Movies sharing traits with the 1997 motion thriller Face/Off usually contain high-concept premises, stylized motion sequences, and explorations of identification, usually by means of components of disguise, impersonation, or position reversal. These movies steadily function a protagonist and antagonist locked in an intense, private battle, heightened by blurred traces between good and evil. Take into account, for instance, thrillers the place adversaries change lives, or narratives exploring the psychological affect of adopting one other’s persona.
This subgenre offers fertile floor for exploring advanced themes associated to duality, morality, and the character of self. The dramatic rigidity inherent in conditions the place characters should navigate unfamiliar lives and relationships, usually below duress, creates compelling narratives. The recognition of such movies speaks to a fascination with identification and the potential penalties of inhabiting one other’s world. Moreover, the heightened actuality usually current in these narratives permits for exploration of maximum eventualities and ethical dilemmas.
This exploration will delve into key movies exhibiting comparable thematic and stylistic components to Face/Off, analyzing their narrative constructions, character improvement, and affect on the thriller style. Particular examples can be offered for example these frequent threads, providing a complete overview of this thrilling and thought-provoking nook of cinema.
1. Identification Theft
Identification theft serves as a vital narrative engine in movies harking back to Face/Off. The act of assuming one other’s persona, whether or not by means of bodily transformation or elaborate deception, creates inherent dramatic rigidity. This stolen identification turns into a central battle, forcing characters to confront unfamiliar circumstances and navigate advanced ethical dilemmas. The results of such theft prolong past the person, impacting relationships, careers, and even the broader social cloth. Actual-life cases of identification theft, whereas missing the theatrical components of those movies, underscore the vulnerability people face in a world more and more reliant on digital info. These real-world parallels amplify the dramatic stakes inside the fictional narratives.
In Face/Off, the identification swap between the protagonist and antagonist fuels the central battle. This change forces each characters to grapple with the complexities of inhabiting their adversary’s life, blurring the traces between good and evil. Different movies discover completely different aspects of identification theft. Some concentrate on the meticulous planning and execution of the deception, whereas others delve into the psychological ramifications of residing a double life. Whatever the particular strategy, the stolen identification acts as a catalyst, driving the narrative ahead and producing suspense.
Understanding the position of identification theft in these narratives offers a deeper appreciation for the complexities explored. The challenges related to sustaining a false identification, the potential for publicity, and the psychological toll it takes on the person are all compelling facets of those tales. By exploring the ramifications of identification theft, these movies supply insights into the fragility of self and the potential penalties of violating the boundaries of private identification.
2. Position Reversal
Position reversal varieties a cornerstone of narratives akin to Face/Off. The act of entering into one other’s footwear, notably these of an adversary, creates a strong dynamic ripe with dramatic potential. This reversal forces characters to confront their assumptions and biases, difficult their perceptions of self and different. The ensuing rigidity usually stems from the characters’ makes an attempt to keep up the facade whereas concurrently grappling with the unfamiliar realities of their adopted roles. Moreover, position reversal facilitates exploration of ethical ambiguity, as characters navigate conditions from views beforehand alien to them. The results of such reversals could be profound, resulting in sudden alliances, shifting loyalties, and a deeper understanding of the human situation.
Take into account the state of affairs the place a legislation enforcement officer assumes the identification of a legal, or vice versa. This change necessitates navigating a overseas atmosphere, adopting new behaviors, and confronting moral dilemmas from an unfamiliar vantage level. The dramatic rigidity arises from the fixed menace of publicity and the psychological affect of inhabiting a life diametrically opposed to 1’s personal. Actual-life undercover operations, whereas working inside authorized and moral frameworks, supply a glimpse into the challenges and complexities of position reversal. These real-world parallels underscore the psychological toll such experiences can precise, highlighting the narrative energy of this trope.
Understanding the importance of position reversal inside this style enhances appreciation for the narrative complexities at play. The challenges of sustaining a false persona, the potential for empathy and even understanding to emerge between adversaries, and the final word penalties of such reversals present fertile floor for exploration. By analyzing these narratives, audiences achieve perception into the multifaceted nature of identification and the potential for transformation by means of experiencing life from one other’s perspective. The exploration of position reversal, due to this fact, contributes considerably to the thematic richness of those movies, providing a singular lens by means of which to look at human habits and motivation.
