was innocent and would have to serve the rest of my life in prison.
JohnChen
1/20/2013 01:13:56 pm
Rubin Carter grew up with hatred to the whites, his hatred eventually gain him the power to win those boxing matches, as he says in the movie that he can feel the hate to kill everyone in the match. However, hatred is not the right perspective to deal with a person's life , as Rubin Carter says, hatred puts him in. He had stuggle dealing with those Canadians who wants to help him becuase they are white, eventually he learn to love, and he accepted the help, so he get out. His experience is no doubt a disaster, I cannot imagin being in that situation--in jail for 20 years.
Diana Muzina
1/20/2013 03:32:09 pm
The key moment for me in “The Hurricane” was when the Canadians picked up their whole lives and moved to Jersey to help Carter get out of jail. It was the scene where they call him on the phone and tell him to look out the window. He can then see them in an apartment flashing lights and jumping up and down, showing him that they are there for him. This part really touched me. It shows that how internal your struggle may be, there are people who are willing to do anything to help you to overcome it, if you let them in and allow them to do so. The most predominant strategy that Carter used to overcome his obstacles in life was to never act like a guilty man. He refused to wear the same clothes as the prisoners or to eat the same food, he slept while they were awake and was awake while they slept, and he would not do any jobs in the prison. Instead he focused on himself. He read books and the Bible, and he worked out and practiced boxing. And, he wrote. He gave himself a voice. He recognized that he did not have to have his voice smothered in the situation. And because he recognized that, he got his story out, and it took. And because of that he was ultimately freed. Physically, knowing my track record, I would not be able to survive twenty years in prison. But I do believe that I could potentially emotionally. I’m strong-willed, sometimes a little stubborn, and know myself. I would not let people treat me like I was guilty for something I did not do, and I would not act guilty. I would try to find a way to prove my innocence. All of this is based upon an “if” statement though. I cannot know how I would truly cope with it, and never could unless I actually experienced it.
Steve Frandanisa
1/20/2013 11:34:21 pm
The key moment in "The Hurricane" was after Lesra visited Rubin the first time. This gave Mr. Carter hope. He had given up all hope while in prison because his whole life it seemed like people were trying to make him suffer. Rubin fought through many internal struggles during his meetings with Lesra because he did not want to be let down if he was not freed. After Lesra moved, Rubin started to put very much trust into him and into his freedom. If i was put in prison for 20 years for a crime i did not commit I know i would not be able to survive. I would think about how different my life could have been and all the things I am missing out in life. I dont know what i would do with myself everyday. After being found guilty i would be filled with so much hate. In "The Hurricane" Rubin almost always had much composure which is something I respect because of how angry he really was.
Lindsay Griesmer
1/21/2013 05:09:48 am
No, I don't think I would have been able to survive prison for a crime I did not commit. I believe that when you are in prison, no matter what the reason is, you stop remembering all of the good memories you once experienced and focus solely on the bad. After the courts denied Rubin an appeal, I would have given up and lost hope. I believe that the turning point for Rubin Carter was when he received Lesra's first letter. By having someone believe that he was innocent, it gave him the strength to continue on even though there was no guarantee he would be freed. Both Rubin Carter and Lesra never gave up. When it seemed like there was no possibility that Rubin would be freed, they kept searching for evidence and did not stop until he was a free man. Their story should inspire others to fight racial discrimination and to never give up.
Joey Greiner
1/21/2013 09:11:33 am
I had two key moments during the movie. The first one was when he was found guilty of the crime we know he did not commit, and he was only convicted of this because he was black and the entire jury was white. The next key moment for me was when the Canadians left their home and their lives in order to go and help set Rubin Carter free. If I was in Rubins case it would have given me a second wind knowing someone is still out there after all those years trying to help me and set me free, someone who still nelieved that he is innocent even though it may have seemed everyone else had stopped believing. For Rubin it seemed he always wanted to be a protector. When he was young he was convicted of stabbing a man only to keep himself and his friends safe. He went in the army where he also kept our country safe. He did all these good acts for people and he still got convicted of something he did not commit.
Conor Fogarty
1/21/2013 10:53:03 am
I think that the key moment in, "The Hurricane", was when Rubin Carter was talking to his lawyers about re-trying his case after nearly twenty years of failure. At that point, he reveals how much of his life has really gone by in jail, and how at all costs, they must get him out of there. Rubin's life had been spent in a constant struggle against the racist society that put him down. He reacted to the obstacles placed in his life by fighting them off, by becoming stronger, and by dominating all his enemies. Even when he was sent to jail as an innocent man, Rubin initially believes it is another blow against him that he alone must overcome. So, when examining his case in full and presenting is innocence before a jury fails, he decides to hit back by writing his story that proves his wrongful imprisonment. But, it is many years until that story finally reaches Lesrah and his guardians in Canada. It is at this moment that he at last accepts the friendship and assistance of people, even though all of them save Lesrah are white. He doesn't humble himself, but he recognizes that he won't get out of jail by himself, and that there are people out there who will work tirelessly to free, people he can trust.
Danielle Aquila
1/22/2013 12:14:46 am
I think the key moment in "The Hurricane" was when the Canadians left their home to dedicate their life to helping Rubin Carter become a free man again. He had no hope before this happened. Rubin didn't want them to write to him anymore because it was too painful, but as soon as those people made a commitment to him and his case that's when Rubin really started to get his hope back. He knew that someone else cared enough to fight for him, so he felt like there was a chance he could really get free this time. This strengthened his relationship with people all together because he could trust in someone to believe in him. Rubin overcame his struggles by not letting himself be treated like a prisoner. By not following their rules, wearing their clothes, and even not eating their food, Rubin was overcoming his struggles. It may not have felt like it at the time, but Rubin was mentally strong enough to be in that prison.
Jacqueline DiCillo
1/22/2013 12:33:00 am
In my perspective, the key moment in "The Hurricane" dealing with internal struggles and relationships was when Lesra visited Rubin for the first time. We saw the affect Rubin and his amazing story had on Lesra, but it was also very touching to see the effect Lesra had on Rubin. Once they started writing back and forth, a friendship was formed and it was evident that it gave Rubin hope. The letters gave him something to look forward to, the phone calls warmed his heart, and the visits meant the world to him. We could see how his relationship with Lesra and the three Canadians were "softening" him in a way because when he came to the conclusion that he'd never be let out of jail once they denied him an appeal for the second time, he cut off all ties with his new friends.
Emily Jereb
1/22/2013 01:20:02 am
In my perspective, the key moment in “The Hurricane” dealing with internal struggles and relationships is when the Canadians decided to move their lives to Jersey to free Rubin and said that they would not leave without him. This specific situation proved to Rubin that there were these people who cared so much about him and believed strongly in his innocence and were willing to do anything to set him free. I think that this part in the film Rubin had gained hope. Hope that he would be set free after all this time being convicted of a crime he did not commit.
Alex Pirc
1/22/2013 01:24:52 am
I believe the key moment in "The Hurricane" when it comes to dealing with internal struggles and relationships is when Rubin is put in solitary confinement. His time down there gave him a chance to look at himself and how he would survive in his new situation. This meant releasing himself from relationships that made him happy, and focusing on the truth. He knew his chances of getting out were impossible. The fact that he was innocent would have been unbearable for most people if they were in that situation. But he thought about what needed to be done, and how he would keep himself from going insane. He came to the conclusion that in order to stay sane, he needs to exercise any freedoms possible (wearing his own clothes) and to stay disconnected with outside relationships. While it may seem sad and depressing, by breaking those relationships is what kept him from cracking under desire for the outside world. He kept himself occupied with his own thoughts and studies, so he would have a life that only depended on himself. His independence is what kept him sane. That is why he struggled with letting Lesra into his life. A friendship with someone outside of prison would lead him to the weakness of desire for his freedom; something that he would probably not ever get back.
Tom Fening
1/22/2013 04:43:24 am
I think the turning point for Rubin Carter was when Lesra Martin wrote to him. During his life no one believed in him or his story. When he was a child and the man assaulted him, nobody believed him and when he told police that he was not the killer, nobody believed him. I think Carter was able to overcome much of that turmoil and hatred when he found out that someone did believe him. Lesra believed that Rubin Carter did not kill those men, that gave Carter hope, strength, and resolve. From that point on Carter was rejuvenated. He began to work on his case again and make sure he got the freedom that had been denied to him his entire life. When Carter found out someone believed him and believed in him, he started to put the past behind and work for the future.
