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Talk:Beyond the Law (1993 film)

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Charlie Sheen is Beyond the Law

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Shouldn't there be a note at the beginning that states this is not a biography? Capsicum Sulfide (talk) 14:59, 3 December 2010

LAME.— Preceding unsigned comment added by 67.5.215.62 (talk) 08:37, 17 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]
I couldn't work out if this was a comedy, and should be listed as one, or not.

--Dennis Bratland (talk) 16:37, 29 January 2015 (UTC)[reply]

Anyone know for sure? --Salty Batter (talk) 12:04, 28 January 2015 (UTC)[reply]
The movie is not a comedy. It's a drama.--Bark (talk) 18:00, 28 January 2015 (UTC)[reply]
This is about a fictional gang, who require members to commit crimes to "maintain their trust". It isn't controversial to say that the fictional group in this movie is a criminal gang. That's what the movie is saying. It's uncontroversial. IMDB calls them a "murderous, arms-dealing biker gang". There is no controversy; it's like debating whether the Death Star is really in innocent scientific research station. It's like saying Voldemort is just a misunderstood herpetologist. No sources writing about this movie say there is any doubt as to what is being depicted.

The controversy is over real outlaw motorcycle clubs: whether they are criminal organizations or are the victims of over-generalization and bad press. This movie could be cited as an example of unfair media depictions of real outlaw motorcycle clubs. But that doesn't change the fact that what is depicted in the movie is a criminal gang. --Dennis Bratland (talk) 16:37, 29 January 2015 (UTC)[reply]

It isn't controversial to use the term gang, IMO, but it also isn't relevant here either. I'm inclined to avoid this issue completely by just using agreed terms that communicate the point in neutral terms. In this case, "outlaw bikers," is an accurate description that avoids the "club" vs. "gang" terminology because the characters in question are bikers who break the law. Where applicable, being specific with the gang/club in question by properly naming them or quotes by the characters in reference to themselves are also fair, as the name and general attitude are fairly notable and relevant within the context of the film. I don't see this as an issue anymore going with my latest edits for either side.--Bark (talk) 16:53, 29 January 2015 (UTC)[reply]
I wish it was that simple. Outlaw can mean non American Motorcyclist Association affiliated, not necessarily criminal. Gang implies you have to commit crimes to be a member, as in the plot of the movie here. If we don't say gang, we should say "criminal outlaw motorcycle club". Awkward but accurate. --Dennis Bratland (talk) 17:16, 29 January 2015 (UTC)[reply]