3. Ethical Ambiguity
Ethical ambiguity varieties a compelling thematic thread in movies echoing Face/Off. The blurring of traces between protagonist and antagonist, usually by means of position reversal or identification theft, challenges typical notions of fine and evil. This ambiguity compels audiences to query their very own ethical compasses and contemplate the complexities of human habits. The exploration of grey areas, the place characters function exterior conventional moral frameworks, enhances the psychological depth and dramatic rigidity of those narratives.
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Compromised Integrity
Characters working in morally ambiguous territories usually face tough selections, compromising their integrity for what they understand because the higher good or for private survival. A legislation enforcement officer assuming a legal identification, for instance, is perhaps compelled to take part in unlawful actions to keep up their cowl. This compromise raises questions concerning the justifiable limits of deception and the potential for corruption when working exterior established moral boundaries. Actual-world examples of undercover operations spotlight comparable dilemmas, albeit inside a framework of authorized oversight. The implications inside these narratives, nevertheless, discover the psychological and emotional toll of such compromises, including layers of complexity to the characters and their motivations.
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Shifting Sympathies
As characters navigate morally ambiguous conditions, viewers sympathies can shift unexpectedly. A villain compelled right into a heroic position may elicit empathy, whereas a hero using morally questionable ways may lose viewers help. This shifting dynamic creates a extra participating and thought-provoking viewing expertise. Actual-life conditions usually current comparable complexities, the place public opinion can fluctuate primarily based on evolving info and altering views. The narratives of those movies seize this dynamic, forcing audiences to confront their very own biases and assumptions about proper and fallacious.
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Justified Actions?
Ethical ambiguity raises questions concerning the justification of actions, notably when characters function exterior established authorized and moral frameworks. A personality participating in violence or deception may argue their actions are needed for a higher objective, similar to defending family members or stopping a bigger disaster. The narratives usually depart the final word judgment to the viewers, forcing consideration of the circumstances and motivations behind these actions. Actual-world eventualities, notably in occasions of battle or disaster, current comparable moral dilemmas, the place the justification of actions could be debated and contested. These movies supply a platform for exploring such dilemmas in a fictional context, prompting reflection on the advanced relationship between means and ends.
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The Nature of Identification
Ethical ambiguity intertwined with identification theft or position reversal raises questions concerning the very nature of identification. If a personality adopts one other’s persona and commits acts incongruent with their authentic self, does that change who they’re essentially? These narratives discover the potential for transformation, each constructive and unfavorable, when people function exterior their established identities. Actual-life cases of people present process important life adjustments, similar to adopting new religions or becoming a member of social actions, supply parallels to this exploration of identification fluidity. These movies delve into the psychological and emotional ramifications of such transformations, notably when pushed by excessive circumstances.
These aspects of ethical ambiguity contribute considerably to the thematic depth and psychological complexity of movies akin to Face/Off. By difficult typical notions of fine and evil, these narratives supply a nuanced exploration of human habits, prompting reflection on the tough selections people face in excessive circumstances. The blurring of ethical traces, the shifting sympathies, and the questions surrounding identification create a compelling and thought-provoking cinematic expertise.
4. Excessive-Idea Premise
Excessive-concept premises function a foundational factor in movies sharing traits with Face/Off. These readily understood, usually outlandish, core concepts instantly seize viewers consideration and set up the narrative’s distinctive parameters. The idea itself drives the plot, producing inherent dramatic rigidity and offering a framework for exploring advanced themes associated to identification, morality, and the human situation. The simply marketable nature of high-concept movies contributes to their business viability, permitting for bigger budgets and wider distribution, additional amplifying their affect. The success of Face/Off, with its central premise of two sworn enemies surgically exchanging faces, demonstrates the facility of a high-concept concept to seize the general public creativeness. Comparable high-concept narratives, similar to a physique swap between guardian and little one or a world the place feelings are outlawed, possess the identical potential to have interaction audiences by means of their inherent novelty and dramatic potentialities. Take into account the premise of Freaky Friday, a basic body-swap comedy; its easy but efficient idea creates instant curiosity and units the stage for exploring themes of household dynamics and empathy.