Jimmy Vanek
1/22/2013 05:05:38 am
I believe that the key moment in Rubin’s journey occurred when he had to say goodbye to his wife. I look at this point as the time when Rubin was at his weakest point. It looked like he abandoned everything that he loved and at that point it looked like Rubin was about to give up. He accepted that he would never be a free man and he did not want his wife to have to go through what he was dealing with. Meeting Lesra Martin brought Rubin hope. It was through his encounter with Lesra that Rubin started fighting again because I believe that he found something to fight for.
Jenny Raguz
1/22/2013 05:07:44 am
In my perspective, the key moment in "The Hurricane" dealing with internal struggles and relationships was when Lesra visited Rubin for the first time. Rubin began to notice hope in the world and his life. Rubin could have easily shut Lesra out- not allowing him to visit or write. Rubin did not even have to respond to the original letter Lesra sent him. Rubin felt comfort and again, hope, through this initial act of kindness of a letter. To overcome the obstacles in his life, Rubin decided to keep Lesra and the Canadians in his life. When he first began his sentence in prison, Rubin wanted to do everything himself- as trusting others has failed him in the past. While doing it all himself seemed to not be helping his cause, Rubin turned to Lesra and the Canadians for support. Here, he acknowledged he couldn't do this on his own. This is when he began to ease up. Before Lesra and the Canadians were in the picture, Rubin shut his wife and child out, refused to wear the uniform of a prisoner, slept while everyone else was awake, and did not eat what the others ate. He refused to live like a guilty man. After opening up and letting Lesra and the Canadians into his life, Rubin began changing for the better.
Dom Natale
1/22/2013 06:24:28 am
I believe that the major struggle he faced was racism, in general. Starting from the point of when he was a child and put into a correctional home for actions of self defense simply because he was an African American child and happened to have a knife on him for his own safety. He had to deal with the fact that his whole life basically revolved around a series of wrongful convictions against him. The way that he dealt with it was by making himself cold to the world that had wrongly imprisoned him multiple times, for no reason. Personally, I don't believe that I'd be able to handle myself in the same way because my rage toward the outside world that had treated me so horribly would have ripped me apart and driven me insane. The way that this man was able to overcome all of this and continue to fight for his freedom, and eventually win that fight, is amazing and inspiring.
Monica Marcotte
1/22/2013 07:00:59 am
In my oppinion, the key moment that dealt with internal struggles and relationships was when he met Lesra for the first time. Even though they had been communicating via letters, meeting eachother was life changing for both. Rubin was reminded that there are people out there that believe in his innocence. I believe that after this first visit, he was determined to prove that he was innocent even though he knew it would be so hard. To overcome the obstacles he encountered in his life, he had to take risks. When the new evidance was found, he wanted to take it to federal court. He knew it could get thrown away forever, but he knew that the state would find him guilty again, not innocent. Taking this big of a risk ended up working in his favor. He was found innocent, and was now a free man.
Haley Meadows
1/22/2013 07:01:52 am
The key moment in “The Hurricane” that addressed dealing with internal struggles and relationships was when Rubin was in solitary confinement. Rubin had to deal directly with himself and his own thoughts; there was no one else there with him. He could either accept what was happening around him or refuse to do so. Rubin refused to accept that he was going to be in prison for life, and never gave up fighting his sentence. During this time, Rubin could’ve gone crazy. His thoughts, his anger, his hopelessness could have consumed him. But Rubin refused to let anything get to him; he refused to be a prisoner. Even after being let out of solitary confinement, he almost had to go back again because he was just as firm in his decision not to wear a prisoner’s uniform. Solitary confinement did not break him down, it built him up.
Daniel Kling
1/22/2013 07:57:59 am
I believe that the key moment in “The Hurricane” was when Rubin lost his appeal midway through the film. In my opinion this was the moment that Rubin gave up all hope for getting out of jail. At this point Rubin had spent half of his life behind bars and he was forced to face the facts that he was not getting out a freeman. Because Rubin lost his appeal he shut himself from the outside world and he abandoned his Canadian friends. I was happy to see that Lesra did not total give up speaking to Rubin when he sent his diploma and a picture of his girlfriend.
Marisa Mandato
1/22/2013 08:37:56 am
The key moment in “The Hurricane” where I truly saw Rubin dealing with internal struggles is when he cut off Lesra and the Canadians. Rubin had been in prison for twenty years and he thought that he was never getting out. He needed the strategy of cutting off the outside world to cope with the inside world that was the prison. The prison changed him and made him believe that by cutting off Lesra and the Canadians it would make it easier to serve out the rest of his life in prison. Rubin wanted to buckle down and deal with it. The year that Rubin cut off the outside world was a mechanism that he used to deal with his life. He did not want to cut off his new friends but he did not want to suffer for caring about them. When Lesra sent Rubin his diploma, Rubin finally called the Canadians. He needed outside friends he was just unwilling to admit that to himself.
Niarra Ogobnna
1/22/2013 09:03:31 am
I think that the key moment in "The Hurricane" was when Rubin lost his appeal and told his wife to get a divorce and move on without him. I say this because at this point he realized the he would be in jail for a long time because of the corrupt system and did not want to hold anyone back or have ties to the outside world. Rubin started losing hope that he would receive any type of justice. One of the strategies that Rubin used to overcome his struggles was isolating himself from the outside world. This way he wouldn't have to feel the pain of not being able to truly be with the people he cared about. Another strategy that he used was not abiding by prison regulations to remind others and more so himself that he was not a prisoner let alone a murder. If I was accused of a crime that I did not commit i know I would not be able to keep my sanity for 20 years. I feel like I would lose myself, especially if almost everyone believed that I was a killer and I knew I wasn't. I think that I would start to feed into the lie and start believing that i didn't even deserve my freedom. Luckily Rubin had friends on the outside who were willing to help and stay by him till the end.
Perry Yert
1/22/2013 09:51:43 am
The key moment in "The Hurricane" is when Lesra finds Rubin Carter's book. He could similarly relate to Rubin and the struggles he faced with the concept of racism. Rubin soon became a role model to Lesra, and when he decided to write to and soon visit him, Rubin began to gain hope in something concrete. When he lost his appeal and said goodbye to his wife he decided to live a life with no hopes. He had to almost train or develop his mind into such a thought process to not hope, feel, or expect anything. With nothing to hope for in such a confined space, just as anyone else would, Rubin began to go a little mad. It was only when Rubin received Lesra's letter in which he regained hope. Lesra and the Canadians were the only connection he had to the outside world. It was no such coincidence that Lesra picked up Rubin's book for 25 cents the day he did.
Chris Shkil
1/22/2013 10:10:47 am
To me the key moment in the movie where Reuben learned to deal with his internal struggle was when he physically met Lesra. Once he met him and talked with him he found almost a new sense of life. I truly believe Lesra is what kept Reuben going when he was about to give up. Lesra gave him a new fight to try and start fighting his case again and gave him life again because it was a new face of hope for him and the fact that somebody cared about him. Him becoming so close to Lesra is what ended up saving him and getting him out of jail because Lesras friends from Canada were the ones who found the new evidence.
Nick Frindt
1/22/2013 10:15:48 am
One of the key moments in the movie that dealt with the internal struggles and relationships was the scene when Hurricane Carter was in jail and talking to his girlfriend through the glass. This scene stuck out to me because not only was this hard on Carter internally, but it was also hard on their relationship. Carter was forced to reject the woman that he loved from continuing to be in his life, which must have been extremely hard. This was also probably the most significant relationship that was destroyed by his unfair jail sentence. In this situation, Carter used the strategy of separating himself completely from what was causing him pain and struggles. This was one technique that he used. Although he may have separated himself from the hardships at times, Carter often fought back against them too, which is why he eventually was given the freedom that he deserved. The fact that Carter continued fighting his whole life and the entire time in jail, no matter what was throw at him and pinned against him, shows how strong of a man, both physically and mentally, he really was. Putting myself in Hurricane’s shoes, I don’t think I would have been able to keep fighting in those circumstances. I hope that I would have that same strength and be able to bear those same hardships, but I know that being accused of something that you didn't do is hard enough. If this unfair accusation was the cause of me spending 20 years in jail, I might just want to give up and stop fighting.
