Dad really liked this film. I remember watching it with him as a kid and not really understanding it. 40 years later, while I might have missed some of the symbolism, I think I get the messaging here. For me there are two main takeaways. Sure it would be nice to avoid "adulting" by staying forever young, but even still the burdens of living will catch up with you.
And, war is horrifying.
I like how this movie takes the viewer from the German invasion and annexing of Danzig and then shows the optimism of those (like Oskar's dad) who support the Reich as the Germans won victory after victory early in the war. They'd seemingly backed the right horse and there was reason to celebrate. Until there wasn't. And that for me was the best part of this movie. The random choice they all made of which side to take led either to an early death or one a few years later.
Meanwhile, Oskar's grandmother, the steady rock of this film, just heads back to the potato fields.
There's dark humor in this movie as well as some sexual scenes of questionable appropriateness, and some gruesome destruction. Wish my dad was around now to discuss this with.
And, war is horrifying.
I like how this movie takes the viewer from the German invasion and annexing of Danzig and then shows the optimism of those (like Oskar's dad) who support the Reich as the Germans won victory after victory early in the war. They'd seemingly backed the right horse and there was reason to celebrate. Until there wasn't. And that for me was the best part of this movie. The random choice they all made of which side to take led either to an early death or one a few years later.
Meanwhile, Oskar's grandmother, the steady rock of this film, just heads back to the potato fields.
There's dark humor in this movie as well as some sexual scenes of questionable appropriateness, and some gruesome destruction. Wish my dad was around now to discuss this with.