The affect of a high-concept premise extends past mere marketability. It establishes a transparent algorithm inside the fictional world, permitting for exploration of “what if” eventualities. This framework offers a construction for analyzing advanced themes in an accessible and interesting method. For instance, a movie premised on time journey may discover the potential penalties of altering the previous or the paradoxes inherent in manipulating the timeline. The high-concept premise facilitates these explorations, grounding the narrative in a clearly outlined set of potentialities, even when fantastical. The recognition of time journey narratives, from Again to the Future to Looper, demonstrates the enduring enchantment of exploring these advanced ideas inside a structured fictional framework. Moreover, the high-concept premise offers a springboard for character improvement, forcing characters to react and adapt to extraordinary circumstances. The challenges they face and the alternatives they make inside this heightened actuality reveal their true natures and drive the narrative ahead.
Excessive-concept premises, due to this fact, play a crucial position within the success and affect of movies like Face/Off. They supply a powerful basis for exploring advanced themes, participating audiences by means of their inherent novelty, and driving character improvement inside a clearly outlined fictional world. The flexibility of a high-concept premise to seize the creativeness and spark dialogue contributes to the enduring enchantment and cultural relevance of those movies. The persevering with reputation of high-concept narratives throughout varied genres underscores their effectiveness in creating compelling and memorable cinematic experiences.
5. Stylized Motion
Stylized motion sequences signify a defining attribute of movies corresponding to Face/Off. These sequences transcend mere bodily battle, using distinctive visible aesthetics, exaggerated actions, and heightened choreography to create a visceral and memorable cinematic expertise. The stylized motion usually displays the heightened actuality of the narrative, enhancing the thematic components and contributing to the general tone and ambiance. Face/Off, for instance, options elaborate gun battles and slow-motion dives, amplifying the dramatic rigidity and highlighting the characters’ larger-than-life personas. This strategy to motion distinguishes these movies from extra sensible or gritty portrayals of violence, emphasizing spectacle and visible aptitude over sensible fight. Take into account the distinct visible kinds of administrators like John Woo, whose work usually incorporates slow-motion, stylized gunplay, and dramatic posing, influencing the motion aesthetic of quite a few movies.
The emphasis on stylized motion serves a number of key features. It enhances the dramatic rigidity, creating a way of heightened stakes and pleasure. The visible spectacle attracts the viewers deeper into the narrative, amplifying the emotional affect of the characters’ struggles. Moreover, stylized motion can reinforce thematic components, reflecting the characters’ inside states or the overarching conflicts at play. In The Matrix, as an illustration, the stylized struggle choreography, incorporating wirework and slow-motion results, displays the movie’s exploration of actuality versus simulation. Equally, in Kill Invoice, the extremely stylized violence, drawing inspiration from samurai movies and anime, displays the protagonist’s quest for revenge and the heightened emotional depth of her journey. Using particular strategies, similar to slow-motion, close-ups, and distinctive digital camera angles, additional enhances the stylized nature of the motion, making a signature visible language that distinguishes these movies.
Understanding the position of stylized motion in these movies offers a deeper appreciation for his or her aesthetic and narrative building. The emphasis on visible spectacle, the reinforcement of thematic components, and the heightened emotional affect contribute considerably to the general cinematic expertise. Stylized motion sequences serve not merely as entertaining diversions however as integral elements of the storytelling, enhancing the narrative’s affect and solidifying the movie’s distinct identification inside the motion thriller style. Analyzing the precise stylistic selections employed in these movies, from the choreography to the modifying, reveals a deeper understanding of the filmmakers’ intentions and the general impact on the viewers.
6. Intense Rivalry
Intense rivalry varieties a vital narrative part in movies harking back to Face/Off. These rivalries prolong past easy antagonism, usually fueled by deeply private motivations, ideological clashes, or a relentless pursuit of energy. The extraordinary rivalry offers the emotional core of the narrative, driving the battle and shaping character improvement. The stakes are excessive, and the dynamic between rivals creates a compelling rigidity that permeates all the movie.