Caylee Buckman
1/22/2013 10:22:22 am
What I found to be the key moment in “The Hurricane” was when Lesra Martin first writes to Rubin Carter. Just by writing to Carter he sparks a new motivation that inspires Carter to keep fighting the system. All it took was a simple relationship being formed to give Carter new insight and persistence. Knowing that someone cared for him the way that Lesra and the Canadians did, helped Carter so that he could endure the hardships of being imprisoned. Rubin Carter was able to overcome obstacles in his life because he had that encouragement and had the belief of others as well as the belief in himself. He knew he was innocent and he knew that it was his color that made the system turn against him. This reason, racism, was what truly gave him the determination to pursue his justice. I know that it is easier to say then to do but I think that if I had been so wronged by the courts I would at least put up a fight for as long as I could. It would be very difficult to physically sit in prison for twenty years I feel like I would go absolutely crazy though. Mentally one would have to keep active with reading and puzzles or else I feel like I would drive myself crazy with fear.
Julia Corello
1/22/2013 10:22:29 am
In my perspective, the key moment in "The Hurricane" dealing with internal struggles and relationships was when Lesra had told Rubin Carter that he just knew that Mr. Carter was innocent during their first meeting. At this moment, Rubin felt like there was still hope left. A complete stranger came to visit him after reading his book and exchanging a few letters, looked him straight in the eye and told Rubin Carter that he believed that Carter was innocent. This allowed for Rubin to let Lesra into his life, developing a relationship with Lesra and the Canadians. Another key point is when the Canadians left everything behind in order to help free Rubin Carter from prison by proving his innocence. Rubin became very close with Lesra and the Canadians. They brought him hope and love, risking their lives to help Rubin. Mr. Carter had spoken of how love would bust him out of jail.
Maddie Chandler
1/22/2013 10:34:24 am
From my perspective, one of key moments during "The Hurricane" that dealt with the internal struggles and relationships was when Lesra finally got to visit and meet with Rubin in prison. In this scene it becomes apparent that Rubin has a strong impact on Lesra and inspires him with his story that he has read. Not only does Rubin have an impact on Lesra, but Lesra impacts Rubin's life as well. Between the letters they wrote back and forth and the phone calls they shared they maintained their friendship and these gestures gave Rubin something to look forward to during his time in prison.
Nikki Franchini
1/22/2013 10:51:40 am
I feel that a key moment in "The Hurricane" dealing with internal struggles was just him being imprionsed all together. Rubin knew that he was innocent and that itself was a struggle he had to live with. He was imprisoned due to a rigged justice system based off of discrimination.
Kathrine Zmina
1/22/2013 11:42:45 am
A key moment in The Hurricane that dealt with relationships and internal struggles is when Carter was on the phone with the Canadians after they moved. Even if he wasn't willing to be 'weakened by their love', they weren't taking no for an answer. They recognized that despite his determination in becoming completely detached from the outside world, having hope was a stronger force. Carter finally realized in this moment that he deserved and needed people helping him from the outside who were devoted to him in order for him to succeed in freeing himself.
Charles Pinzone
1/22/2013 12:26:27 pm
The big moment dealing with internal struggles and relationships in “The Hurricane” was when Rubin wrote to Lesra and the Canadians that he did not want to continue communicating. This was after he had lost his appeal and, basically, all hope. Rubin was on the verge of breaking, he felt as if he had reached the end of the line, or rather, the beginning of his end. He had lost his will to fight, that appeal was what he thought to be his last and best hope. When he got the news that it had been declined, he fell into a pit of negativity and doubt. He lost, for a short time, what made him “The Hurricane”.
Julia Tuason
1/22/2013 01:29:51 pm
I believe that one of the most key moments in “The Hurricane” was when Rubin insisted to the Canadians that it wasn’t paramount that he be released from prison. The kind of freedom that Rubin sought was a literary and metaphysical freedom in his mind where the physical and emotional barriers of the prison meant nothing. While this wasn’t a turning point in the narrative, it demonstrated the ideal state of mind that Rubin was struggling to emulate but had recognized as what he needed to achieve. Also, when Rubin talking to his (ex-)wife for the last time in the prison and going back to his cell to brood and read I found that was also key to suggesting that his “ideal state” might even mean being cut off from the people he loves because it may have been too hard for him to miss them. However, this wasn’t really a healthy practice, and it seems that he needed Lesra’s warmth and presence to get to where he wanted to be. The balance of the internal struggle and distancing himself from the wants denied in prison and healthy relationships with people outside of prison threatened to tip many times, but Rubin’s centered motivations and relationship with Lesra and the Canadians kept him on the right track.
Jaclyn Melvin
1/22/2013 02:22:19 pm
I believed Rubin Carter relied on hope, love, and faith in order to overcome the numerous struggles he faced. First and foremost, Rubin always had some hope that he would be released from prison. He proclaimed his innocence time and time again and never let the prison control him. One of the scenes that best represents this fact is when Rubin refuses to wear the prison clothes. He feels that prison uniforms are the clothes of guilty men, and guilty he is not. As a punishment, he spends 90 days in a dark cell, and he is slowly driven to the brink of insanity. At the end of the 90 days, however, Rubin does not regret is decision and still refuses the uniform. Faith and love were also critical as Rubin developed a relationship with Lesra and the Canadians. He grew to trust people that he got to know only through letters and visitations. These five people met only by chance, but they came to care for each other and share a strong bond. Rubin trusted Lesra and his friends to conduct more research on his case, and he owes his release mostly to their diligent work. Both Rubin and Lesra then went into law so that they could help others who had been wrongfully convicted. What Rubin did was amazing and awe-inspiring. He could have very easily given up and accepted his life sentence in prison. He could have let depression and despair set in and never attempted to reverse the court ruling. He could have focused on everything he had lost. After his release, he could have spent his days wallowing in his misery and anger. But he did the opposite. He focused on what he had and could gain. Instead of thinking of his own pain, he now works to ease the pain of others.
Michael Macuga
1/22/2013 04:03:22 pm
The key moment in "The Hurricane" dealing with internal struggles and relationships was when Rubin decided to cut off his relationship to Lesra and the Canadians. When this relationship first started, Rubin was cautious. For such a long time he had been creating a life for himself where he did not require anything to survive. All he needed was his faith. Yet, as he grew more fond of Lesra and eventually Lesra's family, Rubin began to notice, or rather, Rubin may have pretended to believe that he was becoming weak because of this relationship, that with this relationship, he was beginning to love something that was not attainable where he was. If he allowed that to happen and then he lost that love, his mental and emotional capacities would have been compromised. He believed if this happened he may not be able to continue on living where he was. So he had to cut that line. By doing so, he cast himself into another state of living without the want or need of anything. Rubin had developed an incredibly strong bond with Lesra, taking him as a son. This was probably the single most difficult task Rubin had to perform - severing that bond. He saw this as the only way to survive. However, with the intense effort of Lesra and his family, Rubin had no choice but to stay connected to them because they would not leave until they had freed him.
Mary Lenk
1/22/2013 11:05:24 pm
I think that a key moment in the "Hurricane" was when Rubin Carter spent 90 days in solitary confinement. I thought this scene depicted the internal struggles that come with imprisonment. They try to break you down to make you behave. This scene exhibited was pride and individualism will get you in prison. Rubin Carter was truly inspirational in that he did not give up his beliefs although he put his mental health at risk.
Gabe Volpe
1/23/2013 11:00:56 am
In my opinion, the key moment in "The Hurricane" dealing with internal struggle and relationships to overcome obstacles in his life was when he met Lesra Martin. Lesra Martin gave him hope in his life. Because of Lesra, Rubin Carter was giving a purpose to keep fighting. Before this, Rubin did not allow others to become close to him. He survived his years in prison by not becoming companions with anyone, and just became mentally and physically strong. If I was in Rubin's shoes, I would need to something to hold on to. something that gave me hope that everything was going to be fine. If i could find something that gave me hope and faith, then I may be able to get through all the hardship. Rubin was such a strong man to get through all that, and not many people could do that.
Mike Mandac
1/23/2013 01:34:51 pm
One key moment for Carter was when his cause was taken up by Lesra. At this point, Carter dared to hope; he allowed himself to believe that he could be exonerated. Carter had survived the obstacles in his life by fighting back, by proving that he could control or overcome his “opponents”. Whether defending his family, serving in the military or in the boxing ring, Carter’s response to opposition was to fight and not back down.
