The Lord of the flies (Movie Review Sample)

Name:
Course:
Instructor:
Date:
"The Lord of the flies" is a movie based on human struggle; the conflict between the impulse toward the civilization and conflict between the impulses towards savagery. The impulse toward civilization, also known as civilization instinct, is the conflict between the impulse to behave morally, act lawfully and to obey rules. It encourages people to together in peace and harmony to achieve a common goal. On the other hand, the conflict between the impulses toward savagery, also known as "barbarizing instinct" urges people to rebel against civilization.
In the movie, the civilization impulse is exhibited by the main character; Ralph and Piggy and various symbols. The impulse of savagery is demonstrated by characters like Jack and Roger and symbols like the tribal hunting dance and the couch of shell. There is conflict between Jack and Ralph representing the conflict between the impulse to savagery and the impulse to civilization between the two individuals and society as a whole. These two kinds of conflict revolve through young boys; Ralph represents order and good leadership while Jack represents savagery and the desire for power. The two expresses their different ideologies towards the authority. Ralph uses his authority to come up with rules that will protect them and enhance their moral and ethical codes, whereas Jack is only interested in power over his fellow friends to fulfill his primal impulse. He demands subservience from other boys who in return, not only serve him but consider him as their god.
The conflict between civilization and savagery is also expressed through some major symbols such as the conch shell and the Lord of the flies which are associated with Ralph and Jack respectively. The conch shell is used as a marker of democratic order on the island, confirming leadership-determined by election for Ralph and the boys power of assembly. The conflict increase and the conch shell lose its symbolic power. Jack undermines it and declares that it meaningless as a symbol of order and authority. The Lord of Flies symbolizes the union of boys under the Jack’s rule. The symbol acts as a fear to the outsiders especially to those who reject to the group. Piggy tries to protect the shell but in vain. The conch shell is destroyed to signify the complete abolition of civilization on the island. The demolition of the conch of shell made to boys t...