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Private Grudges
Rivalries rooted in private grudges, similar to a previous betrayal or a quest for revenge, add a layer of emotional complexity. These private stakes elevate the battle past a easy energy battle, making the characters’ motivations extra relatable and the rivalry extra impactful. Examples in actual life embrace historic feuds between households or intense competitors between athletes. In Face/Off, the rivalry between Sean Archer and Castor Troy is deeply private, fueled by the loss of life of Archer’s son at Troy’s arms. This private dimension intensifies their battle and fuels their relentless pursuit of each other.
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Ideological Clashes
Rivalries fueled by conflicting ideologies, similar to differing political views or ethical codes, introduce a thematic depth to the narrative. These clashes signify extra than simply private animosity; they embody bigger societal conflicts and discover the complexities of proper and fallacious. Actual-world examples embrace political rivalries between nations or ideological conflicts inside social actions. Movies usually discover these clashes by means of characters who signify opposing viewpoints, forcing audiences to contemplate completely different views and grapple with ethical ambiguities. This ideological dimension elevates the rivalry past a private vendetta, imbuing it with broader significance.
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Energy Struggles
The pursuit of energy, whether or not political, monetary, or social, steadily fuels intense rivalries. This drive for dominance creates a high-stakes atmosphere the place characters are keen to go to excessive lengths to attain their targets. Actual-world examples embrace company rivalries or political campaigns. In these narratives, the rivalry turns into a battle of wits and assets, with every character vying for the higher hand. The depth of the rivalry stems from the potential penalties of success or failure, including one other layer of dramatic rigidity to the narrative.
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Mirrored Rivals
In some cases, intense rivalries develop between characters who share hanging similarities. This mirroring impact can create an enchanting dynamic, highlighting the advantageous line between protagonist and antagonist. The rivalry usually stems from a way of competitors or a need to show oneself superior to the opposite. Actual-world examples may embrace rivalries between siblings or colleagues in the identical subject. This sort of rivalry usually explores themes of identification and self-worth, as characters grapple with their similarities and variations. The mirroring impact intensifies the rivalry, as every character sees within the different a mirrored image of their very own strengths and weaknesses.
These varied aspects of intense rivalry contribute considerably to the dramatic energy of movies like Face/Off. The deeply private stakes, the exploration of ideological clashes, the relentless pursuit of energy, and the mirroring impact between rivals create a compelling and emotionally resonant viewing expertise. These rivalries drive the narrative ahead, form character improvement, and finally contribute to the movie’s lasting affect on the viewers. By exploring the complexities of human battle, these movies supply insights into the motivations, needs, and vulnerabilities that drive people to extremes.
7. Psychological Thriller
The psychological thriller side of movies akin to Face/Off elevates them past commonplace motion fare. These narratives delve into the psychological and emotional states of characters, exploring the psychological ramifications of maximum conditions. The strain derives not solely from exterior threats however from the interior struggles characters face as they grapple with identification, morality, and the results of their selections. The blurring of traces between protagonist and antagonist, usually by means of position reversal or identification theft, additional amplifies the psychological complexity. Take into account the psychological toll on a person compelled to stay as their enemy, navigating their relationships and obligations whereas sustaining a precarious deception. This inside battle turns into as compelling, if no more so, than the exterior motion. Actual-world examples of people coping with excessive stress and ethical dilemmas, similar to undercover operatives or people dealing with moral crises, supply parallels to the psychological pressures depicted in these movies. The exploration of those inside struggles resonates with audiences, including depth and nuance to the narrative.
The psychological thriller factor manifests in a number of key methods. Manipulation, paranoia, and gaslighting turn into frequent narrative instruments, creating an environment of unease and uncertainty. Characters query their very own sanity and the motives of these round them, blurring the traces between actuality and notion. Moreover, the exploration of trauma, reminiscence, and identification provides one other layer of psychological depth. Characters may confront repressed reminiscences or grapple with fragmented identities, including a layer of psychological realism to the fantastical components of the narrative. For instance, a personality assuming one other’s identification may start to query their very own sense of self, blurring the traces between the persona they undertaking and their true identification. This inside battle intensifies the psychological rigidity, making a extra compelling and thought-provoking narrative.