Greg Talarcek
1/23/2013 11:31:32 pm
A key moment in "The Hurricane" that deals with internal struggles and relationships is when he first actually meets Lesra. Before he actually met Lesra it was just a simple relationship, just pen and paper. Once he actually met Lesra it was a new relationship. Was a more personal relationship and this changed both Lesra and Rubin. Personally I don't think that i could survive if put in Rubin's shoes. If i were put in prison for 20 years for a crime I did not commit I would loose it. I would go insane and my insanity in the end would probably kill me.
Jordan Wolf
1/23/2013 11:43:06 pm
To me, the key moment in "The Hurricane" that best addresses dealing with internal struggles and relationships is when Rubin Carter tries to cut Lezra and the Canadians out of his life. To Carter, he felt that their relationship was a sign of weakness because he believed he would never be released from prison. If he was to "soften" and allow himself to have a bond with Lesra, he would probably go insane at the thought of wanting to so badly to go into the free world. So, in order to spend his life in prison defianlty, he would strengthen himself by cutting out any relationship to the outside world. Although this did not work out, Rubin eventually realized that he needed those outside relationships to truly be strong. When Lesra and the Candadians still decided to keep in contact with him, he was happy to know that he is loved, and was once again ready to do anything for freedom.
Lauren Beck
1/24/2013 01:57:51 am
In my perspective, the key moment in "The Hurricane" dealing with internal struggles and relationships was when Rubin met Lezra Martin. Rubin had already cut out his wife and the others from his old life because he accepted that he had a new one on his hands, and he now had a new person to place confidence in. This boy coming to hi, gave him hope, gave him a reason to continue living. Both characters were an incredible inspiration to each other. Rubin gave Lezra someone to lok to as an example of perseverance. And Lezra gave Rubin a reason to continue fighting. Rubin used the relationships he developed with other prisoners, as well as Lezra and his three guardians to overcome all o the obstacles that were put in his way. He used his strength within, which was built by the strong people supporting him.
Teddy Neunaitis
1/24/2013 05:32:05 am
In my opinion, the key moment in “The Hurricane” dealing with internal struggles and relationships is when Carter receives Lesra’s high school graduation diploma. This letter came to Carter almost a year after he had told Lesra not to send him anything anymore. It was at this time that Carter became more devoted to trying to free himself. It was also at this time that he gained faith in the Canadians. Carter saw the goodness in Lesra. He saw the realities of life outside the bars. He wanted to be there with Lesra and wanted to be free. Lesra’s diploma granted Carter hope. During this time of racial segregation, if an illiterate black boy could graduate in the top of his class, and just graduate in general, it was considered a miracle. This gave Carter hope. It was a fine example of how hope reigns supreme even in the darkest of times.
Kendra Zbinovec
1/24/2013 05:34:12 am
The key moment in "The hurricane" for me was when the Rubin sent a letter to Lezra and told him that he doesn't want to get any more letters from him because his love for him was hurting him. That's when I realized what prison can truly do to a person. I for hope I never have to go to prison because I feel like when in the prison, you have to be tough all the time. And when Rubin was asking them to stop caring for him, that care was weakening him and he didn't like that.
Delaney Hufgard
1/24/2013 07:26:48 am
The key moment in The Hurricane” was when Rubin was talking to his lawyers through the glass. At this point the group of people from Canada had found an abundance of evidence that proved Rubin’s innocence and his lawyers were saying if they were to bring in new evidence to the federal court without showing it to the state courts the evidence would be thrown out. Despite this Rubin does not want to go through back through the sates. He says he wants to move right to the federal courts because he knows in the state department he wouldn’t be cleared to go father. He fought as hard as he could and never gave up. In this moment he really showed how important this was to him. Not only did he want to get out of jail, he wanted his name to be cleared. He didn’t want to be treated like a criminal. We saw how hard he was willing to push to win by his refusal to give up on the new evidence. And in the end, all is hard work and perseverance paid off.
Raj Khosla
1/24/2013 08:11:06 am
In my opinion the key moment in Rubens internal struggle was when he heard from Lezra. When Lezra contacted him for the first time, they rapidly developed a inseparable relationship. When he developed this relationship with Lezra he got the feeling that he wasn't alone in the horrible situation he was in. When they met the first time he actually felt happy that a young boy was inspired enough by his story and is struggle to actually make an attempt to prove him innocent. Rubin didn't really trust anyone at all, which I don't blame him for because if I was in that situation I don't know how I could trust anyone. But he felt something different with the Canadians and Lezra, even after Rubin told Lezra and the Canadians to not contact him anymore because he was giving up, Lezra couldn't resist sending him his high school diploma and giving Ruben credit for his inspiration to achieve it. If i was in Carters shoes I don't know if I could handle being imprisoned for that many years when I did not commit the crime. if i had some hope in a sense that I had someone there with me through out my time always visiting me, and trying to clear my name and prove my innocence, then I feel like I could go on. Otherwise if there was no hope for me to get out and there was no one on the outside fighting to prove me innocent, then I know that I couldn't go on. Everyone likes to think that they are so independent and that they could face any battle alone and win. While the reality is that no matter how strong you are physically or emotionally, you always need someone else to be there with you when faced with a challenge as great as this one.
Sheila Smith
1/24/2013 09:11:40 am
I think one of the key moments in the film was when Lezra and his tutors were waving from the hotel to Rubin. Rubin saw them while he was on the telephone and you could see the immediate joy he felt. Rubin tried to push away Lezra and his tutors. He struggled to let them in to his life and allow himself to become emotionally attached to them. You could tell it was an internal struggle for him to allow himself to feel happiness or warmth towards a person. However, when he saw them in the hotel, he began to truly open his heart and deal with his personal struggles of being in prison and missing out on life. He started to accept help from others and find positive aspects of his mostly difficult life.
Allie Bokar
1/24/2013 09:13:34 am
The key moment in dealing with relationships in "The Hurricane" was when the Canadians called him from their new apartment across the street from the prison, and Rubin looked out the window and could see that he had people who really cared about him. The relationship between them and Rubin was remarkable because they had met face-to-face only a few times, yet they put their own lives on hold to free Rubin from prison. The passion with which they researched Rubin's case and all the evidence demonstrated that they had a strong relationship, regardless of the fact that their biggest connection with Rubin was through writing letters. The moment Rubin saw them there, his face lit up. He was filled with hope and gratitude. He knew that, finally, someone was there for him one hundred percent.
Chris Capretta
1/24/2013 09:34:01 am
I would like to begin by saying i would never be able to spend a minute in a jail cell knowing that i did not commit the crime that i was in there for. They key moment in "The Hurricane" for me was when Rubin was in a jail cell during his last trial with Lezra was sitting with him and he was finally showing emotion and telling Lezra it is because of him that he is finally believes in love ounce again. I think Rubin survived in jail because he knew that there are people out there that know that he is innocent and not guilty in the crimes that he supposedly committed. Lezra and the Canadians knew that he was innocent and they would not rest in till Rubin was free.
Olivia Evans
1/24/2013 09:44:46 am
For me the key moment when Rubin learned how deal with his internal struggle was when Lesra first visited him. While Rubin was in prison he pushed the people he loved away so that he could do his time without worrying about someone or them worrying about him. But when Lesra came, he gave him hope that he had never felt before. Lesra truly opened Rubin's heart and made it possible for him to care for somenone. Once Rubin was able to care for Lesra, Lesra helped him with his case and he was eventually set free. Without caring for Lesra ana Lesra caring back, Rubin would have probably never gotten out of prison. If I was in prison for something I did not do I would probably be filled with anger. It would be difficult to let others help me because I would feel like my life was over. I think it is amazing how Rubin never gave up and is so happy now and not angry that he wasted many years of his life in prison. I know I would be bitter.
Adam Kuhar
1/24/2013 09:55:04 am
They key moment in “The Hurricane” where Rubin carter had to deal with internal struggles and relationships had to be in the middle of the time he spent in jail. Rubin Carter was devastated, and this was portrayed very well in the movie. He was really taken back a step in his life, he knew that he was in a place that he did not belong in any way, shape, or form. Rubin Carter coped with these obstacles by going against the norm. He tried to do everything against what prison life was supposed to be, he did not want to give into the world he did not belong in. Rubin Carter slept during the day and was awake during the night, he refused to wear prison clothes and tried his hardest to not let it get to him. He tried to stay out of contact from the outside world to keep himself separated from what he knew he should be a part of. He also wanted to be separated to so that others would not have to suffer with him.
