…Just a catch-up to complete my watching list for the last NZIFF (NZ international film festival).
Thank You For Smoking
Director| Jason Reitman
Year| 2005
Country| USA
Length | 92min
Website | http://www.foxsearchlight.com/thankyouforsmoking/
The smart opening of the film rendered a vivid image of the leading character Nick Naylor, who makes his living by bullshitting (a.k.a. persuading people to smoke), to all audience instantly – He has a great tact and smart as hell.
Say, if you have watched Lord of the War and enjoyed it, you might love Thank You For Smoking .
Nick has got a silver tongue equipped to confuse/convince his opponents and to persuade his clients (audiences) with charm. As to him, those are merely correct arguments rather than cheating. This character does remind me a recently popular saying in Chinese forums “人至贱则无敌” or ”You will become invincible with lowered moral standards” 
. And no doubt he has got a different(or so-called ‘flexible’) moral standards with us common people with that kind of job.
Watching Nick Naylor speaking is interesting, and it comes out 10 times more interesting watching Nick’s buddies, the M.O.D. squad (”Merchants of Death”) having casual meetings and boasting together.
I am also interested in how Joey, Nick Naylor’s son, was gradually influenced by his father. It has never been dull watching a kid start arguing with his mother like a mature spokesman lol. Another interesting fact about Thank You For Smoking, is that there is no one (except for people in the TV) smoking a cigarette throughout all scenes.
What made it a great film? Smart lines; impressive performance (From both leading and supportive roles); last but not least, the well-crafted cinematography – Just check out the graphically beautiful opening credit with those tobacco packages 
But anyways, this is neither an ‘educative’ film as some might think, nor a film that advertising cigarettes. Just pure satires, and fun.
Favorite quotes:
-
[1]
Nick Naylor: I have a bachelor’s in kicking ass and taking names.
[2]
Joey Naylor: [as Nick comes to speak to Joey’s class about his job]
Please don’t ruin my childhood.
[3]
Nick Naylor: That’s the beauty of argument, if you argue correctly, you’re never wrong.
[4]
Nick Naylor: Don’t forget, I’m his father. You’re just the guy who fucks his mom.
)