Family in “The Public Enemy (1931)”

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Family in “The Public Enemy (1931)” A family is defined in different ways and at different perspectives based on the context and experiences of a person. Despite being a basic social unit that influences the society around it, a family remains a dynamic topic whose description has varied over time. To discuss the family and the definitions that the social unit this paper reviews and analysis the movie “The Public Enemy (1931)” produced by William. In regard to the analysis, this paper will explore the family as a social unit that is affected by the actions of each and every member in the family and the society. The movie “The Public Enemy (1931)” revolves around the lives of two young men who venture into crime despite having solid background and support of a solid family. In particular, the movie focuses on the family of Tom, his brother Mike and their ever loving mother. The description of the mother in the entire movie as a doting parent illustrates the type of love that defines a family. In all the scenes that the mother is involved, the movie portrays a family as a haven of love, care and concern as the woman gets to show her sons the life she wants for them. However, the family is described as a unit that allows people to interact with the larger social unit of a society. This is because the family is a unit within a large societal unit that involves different pressures especially for kids as they grow. Weiser (17) argues that every person has a way of living and determining their liberal life especially in the democratic world. In line with this point, the movie shows how Tom decided to lead his life despite the love of his doting mother. The destiny of the two boys, Tom and Matt, who live in good families is i... ... middle of paper ... ...t through, the director wanted to show that they were also bad times for his doting mother and his concerned brother. In particular, Tom led to very emotional times after he was shot by the rival gang, burns and was hospitalized (Wellman, “The Public Enemy”). One particular scene that the director of the movie included is that of Tom beating his wife with grapes. The director indicated over media interviews that he added the scene from what he faces at home especially when dealing with his wife. In conclusion, a family is presented as a haven of care and love and a social unit of teaching values, especially for growing kids. However, the family does not seclude a person from the larger society, thereby giving all the members a choice to live their own life. Through the review of the movie, Tom and Matt were used by the director to define family and cultural values.

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