Lydia Alexander
1/24/2013 10:02:29 am
The key moment in "The Hurricane" occurred when Rubin was talking to his wife for the last time. He knew that what his wife was going through was not fair to her, and he needed to end it. To me, this is the greatest form of love. Rubin cared for and loved his wife so much that he wanted only what was best for her, even if it meant breaking both of their hearts. Rubin also had to cut ties with his wife in order to accept the fact that he was never going to be a free man. I feel like this also made Rubin a stronger person and helped him cope with the everyday miseries that he was facing in jail. Knowing that his wife was no longer tied down to him and that she could go on with her life made him accept things a little better.
Brittany Castrataro
1/24/2013 11:35:31 am
A key moment in "The Hurricane" was when Rubin and Lezra wrote letters to eachother. After Rubin realized that Lezra and the Canadians cared about him, he told Lezra that he did not want him to write back. Rubin and Lezra built a strong relationship with one another. Lezra and the Canadians did whatever they could to help Rubin because they believed he was innocent. They visited him frequently and showed who much he meant to him by giving him packages with food and clothes.
Olivia Coleman
1/24/2013 11:48:02 am
I honestly feel that the best moment of the movie was at the end when Rubin Carter was set free of all his charges and seeing the policeman's face. It showed that he finally received justice. To see how mad and irritated the cop was with Carter being set free was kinda funny and made me feel like he got what he deserved. I dont think that i could do what Carter did. Ever since he was little he was blamed for something he didnt do. I may have been able to live with that, but being arrested for another thing i didnt do, i wouldnt be able to stand it. i probably would have gone crazy living every day for the rest of my life in jail. i wouldnt be able to write my life story, and actually hope that it would get to someone on the outside.
Erica Lam
1/24/2013 12:31:38 pm
A key moment in "The Hurricane" that deals with internal struggles and relationships is when Rubin Carter meets Lesra Martin in person. Lesra gives Carter a loving and stable relationship that he hasn't felt in years. Even though Carter would have mixed feelings about having a close relationship with someone outside of jail, Lesra does not give up on him and helps him to hope again. The strategies that Rubin Carter used to overcome the obstacles in his early life were mostly fighting with anger and fists. After he has the whole experience of being in jail and meeting Lesra, he learns that the best way to win is with knowledge and not with hate.
Chuckiy Bement
1/24/2013 12:38:16 pm
Hahahhaha noooo I would not be able to endure that type of confinement and torture. I mean currently, that is. 40 years ago and a bit older with a reason to fight, maybe a little more so. Just where I am today, and where society is, makes 20 years of jail near impossible for a 18 year old asian-american. I have no reason to continue. Reubin Carter was a much stronger man than I, and a bigger drive to act against injustice.
Billy Molle
1/24/2013 11:01:14 pm
In my opinion, the biggest change in Rubin's outlook came when Lezra Martin entered his life. He gave Rubin hope and rekindled Rubin's desire to leave jail. This inspiration ultimately led to Rubin's friendship with Lezra, as well as Sam, Terry, and Lisa. His freedom came as a result of this friendship. It also enabled him to lead a productive life after release, an opportunity that many ex-convicts are not afforded.
Daniel Sternin
1/24/2013 11:06:49 pm
I think that the key moment in the movie was when Carter met Lesra for the first time. They developed a relationship immediately and it made both of them happy because they found someone that understands them. Lesra found Carter that went through what he is going through and Carter found Lesra and he sees himself in Lesra and tries to help him so he could have a better life. I think that Carter overcame his obstacles because he knew that there are people that believe him and think that he did not commit the crime. And it probably gave him the power to continue his fight.
Hallie Stacho
1/26/2013 05:38:01 am
I personally feel that “The Hurricane” was going through the roughest relationships and internal struggles when he was waiting in the jail cell during his final trial. It was then that he realized how much he truly loved Lesra and that he will not be able to survive if he is found guilty once again. Sitting in that temporary cell, Rubin Carter knew that the judge was deliberating whether he would be freed or put back in prison. I think that at this moment, Rubin feels more trapped than ever because it is the moment of truth. He explains to Lesra that no matter what, he will always love him. Rubin tells Lesra that they were brought together by God because together their names mean, “Behold a son who was raised from the dead.”
Mariah Salloum
1/26/2013 10:32:47 am
I believe there was more than one key point when Rubin Carter had to deal with the internal struggles and relationships in prison. In my opinion, one of those moments was when Rubin told the guard that was on his side, after coming out of contemporary confinement that he was not going to wear the clothing of the inmates. At that moment, he was standing up for what he believed in. He refused to dress like the inmates, because he did not believe he was a true prisoner that was supposed to be there. Internally, he was boiling with anger and frustration because of his wrong conviction, and I believe that moment was just the beginning of the many times he would stand up for himself and not let himself become consumed with negativity.
Mary Schneeberger
1/27/2013 01:30:04 am
In my perspective, the key moment in the movie "The Hurricane" that dealt with internal struggles and relationships was when the Canadians completely devoted themselves to helping Carter by moving to New Jersey. The look on Carter's face when he was on the phone with them, and could see them flashing their lights from their new hotel room, was absolutely priceless. You could tell right away that Carter felt appreciated and loved, which is something that would be incredibly hard to feel after being locked up in jail for as long as he had been. I think this was the most significant time in Carter's life because he knew that these people were committed to him, and wouldn't stop until he was freed from jail. This also motivated him to try harder, which is shown in the scene where he tells his lawyers that even though his case has to be brought to the state court first, he doesn't care and he will take the risk because he really feels in his heart that this time the judge will see that he was wrongly convicted. And that is just what happened. Because of Lesra and the Canadians' complete dedication to Carter, and Carter's strong self motivation, he was found not guilty and falsely convicted, and ultimately set free. I personally do not believe I would be able to last twenty years in prison for a crime that I did not committ. I think I am a strong person, but emotionally I would not be able to stand the anger and hate that I would feel towards the people who falsely convicted me, and the people in the jail. I would definitely try to find a way to prove my innocence, but there's no way I wouldn't give up, especially over the course of twenty years. By then I would have stopped trying.
Chris Cimperman
1/27/2013 01:59:00 am
In my perspective, the key moment in “The Hurricane” that dealt with internal struggles and relationships was when Lesra visited Rubin in prison. This was a defining moment for Rubin because it was the first time he felt as if someone cared for him. Ever since he broke it off with his wife many years before, Rubin has been on his own. He has gone through life without any emotions and thinks of prison as a place where emotions cannot be present. Lesra and Rubin find peace in each other through that first visit. They both find something to fight for. Lesra wants to further his education so he can help people like Rubin and Rubin finds friends he can rely on and who want his innocence proven.
Daniel Sahlani
1/27/2013 02:20:34 am
I strongly believe that the key point or moment in "The Hurricane" was when he was visited by his strongly motivated supporter and believer, Lesra. This gave him that sense of hope, the motivation to keep fighting, not giving up. He completed a series of appeals and court hearings, along with the help of his Canadian friends. Never getting out of jail would be a terrible thing, especially when you are innocent. This crime was caused by hate, something that was building up inside of the hurricane, but he would not kill someone. Just thinking about a life sentence takes the life out of me, especially a wrongly accused one. To answer the question, no I would not be able to be put in his shoes. I would not physically or mentally handle it because of the circumstances. If I was let out, I know id have a passion of hating my wrongdoers. The way Rubin Carter holds on to his inside thoughts is a wonder, because I know i would not be able to handle this. He got out of jail with his strategies, which were executed by his friends and himself. Clearly in the end hard work pays off
Tori Gorom
1/27/2013 03:48:00 am
I think the key moment was when Rubin got Lesra’s high school diploma. In that moment, Rubin realized that he did truly have a relationship with Lesra and the Canadians. Rubin wanted to be completely independent but he really cared for them. When he got the diploma Rubin saw how his internal struggles had changed Lesra’s life for the better. He saw that something good had come out of his suffering, Lesra’s success.