Understanding the importance of the psychological thriller components inside this subgenre enhances appreciation for its narrative sophistication. These movies discover the human situation in excessive circumstances, delving into the complexities of identification, morality, and the fragility of the human psyche. The psychological rigidity, the exploration of inside struggles, and the blurring of traces between actuality and notion contribute considerably to the enduring enchantment and thematic richness of those narratives. The challenges posed by these movies supply worthwhile insights into the human capability for each resilience and vulnerability within the face of extraordinary circumstances, solidifying their place as a definite and compelling subgenre inside the broader panorama of motion thrillers.
8. Dramatic Rigidity
Dramatic rigidity varieties the lifeblood of movies sharing traits with Face/Off. This rigidity arises from the inherent instability of conditions involving swapped identities, blurred ethical traces, and high-stakes conflicts. The viewers experiences a sustained sense of anticipation and uncertainty, questioning how the characters will navigate their precarious circumstances and what the final word penalties can be. This rigidity distinguishes these movies from extra simple motion narratives, including a layer of psychological suspense that engages viewers on a deeper degree. Take into account the basic dramatic rigidity of a ticking clock state of affairs, the place a personality should full a job inside a restricted time-frame. This exterior strain mirrors the interior pressures confronted by characters in identification swap narratives, who should always keep their deception below the specter of publicity. The dramatic rigidity arises from the fixed risk of discovery and the potential ramifications for the characters concerned.
A number of elements contribute to the dramatic rigidity in these movies. The precarious nature of sustaining a false identification creates inherent suspense. The fixed menace of publicity retains audiences on edge, anticipating the second the deception unravels. Ethical dilemmas additional amplify the strain, forcing characters into tough selections with important penalties. The viewers grapples with these ethical ambiguities alongside the characters, including one other layer of engagement. Moreover, intense rivalries contribute considerably to the dramatic rigidity. The battle between characters, fueled by private grudges or ideological clashes, creates a dynamic charged with anticipation and uncertainty. Actual-world examples of high-stakes negotiations or aggressive sports activities illustrate the facility of intense rivalry to generate dramatic rigidity. The result stays unsure, and the viewers stays invested within the unfolding drama.
Understanding the position of dramatic rigidity in these movies offers a deeper appreciation for his or her narrative building and emotional affect. The strain arises not solely from exterior motion however from the interior struggles characters face as they navigate advanced ethical dilemmas and precarious conditions. This mix of exterior and inside pressures creates a compelling viewing expertise that resonates lengthy after the credit roll. The flexibility of those movies to generate and maintain dramatic rigidity contributes considerably to their enduring enchantment and distinguishes them inside the broader panorama of motion thrillers. Analyzing the precise strategies used to create and manipulate dramatic rigidity, similar to pacing, foreshadowing, and character improvement, provides additional perception into the narrative artistry at play.
Often Requested Questions
The next addresses frequent inquiries relating to movies corresponding to Face/Off, offering additional readability on this distinct subgenre.
Query 1: What defines a movie as being “like Face/Off”?
A number of key components characterize movies just like Face/Off: high-concept premises, intense rivalries, stylized motion, and explorations of identification, usually by means of position reversal or identification theft. Ethical ambiguity and psychological rigidity steadily play important roles.
Query 2: Past the central premise, what thematic components join these movies?
These narratives usually discover the duality of human nature, the results of selections, and the complexities of morality. The blurring of traces between protagonist and antagonist, usually by means of position reversal, compels examination of identification and the potential for each good and evil inside people.
Query 3: Are these movies solely centered on motion, or do they provide deeper thematic substance?
Whereas stylized motion usually options prominently, these movies delve into advanced themes associated to identification, morality, and the human situation. The motion usually serves to intensify the dramatic rigidity and underscore the psychological struggles of the characters.
Query 4: What distinguishes this kind of movie from conventional motion thrillers?
The emphasis on high-concept premises, position reversal, and psychological rigidity distinguishes these movies. The narratives discover the interior struggles of characters grappling with identification and morality, including a layer of complexity past commonplace motion fare.
Query 5: Are there real-world parallels that make these narratives resonate with audiences?
Themes of identification theft, ethical dilemmas, and the pressures of sustaining a false persona resonate with real-world anxieties. Whereas usually exaggerated for dramatic impact, these narratives faucet into common issues about identification, privateness, and the results of selections.
