Statistics indicate that of the past 3,400 years, humans have been entirely at peace for 268 of them, or just 8% of recorded history. This makes it plainly apparent that our penchant for brutality is very much at odds with a desire to live in peace and harmony. It’s not all doom and gloom however, as to counter every act of terror, torture or takeover there is a redeeming act of courageous heroism. Movies let us experience these dichotomies from the safety of a cinema seat – seeing the ebb and flow of conflict and resolution at arms length. But what can we learn from these films that can inspire a change of behaviour? A varied collection of features and comics in this issue tries to provide some insights into our particularly volatile human condition. From alien invasions and the motivations of cinematic deserters, to the ties that bind crime families together and the topical relevance of Casablanca in contemporary America, it’s time to head for the front line to see what we’re all made of.

A few highlights:

• the essay “A Place of Refuge” by James Charisma, with great illustrations by Jason Raish: “Here’s why we’ll always have Casablanca“. “In 1942, the character of Rick, with his isolationism and unwillingness to get involved (‘I stick my neck out fer nobody’) represented America and its neutrality during the beginning of the Second World War. In 2018, we are all Rick, just trying to keep our heads down and live our lives despite the craziness happening around us.”
• Guns, Gangs, and Families at War by Hugo Emmerzael
• The “Classic Clarion Calls” by Malcolm X and Stanley Kubrick.

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