Phil Aquila
1/27/2013 05:02:28 am
I think a key moment in The Hurricane's life was when a prison guard allowed him to not wear the prison uniform. It was the first time a white man had treated him fairly, and the first time since entering the prison that he had been shown human dignity. This prison guard also helps him to save his manuscript because he appears to believe that Rubin is honest. Though this guard doesn't immediately help Rubin change, I see it as the stepping stone that allows him to reconnect with others. At one point Rubin says that the prison suppresses and destroys the human self, and I think this statement is true. Without the dignity given to him the the guard, Rubin might have been consumed by hated, and unable to trust Lesra and the Canadians. To him the guard represented that human kindness can never be completely destroyed, and gave him hope.
Noah Boksansky
1/27/2013 06:28:30 am
In my perspective, the pivotal moment that allowed Rubin Carter to deal with his internal struggles and relationships was when he was initially visited by Lesra Martin. After having corresponded with him by way of written letters, it was obvious that The Hurricane was intrigued by the boy, and grateful that Lesra was connecting with the message conveyed through his book. Here, Rubin establishes a key step in dealing with his problems - communicating with the outside world. In addition to this strategy of correspondence and visitation, Rubin utilized his personal resilience and strength of will to overcome the obstacles he faced in prison. From the initial refusal to wear the clothes of a prisoner, to the dedication to individualism inside the prison system, this sense of resilience is extremely evident. Even though he was physically interred in the prison system, Rubin's intense mental and physical strength kept him focused on staying fit, sane, and studying the law while poking holes in the unjust case used to lock him up. If I were to have experienced the same conditions and injustices that Carter did, I am honestly not sure if I would be able to physically and mentally survive. If I had outside help like he did, it's a strong possibility that I would be able to keep it together. In short, I would likely turn sadness/anger into action, and upon release, I would take revenge upon those who imprisoned me in a Edmond Dantés-esque fashion.
Anthony Varcelli
1/27/2013 06:43:08 am
Throughout the movie “The Hurricane” Rubin has many internal struggles that lead him to even go insane in the jail cells. But one specific internal struggle is he becomes mentally injured by the beating the white people give on him. He had been in three separate times in his life, more than half the time he was on earth was in jail, at one point in his life. The same white man repeatedly locked him up and this caused him to lose trust and talk about white people. He needed to get over this with the help of trusting the Canadians. He thought he did not need these people as they were white. But finally getting over this type of fear he had hidden let Rubin finally trust and eventually get out of prison.
Amanda Zbinovc
1/27/2013 07:56:40 am
The moment in the movie when Rubin is talking to his wife really struck me. It seemed to me that he was giving up. He knew that he wasn't going to get out and he wanted her to move on without him. She didn't want to give up on him, but after he left she decided to divorce him and move on. This shows how his relationship was broken given the circumstances. I feel bad that Rubin lost his love of his life. It must have been really hard for him. He was struggling in prison. He wanted to live his normal life, but he couldn't. What really helped him with his eternal struggle was when he started to develop a relationship with Lesra. This boy gave him the strength and courage to push through. He gave Rubin the resources to get out of jail. He helped jumpstart his campaign to get out of prison. This relationship was pivotal in his understanding of his eternal struggles. It helped Rubin to find where he stands.
Alex Shaver
1/27/2013 08:33:44 am
Rubin Carter applied the strategy of mentally not accepting his guilt. If Rubin were to have admitted that he had killed a man, even if it wasn't true, he would effectively fall into the role of the criminal that he wasn't. By never accepting his fate, Rubin always had some hope left inside of him.
Nick Cirino
1/27/2013 08:57:01 am
I think the key moment in the film dealing with internal struggles was when he put his full trust in Lesra and the Canadians, especially after they moved to New Jersey to handle his case full time. Due to the unfortunate circumstances surrounding the injustices done to Rubin, he had developed a distrust in many white people. This is especially seen as he speaks with his fellow inmate about whether all white people are bad or not. When Rubin was able to realize that these Canadians wanted to stand by his side against the injustice done to them, Rubin was able to realize that the other inmate was right. The strife of the Canadians gave Rubin hope that he'd be released after spending nearly 20 years in prison for a crime he'd not committed. This hope, along with the knowledge of his innocence, was what kept Rubin sane throughout his time in prison.
Daniel McIlroy
1/27/2013 09:18:35 am
One scene in particular stuck out to me as the key moment in Rubin dealing with his internal struggles and relationships. It was the scene where he had just receive mail after a long time of Lesra not sending mail anymore. Carter had told Lesra to stop sending him mail but after awhile Lesra felt that he had to send something to Rubin. When Rubin opened up the gift, he was shocked to see a boxing robe. At this moment, you hear two different voices. The one voice is telling him to stay bitter and resentful but his own voice is telling him to overcome that. He listens to his own voice, puts on the robe, and again can be truly called The Hurricane. Rubin was finally able to come his better half thanks to the love and hope Lesra and the Canadians brought to his life.
Anika
1/27/2013 09:47:47 am
What stuck out to me was when Ruben was talking to Lesra at the final trial. The way Ruben compared them to the bible. And they way that he spoke to him as if the were kin was really heart warming. But my favorite part of the whole movie was when Ruben looked into Lesra's eyes and said "hate put me in here and love is going to get me out." I thought that was so beautiful. I mean it's poetic language and sounds pretty but the feeling and the truth of it makes it truly beautiful. For so long Ruben tried to deny any emotion and when he said this I could hear his freedom. In that instant I heard his heart break free from the prison he put it in and he has carried that freedom, that love with him ever since. Ruben took out a lot if the emotions in life to over come his obstacles. But I think that only works on a surface level. You aren't ever truly freed from something until you're free of how it makes you feel. You can remove the emotion and fake an okay but deep down you know you're not okay. And while it worked to some extent to remove the emotions from his problems I don't think he truly overcame his obstacles until he learned to love again. To love himself and love people around him too. When I put what stresses me out, and bothers me and breaks me next to the things that did that for Ruben I know I wouldn't be able to do what he did. Most days I can't take my mom pushing me to fill out this application or keep up my grades or be involved but still be; while I have my life I want to live. I honestly could fathom losing most of my life for a crime I didn't do. I don't think I would've lasted a month. I think it's an honest miracle that Ruben made it 20 years. Clearly God had bigger plans for him then to just be a fighter. I don't know if Ruben ever thought of that but I do. Maybe the timing wasn't exactly what Ruben wanted but it's exactly what God wanted. He was given some extraordinary will power and patience and I don't think he could've done it without that.
Mark Malone
1/27/2013 10:00:40 am
I believe the key moment in "The Hurricane" was when ruben had to say goodbye to his wife while in prison. He realized that he would never be able to be free so he wanted his wife to move on. This had to be extremely difficult for him because he lost everything in his life and it was because of a crime that he did not committ. Ruben kept his faith in God strong while in prison and that was a big reason he was able to overcome this difficult time. He was able to turn all his hatred into possitive energy, which helped him prove his innocence. I'm not sure if I would be able to survive physically and mentally if I was in jail for a crime I did not committ. I would be tempted to give up and stop trying in life but my faith would help me move forward.
Nick Di Staulo
1/27/2013 10:30:05 am
Though I was not able to see the whole movie, I was able to see the last 25 minutes and it was very touching and I learned a lot just from the end. But what I have seen and read about, the key moment in "The Hurricane" dealing with internal struggle and relationships to overcome obstacles in his life was when he met Lesra Martin. Lesra gave him hope in his life that he was one day going to be out of jail. Because of Lesra, Rubin was giving a purpose to keep fighting. Before Lesra had come about, Rubin did not allow others to become close to him. He survived his years in prison by not becoming friends with anyone, and just became mentally and physically strong. If I was Rubin, I would need to something to hold on to, or someone to talk to. I would need something that gave me hope that everything was going to be fine and that I was going be let free. I would never be able to go 20 years in prison for something I did not do or be in prison and not talk to anyone.
Tim Helton
1/27/2013 10:34:54 am
There is no way I would be able to survive in jail for 20 years knowing i was in there for something i did not do. Knowing that there is a small chance of me getting out and i would have to spend the rest of my life in a small jail cell would drive me insane. I admire how Rubin was able to do 20 years for some crime he did not do. He was always positive and never gave up on the fight for freedom. After watching this movie and seeing what Rubin went through, this put all my "struggles" into perspective. The fact that people are sitting in jail right now for a crime that they did not commit makes my biggest struggle seem tiny. The turning point for Rubin Carter was when he got his first letter from Lesra. Having someone believe in his innocence gave him the strength to never give up hope. Although it seemed as if Rubin was never going to be set free, Lesra continued to believe in Rubin's innocence and continued to search for new evidence that would later set him free.