Query 6: The place can one discover extra movies exhibiting these traits?
Exploring the works of administrators identified for stylized motion and psychological thrillers, similar to John Woo, David Cronenberg, and Christopher Nolan, offers a place to begin. Additional analysis primarily based on key phrases like “identification swap,” “position reversal,” and “psychological thriller” can uncover further movies inside this subgenre.
This FAQ part offers a foundational understanding of movies corresponding to Face/Off. Additional exploration of particular person movies inside this subgenre will undoubtedly yield a richer appreciation for his or her distinctive traits and thematic complexities.
The following sections will delve into particular movie suggestions, offering detailed analyses of their narrative constructions, character improvement, and thematic resonance with Face/Off.
Ideas for Discovering Motion pictures Like Face/Off
Finding movies sharing the precise mix of motion, psychological thriller, and identification exploration present in Face/Off requires a nuanced strategy. The next suggestions supply steerage for navigating the huge cinematic panorama and uncovering hidden gems inside this distinct subgenre.
Tip 1: Discover Directorial Kinds: Analyzing the filmographies of administrators identified for stylized motion and psychological thrillers, similar to John Woo, David Cronenberg, and Christopher Nolan, usually reveals movies with comparable thematic or stylistic components.
Tip 2: Give attention to Key phrases: Using particular key phrases throughout movie searches proves invaluable. Phrases like “identification swap,” “position reversal,” “psychological thriller,” “ethical ambiguity,” and “high-concept” may also help slim outcomes and uncover related titles.
Tip 3: Leverage Advice Engines: Many on-line platforms supply movie suggestion engines. Inputting Face/Off or comparable movies into these engines can generate lists of associated titles primarily based on shared traits.
Tip 4: Seek the advice of Curated Lists: Quite a few on-line publications and movie communities curate lists specializing in particular genres and subgenres. Looking for lists devoted to psychological thrillers, motion movies with identification themes, or high-concept films can yield worthwhile suggestions.
Tip 5: Analyze Movie Descriptions: Pay shut consideration to movie descriptions and summaries. Search for key phrases and plot components that align with the specified traits, similar to identification theft, ethical dilemmas, or intense rivalries.
Tip 6: Take into account Thematic Overlap: Movies needn’t replicate the precise premise of Face/Off to supply a comparable expertise. Give attention to thematic overlaps, similar to explorations of identification, duality, or ethical ambiguity, to broaden the search and uncover sudden gems.
Tip 7: Discover Worldwide Cinema: Increasing the search past Hollywood usually reveals movies that discover comparable themes by means of completely different cultural lenses. Worldwide thrillers steadily supply distinctive views on identification and morality.
By using these methods, movie lovers can successfully navigate the huge cinematic panorama and uncover movies providing the identical compelling mix of motion, psychological intrigue, and thematic depth present in Face/Off. The following pointers present a framework for exploration, empowering viewers to uncover hidden gems and broaden their cinematic horizons inside this distinctive and charming subgenre.
The next conclusion will synthesize the important thing components mentioned, offering a concise overview of what constitutes a movie “like Face/Off” and providing closing suggestions for additional exploration.
Conclusion
Movies echoing Face/Off supply a potent mix of stylized motion, psychological rigidity, and thematic depth. Excessive-concept premises, intense rivalries, and explorations of identification by means of position reversal or identification theft type the core of this distinct subgenre. Ethical ambiguity permeates these narratives, difficult typical notions of fine and evil and prompting reflection on the complexities of human habits. The dramatic rigidity inherent in sustaining a false identification, navigating ethical dilemmas, and confronting formidable adversaries creates a compelling and emotionally resonant viewing expertise.
The enduring enchantment of Face/Off and its cinematic counterparts stems from their skill to faucet into common anxieties surrounding identification, selection, and consequence. These movies supply a singular lens by means of which to discover the human situation in excessive circumstances, prompting contemplation on the fragility of self and the potential for each profound transformation and devastating destruction. Continued exploration of this subgenre guarantees additional insights into the complexities of human nature and the enduring energy of cinema to grapple with basic questions of identification and morality.
