The Individualism of the Rogue Nation

Governments. We are dependent on them to point us in the best general direction. We rely on them to help us take care of ourselves and the people in our lives. Whether the government of discussion is democratic, monarchy based or totalitarian based, the governments tend to offer social programs for it's citizens if for nothing else to pacify the population and ensure their sovereignty. So it is with this basic concept that we are given hope that we are cared for and have a place within our community on a local, regional and national level.

Within Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation, the main protagonist Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) finds himself "left out in the cold" and isolated from his government and his friends (community). Mr. Hunt contrasts well with Solomon Lane (Sean Harris) who has allowed himself to be hurt by his government's actions and has accepted a life of isolation. As the story progresses we learn that the "Rogue Nation" does not refer to the antagonist, "Mr. Lane's" rival group "The Syndicate. Rather it refers to the actions committed by our characters' governments.

In this film the governments in question are the British and the United States governments. They operate within secrets and despite policies of transparency display non-accountability behaviors. These governments create their own enemies through their policies and operate without thinking of the individual. While they operate through their agencies as if they were an island upon themselves, Mr. Hunt and the IMF (Impossible Mission Force) operate as a group. They care about each other, help each other out and understand the value of each person. It is because of this relationship difference that these governments are the Rogue Nation.

The film illustrates the point that people are able to surmount any obstacle and work through any problem with a little help from the community and specifically their friends. The film expresses this message very well and even goes as far as to show that there are limitations as to what an individual can do. That an individual can ask for help and that her community will be there to help you when you are at your lowest low. That the lack of faith in one's government is a two way street. If one shows some faith the outlook of institutions around us has the potential to change and work for us.

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