Jarman Smith
1/27/2013 11:15:44 am
To me, the key moment in the movie was when Rubin recieved a phone call from the Canadians and then realized that they had moved to the city to support his attempt at freedom. Once he realized that he had pople to support him who were actually commited, I belive his sense of hope was restored. At was at this point that he decided to put behind his other methods of handling the situation which were isolation and seperation. He welcomed the love and the help and realized that caring humans do exist. I would not have been able to last as long as he did in prison for a crome that I did not commit. Even if i didnt do the crime, I would probably recieve an additional sentence for commiting a crime out of frustration for being locked up for not commiting a crime. (If that makes sense.) But you have to be very strong mentally, emotionally and physically, and i wouldnt be able to handle it.
Andrew Leahy
1/27/2013 11:22:58 am
I believe that the key moment in Rubin Carter's life depicted by "The Hurricane" was when Rubin was locked for 90 days when he did not abide by the prison rules. To overcome his life of being wrongly convicted, he decided to work against the prison in what he did and how he did it. For he believed that if he didn't become a part of the systematic prison lifestyle then he himself would not give in to the life of being wrongly convicted. I admire him for doing this, because to work against the prison lifestyle would require headstrong commitment and demands all of your dedication.
Mike brown
1/27/2013 11:47:46 am
There is no chance that i could survive for 20 years in jail period. The fact that Rubin Carter did this knowing that he did not commit the crime he was convicted for. If i was in his shoes i feel like i would react in the same way that he did at first. I would be beyond angry at every person who was responsible for wrongly convicting me and my anger would increase even more if i knew it was done to me beacuse of my race or how i looked. I believe that the key moment in the movie is when Rubin accepts the love that Lezra and the canadians are trying to give him. This is the key moment becuase without their help on the outside Rubin probably would not be able to prove his innocence. Accepting their love brought freedom back to his life. Another moment that is kind of a turning point is the moment when Rubin walks out of the court house a free man and looks up at the sky just as the sun breaks threw the clouds. It was almost like God telling Rubin that he has been with him the whole time and telling him that he mad it and hes finally free because of love.
Julie Zagar
1/27/2013 12:15:28 pm
The key moment in “The Hurricane” dealing with internal struggles and relationships was when Carter had to tell his wife that it was over. That they were over and so was his fight for freedom, their fight. This was the key moment because it was then that Carter faced reality, or the lack of it to say the least. He wasn’t going to get out and he would be forced into the jail’s routine till he finally got out, not that he was supposed to. This was a major internal struggle because he had to face himself and let go of the life he once lived. He let go of his relationship and had to figure out a way to face himself as an innocent man convicted guilty of a crime he never committed. This was definitely a really low point in his life, as if going to jail already wasn’t, but he didn’t want to drag his wife into a life of nothing knowing he was stuck where he was. He had to be selfless and give to her the life she deserved, not one with a man in jail. He wanted her to have a better life and at one of his lowing points, he let her go for her own happiness, losing his entirely.
Julian Wilson
1/27/2013 12:22:37 pm
I felt that the key moment of The Hurricane was when the Canadians moved to be closer to Rubin and be able to help his cause more. It was a positive shift in every character's life and at that point everything took a turn for the better. Carter employed this to his advantage as well as writing which chronicled and preserved his story. This not only helped support his plight and spread his message, but probably was something he used to channel his anger and frustration into in a healthy and constructive way. I honestly have no idea if I could survive a struggle of that magnitude, but it's certainly inspiring to know someone has.
Jonah Cook
1/27/2013 12:53:20 pm
I believe that the key moment in the movie "The Hurricane" was when the Canadians visited Ruben for the second time and told him that they weren't living until he was released from prison. Ruben was beginning to lose hope. He felt alone and was ready to give up after losing the appeal. However when the Canadians told him they weren't giving up on him he recieved a boost of strength and continued in his struggle. I think that the main strategy he used for overcoming obstacles in his life was his willpower. How can somebody survive in prison, knowing they were wrongfully accused, and not have the willpower to live. Furthermore, Ruben not only stood up for himself but he stood up for the needs of others as well. He protected his friends at the waterfall and he protected Lesra and the Canadians in prison. He stood up for himself by not wearing the guilty mans clothes or eating the guilty man's food. He is truly an inspiration to anybody that has heard his story. I would probably not be able to survive 20 years in prison, mentally and physically, if i knew that i was accused of something that i did not do. What Ruben did and what he went through and survived was truly amazing.
Mike Boehm
1/27/2013 01:24:05 pm
To be completely honest, I can't imagine being in Ruben Carter's shoes at the time, but if I was I probably would've given up pretty early. Maybe Ruben's familiarity with discrimination and his surroundings helped him to keep his composure through this particular battle along with knowing he was completely innocent, even though these factors lowered his chances of ever being freed from prison. If I was a black man during these times of racial segregation, who had been sentenced in prison for life over false accusations, I'd imagine having no will to live. Personally, I think Ruben's turning point was changing his view on white people as a whole because if he didn't he would never be able to trust the Canadians who fought for his freedom. I don't know if I'd be able to trust a single white person after experiencing what Ruben had in his past, but I doubt it. This showed that Ruben had a strong mind and a strong heart. His dignity, pride, ambition, and wisdom is what carried him out of his struggle. For that I can say I idolize him and give him my utmost respect.
Abby Zahuranec
1/27/2013 09:57:16 pm
One of the key moments in the Hurricane was when his wife visited. He felt that he was dragging her down, and wanted her to be able to experience life without having to worry about him. There were many strategies he had to stay calm and survive. Rubin's book was something huge that kept him sane, another was staying in touch with Lesra who truly gave him hope. If I was Rubin I don't really think I would be able to survive those twenty years in prison. I know that I would not be able to stand up for my self the way that he did. One of the biggest reasons he could live through those years is because he did not give up on his freedom and even if he doubted his chances sometimes he did everything he could.
Matt Baldassarre
1/27/2013 09:59:08 pm
In my opinion, the key moment in "The Hurricane" dealing with internal struggle and relationships to overcome obstacles in his life was when he met Lesra. Before he met her, he was very closed minded. He wasn't comfortable with opening up to others and showing his true emotions. But after he met Lesra, he was given something to live for and gave him great hope in his life. She kept him sane enough to get through his 20 years he was locked up in prison for a crime he did not commit.
Joseph Rhodes
1/27/2013 10:00:58 pm
I can not imagine living in Hurricanes shoes. Being wrongfully committed for a crime and reacting how calmly that he did. I like to say I do something differently to not be found guilty or get out faster. Although in reality I would give up and live my life in jail because I lost faith in myself. I see Hurricane as a role model for every aspect of your life. Never give up, never stop trying, and never lose faith in your self. If you can relate his motivation to get out jail into your lifes work then you will be successful. In conclusion, Hurricane was more patient then I would ever be.
Donte bailey
1/27/2013 10:25:01 pm
I would not be able to handle 20 years in prison for a crime I did not commit. I would go mentally insane because I know the truth and people knew the truth but I'm framed and convicted because of my skin color and success would hurt me more than anything. I would give up on everything and serve my time the best way I could but I think I would loose a lot of my faith over time and give up on life. For me to spend 20 years with criminals that were found guilty in prison would basically be a fight within its self. I would have to fight to survive and just to live my life my own way. 20 years in prison could possibly be a death sentence because of the police brutality and some inmates that care little about human life.
Obinna Unichi ✈
1/27/2013 11:31:57 pm
Well to even start off, Rubin Carter is a strong person and has a redeeming soul. He wasted precious time of his life in prison for a crime he didn't even commit. Personally I couldn't have done what he did. I would have checked out the first two weeks of my sentence. For him to survive and stay mentally stable for something he didn't do was just miraculous. I would have gone completely insane. With Rubin Carter's situation was all a plan God to tell a story. Sometimes we go through things that we didn't do but it's people there to support us and truly know we didn't do anything wrong. Hurricane met wonderful people that helped him stay sane and to finally get him out of jail. They were angels sent from God. He overcame the wrongful accusations that were placed on him and everything played in his favor.
Adam Kobo
1/28/2013 12:07:09 am
The struggles of Rubin Carter are significant to me in a variety of ways. Whether the secret of writing and getting his book published while he was in prison, or when he was going insane in the solitary confinement. I don't however believe it was complete insanity when he was inside there because it seems normal to be like that in that state. If I was inside there, I have ideas that I can be much greater of knowing myself because of the period of time and no social contact. We are so fed up social life and what people want in us, however some people may think I'm wrong. So be it. You're already one step ahead of me. He overcame a lifespan of struggles in jail and it shown as when Denzel/Rubin was exiting the final court scene. The sun was so bright and inside he knew reality was there kicking him in the back to start a meaningful life.
Ryan Paul Sebastian Manfredi
1/28/2013 12:50:17 am
The key moment in my opinion in the movie was when he had to get up enough courage to divorce his wife in jail against his own feeling he was looking out for her and he clearly still loved her which was probably very hard. He had help from the Canadians and with their concern and love he was able to overcome this heartbreak and loneliness. He also prays to God everyday to help him get through this hard time here he knows he is innocent and knowing he is the product of a hateful police force. Relating to the question of would I be able to physically and mentally survive the answer is no... I would not be as strong as the hurricane was and I would easily fold to the hate and discrimination of the men in the police force. The hurricane was the bravest man I have ever seen and never have up and he is an inspiration to all of us.
Ryan Javorek
1/28/2013 06:11:48 am
Rubin Carter's key moment in his life was the day he got the letter from Lesra. At this moment Rubin opened up and allowed outside interaction with someone to help him fight for the freedom and independence he deserved. This person, this single human made a huge impact on his life. Had I been in Rubin's shoes, I would not have been able to deal with 20 years in prison for a crime that I did not commit. At least not the same way Rubin had behaved in prison. I'm sure 20 years in prison would have gotten the best of me and my innocence would have not been preserved. Rubin's story is one of hope for those who have gotten the short end of the stick in life, smetimes all it takes is a single person to spark a life changing experience.
Kalen Banks
1/28/2013 10:00:31 am
In my opinion the key moment in "The Hurricane" in reference to internal struggles and relationships is the visit from Lesra, when at the end te photographer says, "would like to take a photo with your son"? Up until that point Rubin had given up on relationships with everyone, including his wife which we saw in one of the scenes when he tells her to move on.
James Herubin
1/28/2013 10:02:26 am
The turning point in Rubin Carter's life would be when he realized that he needed to fight the system and racism by training his mind and body, but not physically fighting like he had when he was boxing. He found that mental toughness was what he needed to use to survive his situation. I would hope that if I were in his shoes that I would be able to tough it out, but when I know that I didn't commit the crime, I would probably break down and fall into the troubles of prison. I would fall into the routine and lose my independence. I don't know if I would have the mental fortitude, will power, or patience to live through 20 years of wrongful imprisonment. His story does show that there is hope when you are truthful, even in great adversity, to have your innocence proven and for your freedom to be gained.
Emily Amendola
1/28/2013 12:09:08 pm
A key moment in The Hurricane is when Rubin says, "Hate put me in prison; Loves gonna get me out." At this very moment, he was sure he was going to get out. He knew he had people who loved him and were determined to do everything in their power to get him freed. He had trust in these people and loved them as his own family. The love he shared with these people gave him faith and courage to keep on fighting.
Collin Stephens
1/28/2013 12:24:07 pm
The key moment that stood out to me in the movie was when rubin learned to love those who were reaching out to them and saw past color. Rubin saw their hearts and got past the ignorance he held within him for so long. I would have probably killed myself if I were held in prison for something I didn't do... Or someone would have killed me by then...I don't have that much of a backbone. I admire rubin and how he persevered
Shireen Cain
1/28/2013 08:11:25 pm
The key moment for "The Hurricane" was when his relationship with Lesra. This relationship with him allowed Rubin to love and have hope again, that maybe things would actually work out the way they were suppose to this time. If i was locked up in prison for a crime I did not committ, I couldnt say that i would have stayed on this earth, let a lone half as sane as Rubin continued to be. Rubin had to over come many obstacles such as being locked in prison for something he didnt do, once he gave up all hope a family comes into his life and makes him believe in himself again (this was an obstacle because there was very little doubt that Rubin was going to get out of jail). He overcame all these obstacles by accepting others the way they are, putting faith into people, and trusting close friends.
Emily Boyle
1/29/2013 09:42:18 am
For me, the key moment in "The Hurricane" is when Ruben Carter opens the large envelope sent by Lesra containing his high school diploma and picture with his new girlfriend. It was pivotal in my opinion because it came after Ruben had told Lesra and his tutors to not contact him anymore, for prison was not a place in which humanity could survive. However, this package from the outside showed how much Lesra truly cared about his locked-up friend and that yes, humanity could survive if humanity manifests itself as a constant presence as it does when Lesra and his friends move to New Jersey to help free Ruben.
A.J. Branisel
1/29/2013 11:22:43 am
I feel the key moment in the movie "The Hurricane" is when Carter met Lesra and knew that finally someone believed in him and was trying to help him. This new friend revived Carter's hope for his family and his future and motivated him to care enough to survive and endure those 20 years in prison. Even when he was retried and still found guilty, not because he was guilty but because he was an African American and a civil rights activist, knowing he had an allie on the outside somehow helped him make it through those 20 hellish years.
Nicole Orlando
1/29/2013 12:40:32 pm
This film, and the overall story of Ruben Carter honestly makes you think and reflect on what you take for granted. This is a serious issue that society faces today, and you barely ever hear about it. I know for a fact that if I was placed in jail for 20 years, I couldn't survive. I would feel such anger and want to seek revenge on each person who helped put me in jail. I couldn't possibly be as strong as he was and put myself on the line no matter what. I'm sure I'd want to try to be free, but there's no way I could have stayed as metally strong as he was. Ruben was composed at all times and knew that his only way out was throughr his perseverance. Ruben's strength is something I couldn't possibly match. His mental state throughout his time in jail surpasses anything I could try to do to be freed from jail.
Nick Fuerst
1/29/2013 08:47:24 pm
I believe that the key moment is when he decided to go to the higher judge even though the evidence migh be thrown out of the court. He was so determined and so focused on getting out of jail that he knew the justice system would have failed him again so he needed to go to a higher judge. I believe his child and wife and even his pride was what gave him the inspiration and motivation to continue to persue and to fight to get out of jail. He also channeled this through his nightingales career. I do not think I could honestly make it 20 years in prison. I would loose all hope and I would not be able to continue to might being pushed down so many times. His motivation and persistence is inspiring.
cassie Kresnye
1/30/2013 11:10:11 am
I honestly am unsure how I would hold up if that injustice ever affected my life. It would be enough to break a person by just being surround by people who assume that one person is guilty. It may seem that no matter what a person does, the look of shame in those who judge them will never go away, making them trapped into almost thinking themselves as guilty. I believe Rubin knew this. he knew that if he accepted the life of a guilty man, then no matter what he did, those judging him would assume his action where an unspoken confession. And so, he fought these assumptions. By following his own time, he assumed power over the one thing he could control. He then used this power to keep him sane, giving him enough hope to come out on top. I believe the key moments that showed this to him where when he was alone, only with himself to haunt him. He only had the watch to move him forward, to give him some sense of order and possibility of a future. I feel as if I would have crumbled under the pressure. I tend to be more of a pacifist, and standing up for myself against what was forced upon me would be very rough. I suppose I won't really know how I would handle the situation honestly, unless I truly faced it.
Michael Pennington
3/6/2013 05:24:03 am
I cannot imagine being convicted of a crime that I did not commit. I think we have a lot that we can learn from Carter's struggles of being stuck in prison for twenty years, and knowing that you are not guilty of that crime. I personally believe that the time he spent in solitary confinement was the largest struggle for relationships in his life. There he was forced to keep quiet, and in doing so, he was able to reflect on the relationships with other people, and I took a lot out of that. It made me think that I should reflect on the people who I associate myself with. I also think that the generosity of the Canadian family was a good example of how we should act towards those who are wrongly judged. It definately kept a strong positive emotion in my mind, and probably Rubin's as well. Leave a Reply. |